Montenegro continues to demonstrate steady wage growth, as confirmed by the latest data from the Statistical Office MONSTAT. In December 2024, the average salary in the country amounted to 1,012 euros (excluding taxes and contributions), which is 1.9% more than in November and 24.3% more than in December of the previous year. However, income levels are not the same in all regions and sectors. Let’s take a look at where it is possible to earn the most today.
Cities leading in salary levels
Among Montenegro’s 25 municipalities, only four have an average salary above 1,000 euros:
In other cities, the average income level remains below the national figure. For example, in such popular regions as Kotor (982 euros), Bar (936 euros) and Herceg Novi (963 euros), salaries remain below the 1,000-euro mark. The lowest incomes were recorded in the following municipalities:
- Gusinje – 822 euros
- Petnica – 824 euros
- Tuzi – 829 euros
- Ulcinj – 848 euros
Which sectors bring in the highest income?
The distribution of salaries by economic sector shows that the highest incomes are earned by specialists in the following fields:
- Financial activities and insurance – 1,685 euros (despite a decline compared to November, when the average income was 1,906 euros).
- Real estate – 1,436 euros.
- Information technology and communications – 1,401 euros.
- Energy (electricity, gas, steam) – 1,389 euros.
- Mining industry – 1,155 euros.
- Public administration and defense – 1,053 euros.
- Healthcare and social protection – 1,002 euros.
- Scientific and technical activities – 1,007 euros.
Sectors with the lowest salaries:
- Agriculture, forestry and fishing – 858 euros.
- Manufacturing industry – 846 euros.
- Trade and vehicle repair – 919 euros.
- Administrative and support services – 891 euros.
Salary growth: statistics and prospects
Experts note that in 2024, real wages grew by 7.1%, despite inflation of 3.3%. This points to positive trends in the labor market and growth in the population’s purchasing power. Particularly notable income growth was recorded in the following sectors:
- Administrative and support services – growth of 10.4%.
- Real estate – +9.3%.
- Public administration and defense – +4.5%.
- Agriculture – +3.5%.
At the same time, salary declines occurred in the following sectors:
- Financial activities and insurance – down by 11.6%.
- Construction – down by 2.9%.
- Healthcare and social protection – down by 1.1%.
Where is it more profitable to work in Montenegro?
If we talk about which cities and sectors offer the highest income, the picture becomes clear. People working in the financial sector, IT and real estate, have the highest salaries, especially in major cities – Tivat, Podgorica, Budva and Zeta. At the same time, in tourist areas, such as Bar and Herceg Novi, incomes remain below the national average, despite the active development of the service sector. Thus, if your goal is a high salary and stable growth prospects, it is worth considering work in finance, IT or real estate, as well as focusing on the central regions of the country, where the average income exceeds 1,000 euros. The Montenegrin labor market continues to change, and specialists with in-demand skills have good prospects for career growth and an improved standard of living.
Prospects for further salary growth
According to experts’ forecasts, salaries in Montenegro will continue to grow in 2025, although the pace may slow down. The main factors affecting income levels will be:
- Economic stability and investment inflows – the more foreign companies come to Montenegro, the greater the need for qualified specialists.
- Rising cost of living – rising prices for housing and essential goods will require employers to raise salaries.
- Technological progress – the development of the IT sector and digital services will contribute to higher salaries in these fields.
Thus, if your goal is a high salary and stable growth prospects, it is worth considering work in finance, IT or real estate, as well as focusing on the central regions of the country, where the average income exceeds 1,000 euros. The Montenegrin labor market continues to change, and specialists with in-demand skills have good prospects for career growth and an improved standard of living.