More than half of Romanian employees (52%) are dissatisfied with their salary, while almost two thirds (64%) would change jobs for higher pay, according to the results of a survey published on Wednesday.
According to data centralised by the Undelucram.ro platform, only 20.6% of respondents report being satisfied with their salary level, while 27.3% place themselves in the neutral middle range.
At the same time, more than half of those surveyed (52%) expressed dissatisfaction with their current salary, with 19.2% saying they are very dissatisfied and 32.8% partially dissatisfied.
In addition, 46.5% say they are not fairly remunerated for their work (19.9% not at all, 26.6% only to a small extent), while 55.7% believe their salary is below the market level compared with colleagues with similar experience. A further 12.7% said they did not know how their pay compares with the market, a sign of salary transparency issues.
According to the same source, 43.3% of Romanian employees report weaker purchasing power compared with 12 months ago, the lowest percentage among the five countries analysed (Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria, Greece and Hungary). Among those reporting deterioration, significantly more described it as 'much lower' (30.8%) rather than 'slightly lower' (12.5%).
The gap between salary and the cost of living is the main source of financial pressure, identified by 44.8% of respondents as their primary stress factor, followed by the significant increase in day-to-day expenses (22.5%). In addition, 8.8% of Romanian respondents cited debts and bank loan repayments as their main financial pressure, a higher percentage than in any other country included in the survey.
The data highlight the financial pressure felt by a large proportion of participants. Thus, 34.8% say their salary covers only basic expenses or does not cover them at all, while 43.5% manage to maintain a decent standard of living but must monitor spending carefully. Only 5% say they enjoy a high level of financial comfort.
Against this background, more than one third of respondents (34.8%) say they would need a salary increase of between 11% and 20% in order to feel fairly paid, while 24.2% would require an increase of 21% to 30%, and 20.7% more than 30%.
As regards the implementation of new technologies in the workplace, 21.8% of Romanians see Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a productivity tool, while 33.4% expect it to reshape their tasks (16.3% anticipate changes in responsibilities and 17.1% a reduction in activities). Meanwhile, 17.5% perceive AI as a vulnerability, while 19.3% do not expect any relevant impact. Another 8% remain uncertain about this innovative tool.
With regard to professional mobility, 57% of respondents are considering changing jobs, and 64% would do so for a higher salary. In this context, 25.2% of Romanian respondents are actively seeking a new job, while 31.7% would make a move for an attractive opportunity.
The main factor influencing the decision to change jobs is salary level: 64% indicated higher pay as the main reason they would accept a new employment offer. At a considerable distance follow the need for professional stability (11.3%), career development opportunities (7.1%), flexible working hours (6.6%) and a better working environment (6.6%).
'Concerns about redundancies are widespread but controlled: 54.5% of Romanian respondents express some level of concern (33.4% moderate, 12.7% strong and 8.4% extremely worried). Personal job security perceptions are mixed. Some 36.1% feel insecure about their role over the next 12 months, while only 9.36% say they feel very secure',' the same source notes.
The survey was conducted between March 30 and April 30, 2026 on a sample of 5,173 professionals from Romania, covering all major industries (banking/insurance/pensions, IT, trade, industrial production, agriculture, healthcare services and others).
The research forms part of a broader initiative carried out by the wherewework platform in five countries: Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria, Greece and Hungary.
Undelucram.ro is part of the wherewework network of platforms, one of the largest online communities for employees, candidates and employers, active in more than 20 countries, with the mission of making real and credible feedback available regarding organisational culture, leadership practices and growth opportunities.
