The average gross salary in Romania dropped 2.4% in May this year compared to the previous month, reaching 9,187 lei, while the average net salary went down 2.5%, to 5,508 lei, according to data the National Institute of Statistics (INS) published on Friday.
According to the official statistics, during the reference period, the gross average salary decreased by 228 lei, and the net average salary fell by 139 lei.
The highest values of average net earnings were recorded in: the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products (11,696 lei), and in information technology services (including IT-related services) - 11,558 lei, while the lowest were registered in hotels and restaurants (3,346 lei) and in the manufacture of wearing apparel (3,440 lei).
INS data show that significant decreases in average net earnings at the CAEN sections/divisions level were recorded as follows: by 27.6% in insurance, reinsurance and pension funding activities (excluding public social insurance), by 27.1% in the extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas, and by percentages between 9% and 15% in: the manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers, support activities for extraction, film, video and television programme production, audio recording and music publishing activities (including broadcasting and transmission services).
On the other hand, the most significant increases in net average earnings were recorded as follows: by 4.1% in the manufacture of computers and electronic and optical products, and in water transport; and between 1% and 3% in tanning and dressing of leather (including manufacture of luggage, handbags, harnesses and footwear; preparation and dyeing of fur), sewerage, water collection, treatment and supply, publishing activities, other unspecified industrial activities, and the manufacture of chemicals and chemical products.
In the public sector, in May 2025, increases in average net earnings were recorded compared to the previous month in education (+3%), following the resumption of hourly payments for teaching staff, and in public administration (+0.6%). In contrast, the net average earnings slightly decreased in health and social work (-0.4%).
Comparatively, May 2025 vs May 2024, the average net salary increased 7.6%.
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