Azerbaijan’s cost-effective labor, skilled workforce, and strategic location make it an ideal outsourcing destination. Employers wanting to hire in the area may wonder, What is the average salary in Azerbaijan? This information will help them prepare a fair hiring offer. 

The average salary in Azerbaijan is 1,009 Azerbaijani Manat (AZN), about USD 595. However, wages vary by education, experience, location, position, and industry. Comparing wages to those in other countries will provide additional insight.

This guide will explore all aspects of Azerbaijan’s salaries to prepare you for your hiring journey.

What is the Average Salary in Azerbaijan?

The average monthly salary in Azerbaijan is 1,009 AZN, about $595. The country is plagued by inequality, as its oil industry puts wealth in the hands of a few. The rest of the workers rely on agriculture and other low-paying sectors.

Median Income

Azerbaijan’s median monthly income is 800 AZN, about $470. Half the country’s workers earn higher salaries; the other half earn less.

Salary Range

The salary range spans from the lowest to the highest in the country. In Azerbaijan, low earners make around 500 AZN, about $295 monthly, while high earners make closer to 2,500 AZN, about $1,475.

Salary Comparisons in Azerbaijan

Average salary provides some insight, but you must also consider how wages are affected by education, experience, location, position, and industry. The following sections will review how these factors impact earnings. 

Salary by Position

This salary comparison chart reveals how wages in Azerbaijan vary by position.

PositionAverage Monthly Salary (AZN)
Chief Executive Officer2511
IT Director2246
Call Center Director1979
Finance Manager1870
IT Architect1693
Lead Developer1639
Head of Product Development1595
Sales Director1543
Technical Director1491
IT Manager1477
Banking Cashier505
Fabric Cutter504
Clothing Technologist503
Packer494
Seamstress476
Porter464
Medical Records Clerk463
Tailor460
Social Counselor452

Average Wage in Azerbaijan Based on Education

Education impacts salaries in Azerbaijan with a 6% return rate, meaning workers will see a 6% ROI on every dollar they invest in education. Returns are slightly higher for women, at 8%, and 9% for tertiary education. 

Salary Comparison by Experience

Experience also contributes to earnings. Statistics show that experienced and educated Azerbajani workers can earn 33% more than their less educated and professional peers. However, women are less likely to see higher wages based on experience, as they tend to receive less training and leave the workforce by 35. 

Salary Comparison by Location

Location is also considered in wage determination, as urban workers earn more than rural workers due to higher living costs and proximity to large companies offering higher-paying job opportunities. In Azerbaijan, workers in Baku, the capital city and central economic hub, earn higher salaries than those in smaller towns. Ganja and Sumqayit also offer competitive wages. 

Although workers in rural areas tend to earn less, those with rich oil reserves in their area may benefit from higher wages.

How Much is Minimum Wage in Azerbaijan?

The minimum wage in Azerbaijan is 400 AZN, about $235. The new wage went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. The previous wage was 345 AZN (about $203).

Average Salary in Azerbaijan vs. the Rest of the World

To provide more insight, the following charts compare salaries in Azerbaijan to those in developed, developing, and least developed countries. 

Azerbaijan vs. Developed Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Azerbaijan Salary
Japan340,000 JPY (approx. $2,300) 209%
United Kingdom£3,000 (≈ $4,100) − 85%
Norway50,000 NOK (≈ $4,700) − 87%
Germany€4,300 (≈ $4,470) − 87%
Austria3500 euros (approx. $3636) − 85%

Azerbaijan vs. Developing Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Azerbaijan Salary
Romania4,000 RON (approx. $835) − 28%
Russia73,700 RUB (approx. $700) − 14%
Albania83,330 ALL (approx. $860) − 43%
Kazakhstan342,000 KZT (approx. $645) − 7%
Ukraine18,000 UAH (approx. $500) 20%

Azerbaijan vs. Undeveloped Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Azerbaijan Salary
Afghanistan13,200 Afghanis (approx. $150) 300%
Philippines15,000 PHP (approx. $265) 126%
Cambodia1,150,000 Riel (approx. $280) 114%
Egypt3,900 EGP (approx. $125) 380%
Pakistan60,000 PKR (approx. $210) 186%

Azerbaijan is a developing country with an upper-middle income. It ranks highly on the Human Development Index. Although its economy heavily relies on oil and gas, it is working to diversify into other sectors. 

The country’s low-cost labor, skilled workforce, and strategic location make it an ideal outsourcing destination. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it offers access to both markets. The government supports outsourcing, particularly in IT, with tax incentives, investments in tech parks, various grants, and a favorable business environment.

What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in Azerbaijan?

Employers seeking remote opportunities in the country will benefit most when focusing on the following sectors. 

IT Services

Azerbaijan’s IT sector is experiencing rapid growth, with a strong focus on telecommunications and software development. The government supports the industry with initiatives like Online Azerbaijan, which aims to bring the country 100% broadband internet access. It has also established tech parks that offer tax breaks and exemptions to those who invest in the sector. 

An IT director in Azerbaijan earns about 2,500 AZN per month, compared to their American counterparts, who earn more than $12,500. This leads to significant savings for employers that outsource to the country.

Energy Services

Azerbaijan relies heavily on the gas and oil sector, accounting for a significant portion of its GDP. The country’s expertise in the industry could open up outsourcing opportunities related to equipment, services, and technology, refining, marketing, and distribution. It is also a major exporter of crude oil.

Manufacturing

Although Azerbaijan focuses on the oil and gas industry, it also diversifies into manufacturing with major sectors including engineering, metallurgy, defense, food, construction materials, and electro-energy. In addition to exporting, there is a potential for outsourcing production. It offers industrial zones designed to attract foreign investment. 

Conclusion

Azerbaijan’s low average salaries lead to cost savings for employers. Companies that outsource can take advantage of reduced expenses and quality goods and services, while helping workers overcome income inequality, resulting in a favorable situation for everyone involved.