Greece’s skilled workforce, cost-effective labor, and strategic location make it an ideal outsourcing destination. Employers in the country may wonder, what is the average salary in Greece? This information will help them prepare a fair offer. 

The average monthly salary in Greece is €1380, or about USD 1445. However, salary is impacted by experience, education, location, position, and industry. The median wage and salary range are other facts to consider. 

This article will break down all aspects of salaries in Greece to provide an in-depth perspective.

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What is the Average Salary in Greece?

The average salary Greece is €1380 or $1445 monthly. Salaries are low compared to other EU countries due to the recent severe economic crisis. Other factors contributing to low wages include a tourist-dominated work economy that results in low-paying positions, a lack of powerful unions, and few high-tech industries. 

Median Income Greece

The mean or ‘middle’ salary in Greece is €1350, or about $1414. Half the country’s population earns salaries lower than the median monthly income, while the other half earns higher wages. 

Salary Range

The salary range spans from the lowest to highest-paid positions in the country. Low-paid workers earn about €1,000, while high-paid workers make closer to €2500. 

Salary Comparison by Profession

This wages comparison chart lists salaries by industry, revealing how much Greek workers earn by industry and position.

IndustryAverage Monthly Salary (€)
Administration1423
Agriculture1469
Arts and Culture1538
Banking2119
Automotive1790
Chemicals1621
Commerce1371
Real Estate2046
Customer Support1546
Finance1565
Science & Research1307
Engineering1904
General Labor1123
Human Resources2038
Information Technology2243
Insurance1930
Law2118
Marketing934
Tourism1127

Average Wage in Greece by Education

Education is a prime contributor to wages in Greece. Generally, the more educated you are, the more your wages increase. Education is also helping reduce income inequality in the country. Moreover, workers who return to school earn higher salaries when they reenter the workforce. 

Salary Comparison by Experience

The Greek work economy is hierarchical, with management typically sending orders to subordinates. Management positions are highly paid and often awarded to more experienced workers. However, entry-level workers can move into these positions and earn higher salaries. Upwardly mobile opportunities are becoming more prevalent in modern times. 

Salary Comparison by Location

Location is another factor that impacts salary. Workers in the Attica Metropolitan region, which includes cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, tend to earn higher wages than those in the rural areas due to a higher cost of living, proximity to larger companies, and more job opportunities. However, the country’s economic crisis has made wage disparities more acutely felt in urban centers than in rural areas. 

How Much is Minimum Wage in Greece?

The minimum wage in Greece is €830 monthly (approximately $869 Greece minimum wage USD) for full-time employees. The updated wage went into effect on May 1, 2024. Part-time employees are paid at that rate based on the hours worked. For example, an employee who works 20 hours a week instead of 40 hours will earn €415 monthly.

There is also a higher minimum wage for highly skilled workers of €35.07 per day. 

Average Salary in Greece vs. the Rest of the World

A salary comparison chart can compare Greece to wages in other countries, providing more perspective. The following charts list salaries in developed, developing, and undeveloped countries so you can see how they measure up. 

Greece vs. Developed Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Greece Salary
United Kingdom3000 euros (approx. $3116)– 110%
United States$5677– 382%
Norway50,790 kroner (approx. $4700)– 226%
Germany4300 euros (approx. $4467)– 210%
Austria3500 euros (approx. $3636)– 145%

Greece vs. Developing Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Greece Salary
Romania4000 RON (approx. $835)72%
Russia73,709 Rubles (approx. $700)107%
Albania1500 Euros (approx. $1550)– 6%
Kazakhstan342,082 Tenge (approx. $645)123%
Ukraine18,000 hryvnia (approx. $500)190%

Greece vs. Undeveloped Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Greece Salary
Thailand97,500 Baht (approx. $2772)– 93%
Philippines18,423 PHP (approx. $875)61%
Vietnam8.5 million dong (approx. $360)302%
Egypt13,244 EGP (approx. $263)482%
Pakistan45,000 PKR (approx. $150)866%

Greece is a developed country. However, its salaries fall behind those of other EU countries due to a debt crisis that began in 2009 and stemmed from fiscal policies that included excessive spending. The country’s work economy is also dominated by a service sector that offers mainly low-paying positions. 

However, Greek workers have a chance to advance through remote work opportunities. Employers also gain from these work arrangements through a multi-lingual talent pool and cost-effective labor. The country also offers a strategic location with easy access to other EU countries and a growing digital infrastructure. 

What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in Greece?

IT Service

Greece is focused on digital transformation and innovation, with major sectors including cybersecurity, data, and cloud services. The country is currently investing in its digital infrastructure and is home to large companies and startups. Its ICT market is expected to grow to $15,71 billion by 2030. 

Greek IT workers make around 2250 per month (approximately $2358) while their American counterparts earn closer to $9142. The difference in earnings could lead to significant cost savings for employers looking to outsource. 

Customer Service

As a tourism-focused country, Greece’s customer service workers focus on warmth and personal interactions. Many are also English-speaking. The government has a strong call center presence with major companies operating in Greece.

A customer support rep in Greece earns around $1500, compared to salaries of $3300 in the United States, which leads to substantial savings in human resource costs.

Manufacturing

Greece has a strong manufacturing industry focused on industrial products, foods, tobacco, metal products, textiles, and petroleum. The country aims to make trade easier by cutting red tape, boosting its digital infrastructure, and adopting reforms to overcome its economic crisis. Companies can also take advantage of its strategic location as a trade partner.

Conclusion

Greece is an optimal outsourcing destination due to its low-cost labor, skilled workforce, and strategic location. Employers who take advantage of these attributes can also help the country regain its financial status, which benefits everyone involved.