Croatia’s average net salary rises again – latest figures released

ZAGREB, 20 March 2026 – The average monthly net salary in Croatia rose to €1,511 in January 2026, according to the latest data released by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics.

The figure represents a 1.1% nominal increase compared with December 2025, or 0.8% in real terms after adjusting for inflation.

Compared with the same month last year, the increase is even more pronounced. The average net salary in January 2026 was 8.5% higher nominally and 4.9% higher in real terms than in January 2025.

Gross salaries also continued to rise. The average monthly gross salary reached €2,114, which is 1.3% higher than in December 2025 in nominal terms and 1.0% higher in real terms.

Year-on-year, gross wages recorded stronger growth, rising 9.8% nominally and 6.2% in real terms compared with January 2025.

Significant differences remain between industries.

The highest average net salary in January was recorded in the air transport sector, where employees earned an average of €2,352 net per month. The same sector also recorded the highest gross salary at €3,432.

At the other end of the scale, the lowest average net salary was recorded in the clothing manufacturing sector, at €986, with a corresponding gross salary of €1,311.

Median salary provides clearer picture

Alongside averages, the statistics office also released median salary figures, which often provide a clearer picture of typical earnings.

The median net salary in January 2026 stood at €1,304, representing a 1.9% increase compared with December 2025 and an 8.7% rise year-on-year.

Meanwhile, the median gross salary reached €1,789, up 2.3% compared with the previous month and 10.5% higher than in January 2025.

Gradual wage growth continues

The latest figures indicate that wages in Croatia continue to grow steadily, reflecting ongoing labour market pressures and economic growth at the start of 2026.

However, the data also highlights persistent pay gaps between different sectors of the economy, with salaries in specialised industries such as air transport significantly higher than those in labour-intensive sectors like clothing manufacturing.