Lithuanians earned an average pre-tax salary of 2,060 euros in October and December, 2023 – 11.7 percent more than a year earlier. Their average after-tax salary rose by 10.6 percent, or 122 euros, to 1,275 euros.
Income growth in higher-end jobs was slower than the national average. Average wages increased by 7.9 percent to 3,143 euros before tax at information and communication companies and by 9 percent to 2,932 euros at finance and insurance companies.
In late 2023, the number of insured persons increased by 12,500, while 26,200 more people were hired than fired.
The job market remained stable, despite higher unemployment level early in the year. From mid-year on, wages grew more quickly than inflation. According to the social insurance fund Sodra the increase in wages was driven by a higher minimum wage, the riseing wages of civil servants, and employer desire to retain staff.
The highest increases were in the construction sector, where wages grew by nearly 16%, yet it had been lower than average, so with the increase employees received 1,480 euros on paper and about 966 in hand. Unemployment payouts rose by 15 percent to an average of 530 euros. The most unemployment benefits were paid to those over 60 years of age. In 2023 they numbered 10,200 (9,200 in 2022).
Areas with the highest wage earnings were in Neringa, Vilnius and region, Kaunas and its region. Lowest earners were in the areas of Radviliškis, Pakruojis, Vilkaviškis, Kupiškis and Šalčininkai.
