The minimum wage in Europe – what rates apply from 2023? How does UK compare to other European countries?
The whole world is still struggling with the effects of the pandemic and the ongoing war in the Ukraine. The level of inflation in the European Union is the highest in recent years. What are the predictions for 2023? You will find the answers in our previous article – Inflation in Europe.
However, most countries have come to the conclusion that an increase in the minimum wage is an integral part of socio-economic policy and, even in such a difficult time, should not be ignored. For most of society, this is a chance for better earnings in the new year.
Minimum wage in Europe, in 2023
In the latest Eurofound data, European countries are divided into 3 groups in terms of minimum wage levels. Group 1 includes countries where the monthly salary varies between 399 EURO and 840 EURO (Poland is in this group). Consequently, the 2nd group earns between 887 – 1304 EURO/month and the 3rd group – with a minimum salary of more than 1700 EURO/month.
As you can already see, the difference between the minimum bids is significant, sometimes exceeding 1,000 EURO. The highest minimum wage in Europe is almost 7 times higher than the lowest (Bulgaria – 399 EURO, Luxembourg – 2,387 EURO).
The tables below do not include minimum wages in the Scandinavian countries. This is because they do not have fixed rates. The level of remuneration depends both on the decisions of the trade unions and directly on the employer.
Below are the minimum rates that apply in individual European countries from 2023:
| First group | Minimum wage |
| Bulgaria | 399 EUR |
| Hungary | 579 EUR |
| Romania | 606 EUR |
| Latvia | 620 EUR |
| Croatia | 700 EUR |
| Slovakia | 700 EUR |
| Czech Republic | 717 EUR |
| Estonia | 725 EUR |
| Poland | 746 EUR |
| Malta | 835 EUR |
| Lithuania | 840 EUR |
| Second group | Minimum wage |
| Portugal | 887 EUR |
| Spain | 1167 EUR |
| Slovenia | 1304 EUR |
| The third group | Minimum wage |
| France | 1709 EUR |
| Ireland | 1910 EUR |
| Netherlands | 1934 EUR |
| Belgium | 1955 EUR |
| Germany | 1981 EUR |
| Luxembourg | 2.387 EUR |
Minimum Wages in the Netherlands 2023 – What is age distribution?
Important! When comparing the minimum rates above, it should be remembered that the level of remuneration in the country consists of several important factors, including:
- unemployment rate
- The GDP
- standard of living
- the state of the national economy
Also, it should not be forgotten that high earnings usually mean paying higher taxes. Everything has its advantages and disadvantages.
Minimum wage in UK, in 2023
Starting with 1st of April, 2023, the UK minimum wage for 2023 will see further increases. The National Living Wage stands at 10.42 GBP/ hour and will apply to all those aged 23 and up.
Important – those people do not be in the first year of an apprenticeship.
In the table here below, you will see the rates that will apply starting with 1st April 2023.
| Rate | 1st April 2023 |
|---|---|
| 16-17 Year Old | 5,28 GBP |
| 18-20 Year Old | 7,49 GBP |
| 21-22 Year Old | 10,18 GBP |
| National Living Wage | 10,42 GBP |
Looking for better earnings? See new job offers abroad!
