Bulgarians earned an average of €1,438 a month in the third quarter of 2026, the national statistics office (NSI) said. That is 10.4% more than in July-September 2025, but 0.4% less than in the second quarter, when the average was €1,444.
In the spring, pay rose 2.6% from the first quarter and 9.8% from a year earlier.
By month, the average gross wage was €1,445 in July, €1,411 in August and €1,458 in September.
Over the year, wages rose 11.9% in the private sector and 5.9% in the public sector. They grew fastest in agriculture, forestry and fishing (20.3%) and in "other activities" (17.4%).
Compared with the second quarter, wages fell most in mining, by 7.1%. They dropped 2.4% in finance and insurance and 2.2% in education.
The best-paid employees, whether on employment contracts or in public service jobs, work in creating and distributing information and creative products, and in telecoms. They earn an average of €3,059. Finance and insurance come next at €2,088, followed by the production and supply of electricity, heat and gas fuels at €2,063.
Pay is lowest in hotels and restaurants, at an average of €908. It is €1,065 in "other activities" and €1,084 in agriculture, forestry and fishing.