Neamt is the county with the lowest average net monthly salary in Romania, namely RON 1,690 (some EUR 375), according to data from the National Prognosis Commission (CNP), cited by local Economica.net. Neamt county is located in Moldova region, in Northeastern Romania.

By comparison, the average net salary in Bucharest is RON 3,207 per month (around EUR 710).

Citizens in 16 other counties earn on average less than RON 1,900 (EUR 420) net per month, including Harghita, Covasna, Satu Mare, Maramures, and Hunedoara. On the other hand, only seven counties, including Bucharest-Ilfov, have salaries over or close to the national average.

The average net monthly salary in Romania was RON 2,047 (EUR 453) in 2016. According to the Prognosis Commission, the level should increase by about 40% by 2020, to 2,864 (EUR 635). The increase may be driven by the public sector, where the new pay law includes significant raises for all categories of employees working in state institutions.

The minimum gross wage in Romania increased from RON 1,250 to RON 1,450 (some EUR 320) on February 1, 2017.

Study: Half of Romanians expect salary increases this year, more jobs in the local market

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com