Bridging the wage gap: Czech Republic’s position in European salary spectrum

According to Eurostat data, the average hourly wage in the Czech Republic stands at 13.6 euros, starkly contrasting with the EU average of 24 euros, aligning more closely with Portugal and Malta in the West.

Within the Eastern European context, however, Czech workers boast the highest hourly earnings. Yet, absolute wage values only paint part of the picture, with purchasing power parity serving as a more telling metric. Despite any shifts in this indicator, the Czech Republic remains a bridge between the wealthier West and the less affluent East.

The trajectory of Czech wages over the past two decades reflects a positive trend, with the minimum wage more than doubling and guaranteed wages also on the rise. Tomáš Pavlíček from Prace.cz elucidates, “Guaranteed wages, reflecting the complexity and responsibility of the job, have seen increments across various professions, notably in the first and second groups, encompassing less intricate roles.”

Even within the third group, comprising trades like bricklaying and plumbing, as well as service sectors like cash handling and hairstyling, there has been notable growth, with rewards climbing from 19,700 to 21,300 Czech crowns. This gradual uptick underscores a concerted effort towards bolstering wage standards and narrowing the gap within the Czech labor market.