Latvia Adventures

What Is the Average Salary in Latvia? Facts, Trends, and Insights

Average Salary in Latvia

Many people want to work or invest in Latvia, but first they ask one key question. What is the average salary in Latvia? This single question opens the door to many insights. You can learn about job opportunities, living costs, and the country’s economic situation. Moreover, salary trends help when negotiating pay or moving to Latvia for work. Latvia has a growing economy and rising foreign investment, so salaries are changing fast. Today’s workers care about income, benefits, and work-life balance more than ever. Let’s explore the current average salary in Latvia, with real numbers and surprising facts. You might be surprised by what you’ll discover, especially when we compare sectors and regions.

Why the Average Salary in Latvia Matters

Understanding the average salary in Latvia is important for job seekers, locals, and digital nomads. It helps people evaluate the cost of living, job market conditions, and wage growth across the country. Wage data gives a clear view of economic progress and career potential in Latvia. The average salary affects spending habits, social mobility, and quality of life. Wage transparency has increased over the years, especially for job advertisements. Economic growth has brought moderate salary increases in most sectors. Regional differences still exist, but the gap is slowly closing. Let’s explore what makes Latvia’s salary landscape so unique and evolving.

Key highlights:

  • Salaries reflect economic health and job market strength

  • More transparency has made wage trends easier to track

  • Latvia’s pay gap between regions is slowly decreasing

What Is the Average Salary in Latvia in 2025?

As of 2025, the average gross monthly salary in Latvia is €1,757. The average net salary, after taxes, is around €1,213 per month. These numbers apply to both public and private sector employees. Public sector salaries average €1,743 while private sector salaries are around €1,644. This shows a steady increase compared to 2024, when the gross average was €1,623. The rise in salaries has outpaced inflation, allowing workers to gain more purchasing power. More jobs now offer competitive packages, especially in Riga and major cities. This growth marks a positive direction for Latvia’s labor market overall.

In short:

  • Gross salary in 2025: €1,757/month

  • Net salary after tax: €1,213/month

  • Public sector pays slightly more than private sector

  • Wages are growing faster than inflation

Industry Salary Differences in Latvia

Salaries in Latvia vary greatly depending on the industry and position. The IT and financial sectors offer the highest salaries in the country. In these fields, gross salaries often exceed €2,600 per month. Healthcare, education, and administration pay between €1,600 and €1,800 gross monthly. Jobs in agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing pay the lowest wages. Workers in hotels and restaurants often earn close to minimum wage levels. Higher education and specific skills greatly influence income potential across all fields. This creates visible income gaps based on career choice and qualifications.

Top earners by industry:

  • IT & tech: €2,600+ monthly gross

  • Finance: €2,300–€2,700 monthly

  • Education: €1,600–€1,800 gross

  • Hospitality/agriculture: Close to minimum wage

Regional Wage Differences in Latvia

Riga has the highest average wages compared to other Latvian regions. The capital’s average gross salary is around €1,800 per month. Latgale is the lowest-paying region with averages close to €1,150. Vidzeme, Zemgale, and Kurzeme fall between €1,400 and €1,600. Remote work has helped reduce the urban-rural pay gap. However, most high-paying jobs are still based in Riga. Living costs also differ, with Riga being the most expensive. Regional differences remain a key factor in Latvia’s wage structure.

Regional breakdown:

  • Riga: €1,800 average gross salary

  • Kurzeme & Zemgale: €1,500–€1,600

  • Vidzeme: ~€1,450

  • Latgale: ~€1,150

Minimum Wage vs Average Salary

In 2025, the gross minimum wage in Latvia is €740 per month. This is around 42% of the national average gross salary. Minimum wage workers often earn around €600 net monthly. Many service workers fall close to this income level. Compared to other EU countries, Latvia’s minimum wage is still relatively low. The government has proposed gradual increases to match EU targets. This would help low-income earners and reduce financial pressure. The wage gap remains large between minimum wage and average salaries.

At a glance:

  • Minimum wage: €740 gross, ~€600 net

  • ~42% of average salary

  • Common in retail, food, and basic service jobs

  • Gradual raises planned by the government

Gender Pay Gap and Wage Transparency

Latvia continues to face challenges with its gender pay gap. Women earn about 16% less than men on average. In sectors like finance and tech, the gap exceeds 30%. The government introduced salary transparency rules in recent years. Companies must now list salary ranges in job ads. This encourages fair pay and reduces wage discrimination. More women are entering high-paying professions across the country. Still, real wage equality has not yet been achieved.

Notable points:

  • Average gender pay gap: 16%

  • Over 30% in tech and finance

  • Transparency policies aim to close the gap

  • Progress is visible but still slow

Interesting Facts About Latvian Salaries

Over one-third of workers in Latvia have more than one job. Side jobs and freelance gigs are becoming more popular. The majority of employees support salary transparency in hiring. Public sector wages have grown faster than private sector wages lately. Latvia’s median salary is lower than the average, indicating inequality. Real wages are rising as inflation slows across Europe. Demand for tech workers has driven up sector salaries significantly. The tourism and retail sectors still face slow income growth.

Fast facts:

  • 1 in 3 Latvians has a second job

  • Median salary is below average (shows inequality)

  • Tech salaries are climbing quickly

  • Freelancing is growing in popularity

How Latvia Compares Across the EU

Latvia’s average salary is mid-range compared to other EU countries. Germany and France have gross averages over €3,000 per month. Latvia earns more than Romania and Bulgaria but less than Estonia. Baltic salary trends are generally rising with economic development. European funds and foreign investment support growth in salaries. Corporate tax incentives attract startups and tech firms to Latvia. Wage convergence remains a long-term goal for the Baltic region. Latvia continues closing the gap with Western European countries.

EU comparison:

  • Germany/France: €3,000+ monthly gross

  • Estonia: Slightly higher than Latvia

  • Romania/Bulgaria: Lower than Latvia

  • Latvia = middle-income EU nation

Latvia offers a solid balance between salary levels and living costs. The average salary in Latvia continues to grow steadily each year, giving workers more confidence in their financial future. Job quality and employee benefits have improved in both local companies and international firms. High-skilled professionals enjoy strong wage growth and expanding career opportunities, especially in tech and finance. Remote work options have made it easier for people outside Riga to access better-paying jobs. Salary transparency laws have helped create a fairer job market with less discrimination. Latvia’s labor market welcomes digital nomads, recent graduates, and career switchers alike. With stability, opportunity, and affordability, Latvia is becoming an increasingly attractive place to live and work.