Net wages in Romania were real 6.9% y/y lower in May

16 July 2026 The average net wage in Romania increased by 3.2% y/y to RON 5,684 (EUR 1,086) in May, but the double-digit inflation rate (10.85% y/y) resulted in a significant 6.9% y/y contraction of the net income, according to data published by the statistics office. It was the steepest annual decline in the past decade. In absolute terms, the average net wage is still some 10% above the 2019 average – higher in almost any month of 2023 except for March and November-December when annual bonuses were paid. Real wages underwent a sharp correction in the second quarter of 2025 and particularly in July-August last year when consumer prices rose to the double-digit area following fiscal measures and electricity price liberalisation. Over the past three quarters, net wages have retained around