The average net salary in October was 5,268 lei, an increase of 40 lei (+0.8%) compared to September 2024, and compared to October of the previous year, the average net salary rose by 12.3%, according to data published the National Institute of Statistics (INS) on Thursday.

In October 2024, the average gross salary was 8,612 lei, 59 lei (+0.7%) higher than in September 2024.

The highest average net salaries were recorded in information technology services, including IT services (11,541 lei), while the lowest were in the manufacturing of clothing items (3,078 lei).

The real wage index was 107.3% in October 2024 compared to October 2023. The real wage index was 100.2% in October 2024 compared to September 2024. Compared to October 1990, the real wage index was 251.6%, 0.4 percentage points higher than in September 2024.

According to INS, throughout the year, there are fluctuations in salaries mainly due to the granting of annual bonuses and holiday bonuses, especially in the months used as comparison bases (December, March/April). These bonuses influence the increases or decreases depending on when they are granted, leading to the smoothing of monthly salary fluctuations throughout the year. The evolution of real wages depends on both the fluctuations in the average net salary and the inflation rate.

According to the source, in October 2024, the average net salary increased in most sectors of the economy compared to September 2024 due to occasional bonuses (quarterly, annual, or for exceptional performance), in-kind benefits, and monetary aid, as well as amounts from net profits and other funds (including vouchers). Increases in the average net salary were also due to production achievements or higher revenues (depending on contracts/projects).

The most significant increases in average net salaries at the level of sections/divisions of CAEN Rev.2 were recorded in the manufacturing of computers and electronic and optical products, with an increase of 12%, and in the extraction of metal ores, with an increase of 10.2%.

Decreases in the average net salary compared to September 2024 were determined by the granting of occasional bonuses, in-kind benefits, and monetary aid, as well as amounts from net profits and other funds (including vouchers) in the previous months. Additionally, decreases in the average net salary were due to unachieved production or lower revenues (depending on contracts/projects).

The most significant decreases in average net salaries at the level of sections/divisions of CAEN Rev.2 were recorded as follows: a 16.2% decrease in crude oil and natural gas extraction, and a 15.8% decrease in the manufacturing of coke products and products obtained from oil refining.

In the public sector, in October 2024, the average net salary increased compared to the previous month in education (+3%, due to hourly payments to teachers) and in public administration (+0.8%). In health and social care, the average net salary slightly decreased compared to the previous month (-1.2%).

AGERPRES