Half of Albanian workers take home less than 60,000 leks a month

Half of all employees in Albania take home less than about 60,000 leks a month, even after a sharp rise in wages.

Figures from INSTAT show the median monthly wage reached 74,010 leks before tax in the first quarter of 2026, up 19% on a year earlier.

That leaves the middle worker with just under 60,000 leks after tax and social contributions.

The median is often a better guide to ordinary living standards than the average, because it is not lifted by a small number of high earners.

The increase was partly driven by the higher minimum wage, which pushed up pay in lower and middle-income jobs.

But 60,000 leks does not go far for workers paying rent, especially in Tirana, where housing costs have risen sharply.

For someone living alone, it can cover little beyond the basics.