Most Albanians take home far less than average pay

Albania’s average gross wage has passed 90,000 lek, but workers take home about 72,000 lek after tax and social insurance.

INSTAT data show the average gross wage reached 90,119 lek in the first quarter, up 7,909 lek from a year earlier.

The figure appears to meet the government’s €900 average wage target, but the net amount is much lower.

Economists say the rise is being driven by public-sector wage increases and labour shortages.

The gap between low and high earners is also widening.

One in three workers earns up to 50,000 lek, while Albania’s average hourly pay remains among the lowest in the Western Balkans.