Romania\u2019s average net wage, which has posted annual growth rates for nearly two years, advanced by only 3.5% y\/y in CFI deflated terms – the lowest growth rate since April 2023, according to data published by the statistics office INS. In nominal terms, the annual advance was 9.9% \u2013 the second-lowest growth rate since 2021.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In absolute terms, the average net wage in Romania reached RON 5,198 (EUR 1,135) in April.<\/p>\n
Over the past three years to April 2025, the average net wage in Romania rose by 15.5% in real terms and by 41% y\/y in euros. This represents average annual growth rates of 4.9% and 12.2%, respectively. The steeper advance of the wages, when expressed in euros, reflects the real appreciation of the local currency against the euro (high inflation, steady exchange rate).\u00a0<\/p>\n
The visible slowdown seen in April\u2019s wage numbers will likely continue through the year amid adverse economic conditions and possibly higher inflation if the VAT rate hike is enforced as a part of the fiscal consolidation plan.<\/p>\n
Under any design of the fiscal plan, the households\u2019 incomes are likely to deteriorate in real terms.<\/p>\n
Under its May 14 Spring Forecast, the state forecasting body CNP predicted a 1.3% y\/y real advance of net wages in Romania this year, after +8.3% y\/y in 2024. CNP also expects private consumption to ease down to +2.7% y\/y this year from +6.0% y\/y in 2024.<\/p>\n