The average monthly net salary paid per employee in Bosnia and Herzegovina is constantly increasing and for the month of July it amounted to 1,601 marks. However, compared to neighboring countries, it is significantly smaller, almost half of that in Slovenia. Trade unions warn that the average salary would have to be at least 2,000 marks if mass emigration is to be stopped, especially young people, who, due to low incomes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, seek salvation in the countries of the European Union, writes BHRT.
The average salary in BiH last year in July was 1,388 KM, while in July of this year it reached 1,601 KM, which represents an increase of 213 KM. The growth of the average salary was also influenced by the growth of the minimum salaries in the entities – in the Republic of Srpska they now amount to 900 KM, and in the Federation of BiH to 1,000 KM. Nevertheless, even with these increases, BiH still has the lowest minimum wages in the region.
The minimum in Serbia is 1,078 KM, in Montenegro 1,173 KM, in Croatia 1,467 KM, and in Slovenia as much as 1,760 KM.
The differences are even more pronounced when comparing the average salaries in Bosnia and Herzegovina, they amount to 1,601 KM, while in Serbia it is 1,821 KM, in Montenegro 1,985 KM, in Croatia 2,810 KM, and in Slovenia as much as 3,114 KM.
An additional problem, the unions warn, is that the average salary of about 1,600 marks does not reflect the real situation, because two thirds of the workers in the country earn less than that amount.
– Only every third worker in Republika Srpska receives a salary of 1,555 marks and more. Two-thirds of workers cannot even dream of that salary – says Goran Stanković, president of the Federation of Trade Unions of the RS.
According to the data of the Association of Independent Trade Unions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the trade union consumer basket for the month of September 2025 was 3,431.60 KM, which means that a four-member family with one average salary cannot cover even half of the basic costs of living. Citizens believe that salaries must rise and that the average salary should be at least 2,000 marks.
Although it is clear to everyone that wage increases are necessary, experts warn that without economic growth, there are no higher wages.
– Unfortunately, we will never get there. We do not have economic growth, we do not have serious investments and strategic investments in the development of the economy. In our country, it is more important to take on debt and build a few kilometers of highway, than to help the real sector – says Zoran Pavlović, economic analyst.
The conclusion is clear that in order to survive a month in Bosnia and Herzegovina with an average salary, which is unattainable for most citizens, you need to be a real wizard. Those who do not seek their salvation far from here.
