Hungary: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Hungary?

Hungary's unemployment rate was 4.7% in August 2026, with 229,200 people unemployed, according to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) labour force survey for people aged 15 to 74. The rate was 4.4% in June and 4.5% in July 2026.

The survey counts people without work who were looking for a job and were available to start. 4.65 million people were employed, an employment rate of 65.6% of the population aged 15 to 74. The National Employment Service publishes a separate count of registered jobseekers, which differs from the survey figure.

Official sources: Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) labour force survey

What is the average salary in Hungary?

Full-time employees in Hungary earned an average of HUF 745,492 a month gross in July 2026, 7.5% more than a year earlier, according to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH). Average net earnings were HUF 523,327, and the median gross earnings were HUF 618,232.

Net earnings are after personal income tax and employee contributions but before family tax allowances, which raise take-home pay for parents. The median, which half of employees earn less than, is lower than the average because high earners pull the average up. For January to July 2026, average gross earnings were HUF 768,845, which includes bonuses paid early in the year.

Official sources: Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH)

What is the minimum wage in Hungary?

The minimum wage in Hungary is HUF 322,800 a month gross from 1 January 2026, and the guaranteed minimum wage for jobs requiring at least secondary education or qualifications is HUF 373,200, according to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH).

The minimum wage was HUF 290,800 from January 2025, so it rose by about 11%. In 2025 it was 41.2% of average gross earnings. The amounts are gross, before personal income tax and employee contributions are deducted. Both rates are set by government decree.

Official sources: Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH)

What is the average pension in Hungary?

The average old-age pension in Hungary was HUF 260,993 a month in January 2026, according to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH). 2,015,552 people received an old-age pension.

The average for men was HUF 289,027 and for women HUF 244,968, reflecting differences in past earnings and years of service. Across all pensions, benefits and annuities, the average was HUF 239,625 for 2.42 million recipients. Pensions are paid by the Hungarian State Treasury.

Official sources: Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH)

What is the minimum wage in Hungary?

The ILO puts the statutory minimum wage in Hungary at 322,800 HUF a month in 2026. That is the highest since at least 2012.

What is the average monthly salary in Hungary?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is $1,290 a month. No year since 2012 has been higher. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was $3,252 a month, and Hungary placed 29th highest of 32. Worldwide: 31st of 57.

How high is unemployment in Hungary?

The ILO puts the unemployment rate in Hungary at 4.5% in 2025. The peak was 11.2% in 2010 and the low 3.4% in 2019. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 5.5%, and Hungary placed 35th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 102nd of 174.

What is youth unemployment in Hungary?

According to the ILO, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Hungary was 14.2% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2012, at 28.2%; its low point was 2018, at 10.1%. It is 24th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 14.2%. Worldwide: 76th of 174.

How many people in Hungary are working or looking for work?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 60.6%. Its high point since 2005 was 2024, at 60.7%; its low point was 2009, at 51.6%. It is 20th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 60.3%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 95th highest.

What share of women in Hungary are in the labour force?

In 2025, the labour force participation rate for women in Hungary was 54.3%, according to the ILO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 45.8% (2009) to 54.4% (2024). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 54.6%, and Hungary placed 26th highest of 47. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 85th highest.

What share of adults in Hungary have a job?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 57.8%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 46.2% (2010) to 58.1% (2023). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 56.6%, and Hungary placed 19th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 89th of 174.

What is vulnerable employment in Hungary?

In 2025, the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Hungary was 7.8%, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 10.3%; its low point was 2017, at 7.4%. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 11.0%, and Hungary placed 37th highest of 47. Worldwide: 154th of 174.

What share of workers in Hungary earn a wage or salary?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 88.4%. Its high point since 2005 was 2017, at 89.7%; its low point was 2005, at 86.3%. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 85.5%, and Hungary placed 10th highest of 47. Worldwide: 21st of 174.