Montenegro: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Montenegro?

Montenegro's unemployment rate was 9.1% in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Labour Force Survey from the Statistical Office of Montenegro (Monstat). There were 28,800 unemployed people and 287,100 in employment. Unemployment was 4.0% lower than a year earlier, while employment rose 4.2%.

The survey covers people aged 15 to 89 and interviewed 1,917 households. The activity rate was 62.3% and the employment rate 56.7%. Monstat revised its quarterly and annual series for 2021 to 2025 earlier in 2026.

Official sources: Monstat: Labour Force Survey, second quarter 2026

What is the average salary in Montenegro?

The average gross wage in Montenegro was EUR 1,242 a month in August 2026, and the average net wage, after taxes and contributions, was EUR 1,040, according to the Statistical Office of Montenegro (Monstat). Net wages were 2.5% higher than a year earlier and 0.3% higher than in July.

Because consumer prices rose 1.2% in August from July, Monstat says real net earnings fell 0.9% in the month. Monstat publishes earnings monthly.

Official sources: Monstat: average earnings, August 2026

How much is the minimum wage in Montenegro?

The ILO puts the statutory minimum wage in Montenegro at 670 EUR a month in 2026. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2013.

What is the average monthly salary in Montenegro?

In 2022, average monthly earnings of employees in Montenegro was $930 a month, according to the ILO. The peak was $962 a month in 2014 and the low $804 a month in 2015. It is 31st highest of 43 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is $1,771 a month. Of 98 countries with 2022 data, 40th highest.

How high is unemployment in Montenegro?

In 2025, the unemployment rate in Montenegro was 13.6%, according to the ILO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 13.1% (2023) to 30.3% (2005). It is 1st highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 5.5%. World rank, highest first: 18th of 174.

How many young people in Montenegro are unemployed?

The ILO puts unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Montenegro at 24.4% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 23.3% (2023) to 55.6% (2005). It is 8th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 14.2%. World rank, highest first: 31st of 174.

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

58.0%: that is the labour force participation rate in Montenegro for 2025, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2023, at 58.6%; its low point was 2021, at 48.1%. It is 31st highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 60.3%. Worldwide: 116th of 174.

How many women in Montenegro are working or looking for work?

According to the ILO, the labour force participation rate for women in Montenegro was 51.2% in 2025. The peak was 51.8% in 2023 and the low 41.4% in 2021. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 54.6%, and Montenegro placed 33rd highest of 47. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 107th highest.

What is the employment rate in Montenegro?

The ILO puts the employment to population ratio in Montenegro at 50.1% in 2025. The peak was 50.9% in 2023 and the low 33.7% in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 56.6%, and Montenegro placed 38th highest of 47. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 135th highest.

What is vulnerable employment in Montenegro?

According to the ILO, the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Montenegro was 14.3% in 2025. The peak was 18.4% in 2017 and the low 13.3% in 2013. Europe & Central Asia median: 11.0%; Montenegro is 17th highest of 47. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 127th highest.

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

According to the ILO, the share of workers who are paid employees in Montenegro was 82.6% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 78.0% (2017) to 84.0% (2013). It is 31st highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 85.5%. Worldwide: 48th of 174.