European Countries by Average Salary: Highest and Lowest Rankings

According to the OECD’s Taxing Wages 2026 report, average annual wages across Europe differ markedly, with some workers earning more than five times what is paid in lower‑income countries.

The study covered 27 European nations, 22 of which are EU members, and found that annual gross average wages span from €18,590 in Turkey to €107,487 in Switzerland.

Switzerland is the highest‑paying country in Europe and the sole nation with an average annual wage above €100,000. Iceland comes next with €85,950, and Luxembourg is third overall, topping the EU with €77,844.

Denmark and the Netherlands occupy the fourth and fifth positions, earning €71,961 and €69,028 on average. Norway also features among the continent’s highest earners, with €68,420.

Within Europe’s five largest economies, Germany has the highest average wage at €66,700, just ahead of the United Kingdom at €65,340. The remaining major economies lag considerably.

France averages €45,964 annually, Italy €36,594, and Spain €32,678. German and UK workers earn more than twice the Spanish average.

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