Average Salary in Turkey 2026
How much do people actually earn in Turkey in 2026? Is the salary enough to live comfortably in Istanbul or Ankara? And more importantly — is Turkey still an attractive destination for workers and expats?
If you're considering working in Turkey, moving there, or simply comparing global wages, salary information matters more than ever. Inflation, currency shifts, and changing labor laws have reshaped the Turkish labor market over the past few years.
In this complete salary guide, we’ll break down:
- The average salary in Turkey in 2026
- Entry-level vs experienced pay
- Salary differences by city and industry
- Cost of living comparison
- Career outlook and wage trends
Let’s start with the essentials.
Quick Salary Facts: Turkey 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Monthly Salary | TRY 32,000 – 38,000 (gross) |
| Average Annual Salary | TRY 384,000 – 456,000 |
| Entry-Level Salary | TRY 22,000 – 26,000/month |
| Experienced Salary | TRY 45,000 – 65,000/month |
| Minimum Wage (2026 est.) | Around TRY 20,000/month |
| Experience Required | 0–2 years (entry) |
| Demand Level | Moderate to High (tech, tourism, manufacturing) |
| Top-Paying Cities | Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa |
Figures are gross estimates before income tax and social security deductions.
Why Working in Turkey Is Still Popular
Interestingly, despite economic volatility, Turkey remains one of the most dynamic labor markets in its region.
Many people don’t realize that Turkey sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, making it a strategic location for trade, manufacturing, tourism, and tech outsourcing.
Why do people move or work there?
- Lower cost of living compared to Western Europe
- Growing startup ecosystem
- Strong tourism and export industries
- Large domestic market (85+ million population)
- Remote work opportunities
In reality, salaries may look lower in USD terms, but purchasing power inside Turkey can still make local wages reasonable — depending on where you live.
Job & Salary Overview in Turkey
Turkey has a diverse labor market. From textile factories in Bursa to fintech startups in Istanbul, the country offers a wide range of employment options.
Key Sectors Driving Salaries in 2026
- Information Technology
- Engineering & Manufacturing
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Finance & Banking
The private sector typically offers higher salaries than public sector jobs, but public roles provide stability and benefits.
Salary Breakdown & Detailed Analysis
What Is the Average Salary in Turkey in 2026?
As of 2026, the estimated average gross monthly salary in Turkey is between:
TRY 32,000 and TRY 38,000 per month
That equals approximately:
- TRY 384,000 – 456,000 per year (gross)
After income tax and social security deductions, net income may be around 20–25% lower.
Salary Range Overview
| Salary Level | Monthly (TRY) | Annual (TRY) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | ~20,000 | ~240,000 |
| Entry-Level | 22,000 – 26,000 | 264,000 – 312,000 |
| Average | 32,000 – 38,000 | 384,000 – 456,000 |
| Senior Level | 45,000 – 65,000 | 540,000 – 780,000 |
| Executive | 80,000+ | 960,000+ |
Salary by Experience Level
Experience makes a huge difference in Turkey.
| Experience Level | Average Monthly Salary (TRY) |
|---|---|
| 0–2 Years | 22,000 – 26,000 |
| 3–5 Years | 30,000 – 40,000 |
| 6–10 Years | 45,000 – 60,000 |
| 10+ Years | 60,000 – 90,000 |
Professionals in IT, finance, and engineering tend to see faster wage growth compared to hospitality or retail.
Salary by City in Turkey
Location matters. A lot.
Istanbul
- Average Salary: TRY 38,000 – 45,000
- Highest job concentration
- Higher living costs
Ankara
- Average Salary: TRY 34,000 – 40,000
- Government and administrative jobs
Izmir
- Average Salary: TRY 30,000 – 36,000
- Strong tourism and trade
Bursa
- Average Salary: TRY 28,000 – 34,000
- Manufacturing hub
| City | Average Monthly Salary (TRY) |
|---|---|
| Istanbul | 38,000 – 45,000 |
| Ankara | 34,000 – 40,000 |
| Izmir | 30,000 – 36,000 |
| Bursa | 28,000 – 34,000 |
| Antalya | 26,000 – 32,000 |
Salary by Industry
Certain industries significantly outperform others.
| Industry | Average Monthly Salary (TRY) |
|---|---|
| IT & Software | 45,000 – 70,000 |
| Engineering | 40,000 – 60,000 |
| Finance & Banking | 38,000 – 55,000 |
| Healthcare | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Tourism | 22,000 – 35,000 |
| Retail | 20,000 – 28,000 |
IT continues to lead salary growth, especially for software developers and cybersecurity specialists.
Bonuses, Benefits & Allowances
Many private companies offer:
- Annual performance bonuses
- Meal allowances
- Transportation support
- Private health insurance
- Company car (managerial roles)
However, bonus culture is less aggressive compared to Western Europe or the US.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Turkey
Now the real question: Is the salary enough?
Average Monthly Expenses in Istanbul (Single Person)
| Expense | Estimated Cost (TRY) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed city center) | 18,000 – 25,000 |
| Utilities | 2,500 – 4,000 |
| Food | 6,000 – 8,000 |
| Transport | 1,500 – 2,000 |
| Miscellaneous | 3,000 – 5,000 |
Total: 30,000 – 44,000 TRY per month
If you earn the average salary, life in Istanbul may feel tight unless you share accommodation.
In smaller cities, expenses can drop by 20–30%.
A Real Story: Mehmet’s Career Growth
Mehmet moved to Istanbul in 2021 as a junior software developer earning TRY 12,000 monthly. It wasn’t easy. He shared an apartment with two roommates and relied on freelance projects for extra income.
By 2026, after gaining certifications and switching companies twice, he now earns TRY 62,000 per month in a fintech company.
His biggest advice?
“Skills matter more than titles. Learn English. Learn cloud systems. Don’t stay too long in one company.”
His story isn’t unusual in Turkey’s tech scene.
Factors Affecting Salary in Turkey
Several factors influence income levels:
1. Education & Qualifications
University degrees still matter, especially from top Turkish institutions.
2. English Language Skills
International companies pay more for bilingual professionals.
3. Industry Demand
Tech and export-focused sectors lead.
4. Experience & Certifications
Professional certifications (PMP, AWS, ACCA) significantly boost pay.
5. Economic Conditions
Inflation adjustments impact wages yearly.
Pros and Cons of Working in Turkey
Pros
- Growing job market
- Strong entrepreneurial culture
- Lower living costs than Western Europe
- Warm climate and lifestyle
Cons
- Currency volatility
- High inflation periods
- Lower purchasing power in big cities
- Limited wage transparency in some sectors
Career Outlook & Salary Growth 2026–2030
Turkey’s labor market is evolving.
Expected trends:
- Continued demand in tech and renewable energy
- Salary adjustments due to inflation
- Growth in remote international employment
- Increased foreign investment in startups
Wage growth is expected to remain moderate but steady in high-demand sectors.
Explore More Salary Guides
If you’re comparing global wages, you may also find helpful insights in our detailed guide on average salaries in Germany and our breakdown of Highest Paying Jobs in Europe, available on inedjobs.com.
Understanding salary differences across countries can help you plan your next move strategically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in Turkey in 2026?
The average gross monthly salary is approximately TRY 32,000 to TRY 38,000.
What is the minimum wage in Turkey in 2026?
It is estimated at around TRY 20,000 per month.
Is Turkey good for expats?
It can be, especially in tech, tourism, and international business sectors.
Which city pays the highest salaries?
Istanbul offers the highest average wages.
Can you live comfortably on the average salary?
In smaller cities, yes. In Istanbul, it depends on housing costs.
Which sector pays the most?
IT and software development currently lead.
Are salaries increasing in Turkey?
Yes, but often in response to inflation.
Trusted Sources
- Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat)
- Ministry of Labor and Social Security Turkey
- OECD Wage Statistics
- World Bank Economic Data
- Eurostat Labor Market Reports
Final Thoughts
So, is the average salary in Turkey in 2026 good?
Honestly, it depends on your profession and city. A tech professional in Istanbul may thrive. A retail worker might struggle with rising rents.
Turkey remains full of opportunity — especially for skilled workers willing to adapt and upskill. But realistic expectations are key.
If you’re planning to work in Turkey, focus on in-demand skills, monitor inflation trends, and negotiate your salary carefully.
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