Slovenia, one of Central Europe’s most stable and prosperous economies, continues to attract professionals with its strong job market, high living standards, and competitive wages. As we move through 2026, the country's salary landscape reflects economic modernization, digital transformation, and increased investment in high-growth sectors.
This guide provides a full overview of Salaries in Slovenia in 2026, including average wages, pay by job sector, regional differences, and employment trends, helping workers and employers understand what to expect in the Slovenian labor market.
Economic Overview of Slovenia in 2026
Slovenia enters 2026 with steady economic growth supported by innovation, manufacturing, services, and a rising number of foreign investments. Key highlights include:
- GDP growth of 2.5–3.5%
- Unemployment rate around 4–5%, lower than the EU average
- Growing wages driven by labor shortages in key sectors
- Strong export performance, especially in pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, and technology
- Increased demand for highly skilled workers
The Slovenian labor market continues to prioritize digitalization, green technologies, and research-based industries, all contributing to higher salaries and new employment opportunities.
Average Salary in Slovenia in 2026
The average national salary in Slovenia in 2026 is:
€2,100 – €2,350 gross per month
(Approximately €25,000 – €28,000 gross per year)
By experience level:
- Entry-level workers: €1,300 – €1,700
- Mid-level professionals: €1,900 – €2,700
- Senior specialists and managers: €3,000 – €5,500+
While Slovenia’s salaries remain lower than those in Western Europe, they are higher than in many neighboring Central and Eastern European nations.
Salaries by Industry in Slovenia (2026)
Slovenia’s wages vary widely depending on industry, education level, and skill shortage intensity. Below is a breakdown of the most important sectors.
1. Information Technology (IT) – High and Growing Wages
Slovenia’s tech sector continues to expand, driven by startups, fintech companies, and increased demand for digital services.
| IT Role | Average Salary (€ / month) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | 2,800 – 4,200 |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | 3,200 – 4,800 |
| Data Scientist | 3,000 – 4,500 |
| DevOps Engineer | 3,500 – 5,200 |
Skilled IT professionals are among the highest-paid workers in the country.
2. Engineering & Manufacturing
Slovenia is a strong engineering and manufacturing hub, especially in automotive, mechanical engineering, and pharmaceuticals.
| Engineering Role | Average Salary (€ / month) |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer | 2,400 – 3,500 |
| Electrical Engineer | 2,600 – 3,800 |
| Process Engineer | 2,500 – 4,000 |
| Production Manager | 3,200 – 5,000 |
Demand for engineers continues to exceed supply, boosting salaries.
3. Healthcare
Healthcare wages have grown steadily due to staffing shortages and increased investments in hospital modernization.
| Healthcare Role | Average Salary (€ / month) |
|---|---|
| Nurse | 1,600 – 2,300 |
| Pharmacist | 1,900 – 2,800 |
| General Practitioner | 4,000 – 6,500 |
| Specialist Doctor | 5,000 – 8,000 |
Medical professionals remain among the highest earners in Slovenia.
4. Finance, Banking, & Insurance
The financial sector offers competitive salaries, especially for roles requiring analytical or data-driven expertise.
| Finance Role | Average Salary (€ / month) |
|---|---|
| Accountant | 1,700 – 2,500 |
| Financial Analyst | 2,300 – 3,500 |
| Risk Manager | 3,200 – 5,000 |
| Banking Advisor | 1,800 – 2,700 |
Financial services are especially strong in Ljubljana, the business center of Slovenia.
5. Education Sector
Education salaries remain modest compared to private-sector wages.
| Education Role | Average Salary (€ / month) |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teacher | 1,200 – 1,600 |
| Primary School Teacher | 1,300 – 1,800 |
| Secondary Teacher | 1,500 – 2,200 |
| University Lecturer | 2,000 – 3,200 |
Public institutions follow government salary guidelines.
6. Tourism & Hospitality
A vital sector for Slovenia, especially in places like Ljubljana, Lake Bled, and the Adriatic coast.
| Role | Average Salary (€ / month) |
|---|---|
| Hotel Receptionist | 1,300 – 1,900 |
| Waiter/Waitress | 1,100 – 1,600 |
| Chef | 1,600 – 2,400 |
| Tour Guide | 1,500 – 2,200 |
Seasonal demand can temporarily increase wages.
Regional Salary Differences in Slovenia (2026)
1. Ljubljana – The Highest Paying Region
- Average: €2,300 – €2,800
- Strong in finance, IT, and government administration
2. Maribor
- Average: €1,800 – €2,300
- Known for manufacturing and logistics
3. Koper / Coastal–Karst Region
- Average: €1,900 – €2,400
- Strong in tourism, trade, and maritime transport
4. Central & Eastern Regions
- Average: €1,600 – €2,000
- Lower cost of living and lower salary ranges
Ljubljana remains the leader in both job availability and salary competitiveness.
Cost of Living in Slovenia 2026
Slovenia maintains a moderate cost of living relative to Western Europe, though prices are rising in urban centers.
Housing
- Ljubljana (1-bedroom apartment): €700 – €1,100
- Mid-sized cities: €500 – €850
- Rural areas: €350 – €600
Groceries & Essentials
- Comparable to Central European countries
- Increasing slightly due to inflation
Transportation
- Affordable public transport
- Car ownership adds significant monthly costs
Overall cost-of-living index: Moderate
Salaries comfortably support living expenses, especially outside the capital.
Top-Paying Jobs in Slovenia 2026
- Medical Specialists – €5,000 – €8,000+
- IT Directors & Software Architects – €4,500 – €7,000
- Engineering Managers – €4,000 – €6,000
- Finance Executives & Controllers – €4,000 – €6,500
- Pharmaceutical Researchers – €3,500 – €5,500
- Cybersecurity Experts – €3,500 – €5,000
Leadership and technical expertise are the top income drivers.
Employment & Wage Trends for 2026
Key trends shaping Slovenia’s 2026 labor market:
- Rising wages due to labor shortages
- Strong growth in digital and green technology fields
- Increased foreign hiring in IT and engineering
- Expansion of hybrid and remote work models
- Growing investment in transport and infrastructure
High-demand fields are experiencing the fastest wage increases.
Conclusion
Salaries in Slovenia in 2026 reflect a strong and evolving job market powered by innovation, competitive industries, and a growing demand for skilled professionals. While wages vary widely by sector and region, workers in IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance continue to enjoy some of the highest earnings. With stable economic growth and increasing international investment, Slovenia offers a promising environment for both local and foreign workers.
FAQ: Salaries in Slovenia 2026
1. What is the average salary in Slovenia in 2026?
The average monthly salary is approximately €2,100 – €2,350 gross.
2. Which city has the highest salaries?
Ljubljana offers the highest wages and the most job opportunities.
3. What are the highest-paying jobs in Slovenia?
Medical specialists, IT directors, engineers, and finance executives.
4. Is Slovenia expensive to live in?
It has a moderate cost of living, with Ljubljana being the most expensive region.
5. Are wages rising in Slovenia?
Yes. Most sectors are experiencing steady wage growth due to skill shortages and economic expansion.