What does the average Latvian actually earn? From €1,000 with two jobs to €3,000 with one
A social media discussion about salaries in Latvia has revealed vast gaps between industries and regions, confirmed by the latest state statistics. The average net wage is €1,401, but the median is only €1,168.
A discussion on the social network Threads, where people were asked to share their income, has shown just how differently a "normal salary" is perceived across Latvia. Some work two jobs just to make ends meet, while others live comfortably on a single income.
Several participants said they hold two jobs — partly because they enjoy the work, partly because a single income wouldn't cover housing, a car, or leisure. Teachers' experiences stood out as particularly harsh: one teacher with a master's degree reported a net salary of around €1,500, leaving about €1,000 after expenses. Another teacher, working part-time, said she earns just €6.40 per hour after tax.
Opposite examples also emerged — one family said the husband, working two jobs, brings home about €2,700 net, enough to maintain two cars and a rented apartment while his wife studies. The discussion also highlighted a stark gap between Riga and the regions, reaching €500–700 in certain professions.
What the statistics show
Data from the Central Statistical Bureau for the second quarter of 2026 shows the average gross wage in Latvia was €1,886, with the net average at €1,401. However, the median is lower — €1,527 gross and just €1,168 net — meaning half of all employees earn less than that.
Differences between sectors are substantial: the highest gross wages are in IT and telecommunications (€3,257), while the lowest are in hospitality and catering (€1,256). Regional disparity is also notable: the average gross wage in the Riga region is €2,068, compared to just €1,365 in Latgale — a 34% gap.
An informal poll on the social network, with over 4,000 respondents, found that 44% reported earnings between €1,100 and €1,700. While not representative, the poll — together with official data — confirms there is no single answer to what counts as a "good salary" in Latvia, as it depends heavily on industry, region, and family circumstances.
