The average gross monthly salary per employee in Portugal increased in the second quarter of 2025, according to the Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE). A report released on 14th August, which covers 4.8 million jobs, provides a detailed picture of the nation's wage landscape, revealing significant variations across different sectors of the economy.
What is the average salary in Portugal for 2025?
The INE's figures show that the total gross monthly earnings per employee rose by 6%, from €1,643 in June 2024 to €1,741 in 2025. The regular monthly earnings, which exclude seasonal bonuses like Christmas and holiday allowances, reached €1,368.
The data indicate that wage increases were widespread across most areas of the economy, with notable growth in the public sector (7.3%) and in high-technology service enterprises (6.9%).
Average salary in Portugal by economic sector
A closer look at the data reveals a wide gap in average earnings depending on the industry. The highest average total earnings were recorded in the electricity and gas sector, where employees earned an average of €3,869 per month.
At the other end of the scale, the agriculture, farming of animals, and forestry sector registered the lowest average total earnings at €1,080 per month, with a base salary of €892.
The official Portuguese minimum wage for 2025
As of the first day of 2025, the official gross national minimum wage in mainland Portugal was set at €870 per month. This new figure represents a 6.1% increase over the wage in 2024, marking one of the most significant rises recorded in the country in recent years.
What is considered a good salary in Portugal?
Defining a "good salary" in Portugal depends heavily on location and lifestyle. However, with the average gross monthly salary recorded at €1,741 as of 2025, an income must comfortably exceed this figure to allow for savings and extra spending beyond basic living costs.
How much you need to live comfortably in Portugal varies significantly across the country. In major urban centres like Lisbon and Porto, where housing and daily expenses are considerably higher, a salary that feels substantial in a smaller city may only just suffice. For instance, an income of €1,500 per month, while well above the minimum wage, now falls below the national average and would require careful budgeting in the capital.
Conversely, a monthly salary of around €3,000 is considered a very good income. This level of earnings affords a comfortable lifestyle, including leisure, travel, and the ability to save, even within Portugal’s more expensive cities.
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