Salaries in Cyprus continued their upward trend in the first quarter of 2026, with average gross monthly earnings rising by 3.7% compared with the same period last year, according to preliminary data from the Statistical Service.
Average gross monthly earnings reached €2,601, up from €2,508 in the first quarter of 2025.
On a quarterly basis, seasonally adjusted average earnings also recorded an increase of 0.8% compared with the fourth quarter of 2025.
One in three workers earns below €1,500
Despite the rise in average earnings, the figures show that the overall average does not reflect the reality for a large proportion of employees.
Around 33.9% of employees receive gross monthly earnings below €1,500, while the largest salary category is between €1,500 and €2,999, covering 40.9% of workers.
Meanwhile, only 5.7% of employees earn €6,000 or more per month.
Gender pay differences remain
The data also highlights differences in earnings between men and women.
Men recorded average gross monthly earnings of €2,776, while women recorded €2,378.
However, women’s earnings increased at a faster annual rate, rising by 4.2% compared with a 3.3% increase for men.
Differences between Cypriot and non-Cypriot workers
The Statistical Service also noted differences based on nationality.
Cypriot employees are mainly concentrated in the €1,500 to €2,999 salary category, while non-Cypriot workers show a higher concentration in the category of earnings below €1,500.
Average monthly earnings are calculated by dividing total gross earnings before deductions for mandatory Social Insurance contributions by the total number of employees receiving those earnings.
The figures are based on data from Social Insurance Services records and include basic salary, cost-of-living allowance, overtime payments, holiday fund payments, allowances and retroactive payments.
Also read: Cyprus apartment prices climb as construction costs rise
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