The cities of Bucharest and Cluj top the salary rankings in Romania, with a net monthly income of 6,749 lei and 6,335 lei respectively, while at the opposite end, counties such as Vrancea, Valcea or Vaslui remain around the 4,000 lei net/month threshold, according to an analysis carried out by a Romanian HR provider.

Salaries in Romania in 2025 are following different trajectories: international HGV drivers earn between 9,000 and 15,000 lei net per month, while in the white-collar sector, top jobs reach up to approximately 35,000 lei net/month for senior/executive roles in IT and finance (AI/ML, CTO, Financial Director), the analysis conducted by Prohuman APT shows. Meanwhile, in several counties, the average salary remains around 4,000 lei net.

For example, Cluj and Bucharest lead the salary rankings, but the differences between regions and industries reveal a fragmented labour market in which demand for skilled labour clearly exceeds supply.

In technical trades without a university degree, incomes are high. More specifically, welders and CNC operators earn between 4,500 - 5,500 lei net/month, and electricians frequently reach 6,000-8,000 lei net/month, with variations depending on the city and industry. In the transport sector, international HGV drivers consistently earn around 9,000 lei net/month, and on more complex routes and projects can even reach 15,000 lei.

In the white-collar segment, competition is intense for AI specialists. An AI/ML Engineer typically earns between 15,000-25,000 lei net/month, and at the top end of the market, packages of up to 35,000 lei net/month appear for senior/executive roles such as CTO or Financial Director. At entry level, technology still dominates: a junior programmer earns 1,500-2,500 euros net/month, and a customer support agent who speaks Nordic languages in cities like Brasov starts from 6,500 lei and can rise to 9,000 lei net/month.

On average, the net salary in Bucharest is 6,749 lei, followed by Cluj (6,335 lei) and Timis (5,755 lei). At the opposite end, counties such as Vrancea, Valcea or Vaslui remain around the 4,000 lei net/month threshold. For the same roles, wage gaps can reach 30-40%, especially in IT, finance-accounting, and engineering.

'In 2025, there hasn't been a marked increase in salaries in specific industries, rather a slight, natural rise to somewhat offset inflation. Most companies maintained the annual salary increase, but without significant growth,' Recruitment Manager Ionela Borsan explained in a press release sent to AGERPRES.

Another sign of market tension is the recruitment duration, adds Bogdan Ragalie, Regional Manager at Prohuman APT. Previously, a blue-collar position could be filled in two weeks; today, we are talking about 4-6 weeks in cities like Brasov, and for technical or IT roles, the process often extends to 2-3 months, the quoted source maintains.

'In Bucharest, specialist roles can take up to 90 days to fill, due to increased requirements and more complex selection processes. At the same time, recruitment costs are rising in engineering, energy (including green energy), pharma, IT&C, and finance-accounting, due to the candidate shortage and the salary offers needed to attract and retain talent,' adds Ionela Borsan.

Additionally, Sorina Donisa, CEO of Prohuman APT, says that change is also being driven by the new generations.

'Young people reject rigid schedules and shifts, demanding predictability, autonomy, and real opportunities for growth. Employers who fail to adjust internal policies - working hours, selection, benefits - quickly lose access to suitable candidates. Transport and technology are driving salary brackets upwards, while healthcare and construction remain under pressure from staff shortages. The differences between Bucharest and Cluj on the one hand, and counties with minimum salaries on the other, confirm an uneven pace of development. In the race for highly qualified labour, the winners are the companies that combine competitive pay with flexibility, fast recruitment processes and stability,' says Sorina Donisa.

Founded in 1994, the company entered the top five HR providers in Romania in 2007. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: George Banciulea; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)