18.02.2025 11:22
In 2025, the net minimum wage in Turkey was set at 22,104 TL with a 30% increase, while the gross amount was determined to be 26,005 TL. Following this increase, Turkey's situation in Europe was re-evaluated. According to Eurostat data, Turkey fell behind many countries in Europe in terms of dollar-based minimum wage.
The European Statistical Office Eurostat has published comparison data among European countries based on current minimum wage figures. Accordingly, Turkey's minimum wage ranks sixth from the bottom in Europe, falling behind its neighboring country Greece.
THE HIGHEST MINIMUM WAGE IN EUROPE IS IN LUXEMBOURG
According to Eurostat data, Luxembourg has the highest minimum wage at 2,637 Euros. Turkey, with a gross minimum wage equivalent to 684.32 Euros based on the current exchange rate, ranks 22nd among 28 countries. The gross minimum wage is 2,070 Euros in Belgium, 2,161 Euros in Germany, 2,193 Euros in the Netherlands, 2,637 Euros in Luxembourg, 2,281 Euros in Ireland, and 1,000 Euros in South Cyprus.
PURCHASING POWER OF MINIMUM WAGE AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The proportion of minimum wage earners in Turkey is at a high level of 36.2%. Additionally, the average weekly working time is 45.5 hours, which is above the European average. Nevertheless, the value of the minimum wage in Euros lags behind many European countries. In industrial sub-sectors, particularly in the clothing sector, the proportion of workers earning minimum wage is at the highest level of 70.5%. This situation indicates the prevalence of minimum wage in certain sectors and the inequality in income distribution. Between 2016 and 2024, the increase in Turkey's minimum wage in Euro terms was only 6.8%. This low rate of increase has caused Turkey to drop from 12th to 21st place in the minimum wage ranking among 27 countries.