In January 2026, the gross average wage of full-time employees in Hungary was HUF 840,600, while the net average wage reached HUF 585,700. Compared to the same period last year, the gross average wage increased by 26.3%, the net average wage by 28.0%, and the real wage by 25.4%, according to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) on Tuesday.
The sharp rise in average wages was largely due to a one-off six-month service allowance (so-called “weapon money”) for professional personnel in defense and law enforcement. This particular payment accounted for 18.0 percentage points of the increase in gross average wages. The growth in net wages exceeded that of gross wages, partly thanks to expanded family tax allowances and additional benefits for mothers.
The median gross wage was HUF 598,700, while the median net wage reached HUF 420,200, marking increases of 11.0% and 12.5%, respectively, compared to January 2025.
Excluding the one-off military allowance, the gross average wage grew by 8.3%. This allowance primarily influenced the gross wage growth in public administration and defense sectors.
The growth in net wages was further supported by several tax measures:
- Higher family tax allowances introduced from July 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026,
- Income tax exemptions for mothers raising three children from October 1, 2025,
- Income tax exemptions for mothers under 40 raising two children from January 1, 2026,
- Expanded tax benefits for mothers under 30.
The regular gross average wage (excluding bonuses, rewards, or one-off payments) was HUF 694,700, a 9.4% increase compared to the previous year. By sector, regular gross wages were:
- HUF 683,800 in businesses (+8.4%),
- HUF 720,400 in the public sector (+12.8%),
- HUF 726,800 in the nonprofit sector (+9.0%).
Real wages increased by 25.4%, alongside a 2.1% rise in consumer prices. Excluding the effect of the military allowance, the estimated real wage growth was 8.1%, KSH noted.
(MTI)
