Average wages in Prague soar past CZK 62,000 monthly, highest in Czechia

Prague’s average monthly wage rose to CZK 62,307 in the second quarter of 2025, marking the highest in the country and a year-on-year increase in real wages of 5.7 percent after inflation, according to preliminary data from the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ).

The wage growth signals stronger purchasing power and potential opportunities in Prague’s job market, but disparities between regions mean salaries outside the city remain substantially lower. Higher wages may ease costs for housing, transportation, and healthcare, yet newcomers should still consider the city’s relatively high living expenses.

The overall number of employees in Prague increased by 2.9 percent year-on-year to roughly 830,000 people. Compared with the national average of CZK 49,402, Prague salaries are CZK 12,905 higher, underscoring the city’s economic dominance in Czechia. Karlovy Vary remains the lowest-paying region, with an average wage of CZK 41,944.

Nationally, the average wage rose 7.8 percent to CZK 49,402, with real growth of 5.3 percent after inflation. Analysts noted that this represents the strongest increase since early 2024, with wage growth accelerating across multiple sectors, including professional, scientific, and technical activities, which saw rises of up to 12.7 percent.

High-income sectors continue to drive the average, particularly information and communication, where salaries approached CZK 87,500, and finance and insurance, with around CZK 84,700. Meanwhile, lower-paying industries such as hospitality and administrative support saw averages of CZK 29,270 and CZK 35,300, respectively.

Economists caution that faster growth among higher earners means wage gains are not evenly distributed. “Realizable wage growth is benefiting high-income employees more, leaving two-thirds of the workforce below the average salary," notes Miroslav Novák, chief analyst at Citfin. "This limits overall household consumption despite rising wages.”

These disparities can affect cost-of-living decisions, from rental prices in central Prague to access to private healthcare or international schooling. While higher average wages support stronger spending power, many service-sector roles common among foreign workers remain well below the city average.

Government and municipal initiatives aim to address these imbalances, with programs targeting regional development and skills training. Analysts predict that wage growth may moderate in the coming quarters, though real wages are expected to rise around 4.5 percent for 2025 overall.

Czech wages mirror broader European trends, where urban centers typically outpace rural regions, reinforcing socio-economic gaps. Those planning relocation or contract negotiations should monitor sector-specific salaries, housing costs, and upcoming policy changes to maximize the benefits of Prague’s growing salaries.