Open Data Albania is investigating the level of the minimum wage in the country, the Balkans and in Europe. The minimum wage is the lowest wage that is required to be implemented by every employer, local or foreigner. The minimum wage is determined with a Decision of the Council of Ministers upon the proposal of the Minister of Labor. Minimum wage nationwide is currently 22,000 ALL. This salary is given for 174 hours per month performed during normal working hours. (Decision no. 573, dated 07.03.2013)
 
Compared with countries in the region, our country is ranked last after Kosovo. The Balkan?s newest county applies a special minimum wage, based on the employee’s age. Under the age of 35 years, the minimum wage is 130 euro/month, while for the age of 35-65 year: the minimum wage is 170 euro/month. Another difference is made by Macedonia, where the minimum wage in this country is placed according to the employment sector, where the minimum wage is 178 euro/ month.

Source: Eurostat, the Institute of statistics of the respective countries
Processing and comments: ODA

European countries apply higher minimum wage compared to the Balkans region and our country. Compared to these countries, Albania is ranked again among the last. The highest minimum wage is applied by Luxembourg, which reaches 1,921 euro/month. Ranked next there are Belgium, Ireland, France, Great Britain. Germany applies the minimum wage by sector, and the lowest fee reaches 7 Euro/hour for 48 hours a week. Among the countries with the lowest minimum wage, which does not exceed 200 Euro / Month are ranked Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Romania. While in Italy, Denmark, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and Norway the official minimum wage is not applied.


Source: Eurostat, the Institute of statistics of the respective countries
Processing and comments: ODA

Comments and Analysis: Open Data Albania
Contributed by: Ina Baja