Why Average Salaries in Europe Matter to North American Employers

When hiring employees abroad, one of the first things employers want to check is the average annual salary in the country. However, as Europe is home to many countries, they find it challenging to navigate this complex terrain, as average wages vary significantly from one country to another. If you wonder how much and why the average salaries differ in Europe, here's a 2024 overview.

Why Average Salaries Matter for North American Companies?

The average salary is a statistical measure that represents typical salaries within a specific country, industry, or occupation over a specific period of time (usually annually). For the sake of this article, the average salaries are calculated based on the gross revenue that the average employee earns in 2024.

What Determines the Average Salary in Europe?

The average salary comes as an interplay of various factors that employers need to understand when considering hiring in Europe. Initially, the average salary amount differs by country and region, affected by their regulations and labour laws. Additionally, variations in average salaries in Europe can come from economic development and living standards, but also currency variations. It is also noteworthy that the salaries of the employees can be affected by the job title and the educational attainment of the employee; managers and directors are most likely to earn above the average wage presented in this blog.

It's essential to take these factors into account to understand the differences in the amounts and make informed compensation, recruitment, and talent management decisions.

Keep reading for the overview of average salary variations across European countries:

Average Gross Salary in 2024

Table description: The dollar’s weakening trend in 2025 increases American exporters’ price competitiveness in Europe.

What Are the Advantages of an Employer of Record (EOR)?

Working with an Employer of Record (EOR) partner such as EuroDev lets your company hire employees in Europe without establishing a local entity, while staying fully compliant with tax and labour laws.
We handle payroll, benefits, and employment contracts so you can focus on growing your European operations.

• Curious how EOR compares to PEO? Read: PEO vs EOR: Choosing the Right HR Solution for Global Expansion

Final Thoughts 

Differences in average European salaries can significantly impact your hiring decisions. This complex landscape, however, can be successfully navigated with the right guidance and support.

EuroDev helps North American businesses expand to Europe with fully compliant HR and payroll outsourcing solutions.

Contact our HR experts to calculate your real cost of employment in the Netherlands.

Written by EuroDev HR Expert.

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, please note that HR policies and regulations can change frequently. It is recommended that you seek guidance from our HR consultants to ensure that the data presented here is current and accurate.

Source: OECD