Gross wages rose across Lithuania, but regional gaps remained wide

Gross wages rose in every region and municipality of Lithuania during the second quarter, but the country’s pay map remained sharply uneven.

The average gross salary in the capital region reached 2,879.7 euros, up 2.6% from the first quarter. In central and western Lithuania, the average was 2,425.7 euros after a 3.3% quarterly increase. The difference between the two regions stood at 454 euros.

Vilnius County had the highest average wage among counties, also at 2,879.7 euros. Marijampolė County recorded the lowest, at 2,140.8 euros, leaving a gap of nearly 739 euros. Wages increased fastest in Šiauliai County, where they rose 4.3%, followed by Utena at 3.9% and Panevėžys at 3.7%.

Every municipality also recorded wage growth. Visaginas posted the strongest quarterly increase, at 8.2%, while Mažeikiai District had the smallest, at 0.8%. Vilnius city’s average gross wage was 2,966.7 euros, more than 1,000 euros above Zarasai District’s 1,941 euros. Over the year, wages rose everywhere, with Kelmė District recording the fastest growth at 15.8% and Neringa the slowest at 4.6%.