In January, real wage growth was still maintained in most of the monthly monitored sectors

Wage growth adjusted for inflation was recorded in 6 out of 10 monthly monitored sectors. Employment decreased year-on-year in 4 sectors.

The average monthly wage¹⁾ in January 2026 increased year-on-year in 8 out of 10 monthly monitored sectors. Its development ranged from a decrease of 2.1% in sale and repair of motor vehicles to an increase of 6.6% in food and beverage service activities.

Real wage growth, i.e., after adjusting for the impact of inflation, was observed in 6 sectors, while 4 sectors experienced a decrease in purchasing power of wages. Real year-on-year changes ranged from -5.9% in sale and repair of motor vehicles to +2.5% in food and beverage service activities. Inflation-adjusted wage declines were also recorded in the sectors of information and communication (-4%), accommodation (-2.3%), and wholesale (-1.4%).

Employment development

Employment²⁾ in January 2026 was higher year-on-year in 6 out of 10 sectors monitored monthly. Accommodation saw the most significant increase by 8.8%. A decline was recorded in 4 sectors, with wholesale recording the largest decrease by 3.8%. Employment also decreased in retail trade, as well as in transportation and storage, and also in industry, with decreases up to 2.1%.