Easy money? These are the most overpaid jobs in Hungary

In some cases, one may not need an exceptional salary for others to perceive them as being overpaid for their role.

The mean gross monthly salary for a full-time employee stood at 571,182 forints (EUR 1,440) in Hungary last year. Nonetheless, there are considerable disparities in earnings based on one’s profession. For instance, Pénzcentrum writes that while a general practitioner received around HUF 1.3 million ( EUR 3,284) gross monthly income, a high school teacher earned 550 thousand forints (EUR 1,389) per month, a social worker averaged 412 thousand (EUR 1,040) and a shop assistant brought in an average gross monthly income of 369 thousand forints (EUR 932).

However, the Pénzcentrum report emphasises that perceptions regarding whether a career is overpaid are not solely determined by individuals’ actual incomes. In reality, the societal value attached to certain professions is equally important: if a profession is deemed crucial for the community, it justifies higher salaries. Consequently, demonstrations or strikes drawing attention to labourers’ working conditions can positively impact public perception and subsequently the remuneration for these roles.

As we previously reported, earlier this year, trade unions representing Hungarian national bus and railway employees went on strike, culminating in a three-year wage agreement guaranteeing at least a 28.4 percent increase in wages, along with a legal commitment to above-inflation wage hikes in the future.

Similar efforts have been undertaken by educators protesting their inadequate salaries. For instance, as we reported earlier this month, the average gross salary of an assistant professor at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, who holds a Ph.D. or higher, is HUF 366,600 (approximately 926 Euros). Salaries for elementary and high school teachers are similarly low, prompting educators across both primary and higher education sectors to advocate for uniform pay raises in the near term.

What professions do Hungarians value?

Pénzcentrum differentiated between two categories: highly recognised professions and jobs that are socially significant.

Initially, they discovered that Hungarians regard lawyers, doctors, programmers, engineers and bankers as the most esteemed professionals. These top five positions remained consistent in their 2021 and 2023 surveys. Conversely, those engaged in the public works scheme, librarians, social workers and postal workers were perceived as the least acknowledged.

Secondly, respondents were asked to evaluate the actual societal importance of these professions. Topping this list were doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers and kindergarten teachers, while at the bottom were priests, local representatives, public works scheme employees, marketing specialists and beauticians.

People’s perception of overpaid jobs

In light of these findings, the figures provided by Pénzcentrum regarding over- and underpaid jobs are quite evident. Survey respondents deemed bankers, government representatives, lawyers, marketing specialists and priests as overpaid. On the other hand, nurses, social workers, teachers, kindergarten teachers and public works scheme employees were thought to be underpaid.

However, Pénzcentrum also underscores that while many of these supposedly overpaid roles fall within the top salary bracket, some may receive average or even below-average paycheques. For instance, a banker’s average gross salary can range from 570 thousand (EUR 1,440) to 1.6 million forints (EUR 4,040). Conversely, the average salary for a full-time employed lawyer (as opposed to one working as an entrepreneur) is approximately 369 thousand HUF (EUR 932). Notaries, legal advisers and prosecutors, however, may earn anywhere from 624 thousand (EUR 1,576) to 1.2 million forints (EUR 3,031) gross monthly.

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Source: Pénzcentrum