Hungarian salary rankings: these professions have seen the most significant pay rises in recent years

Over the past few years, wages in Hungary have increased substantially. However, according to the Hungarian salary rankings based on 2024 data, the pace of pay rises varies considerably by profession. This is not only noticeable among average employees, but also particularly affects the highest-paid occupations, such as healthcare workers and politicians.

According to HVG’s 2024 data, the list of the best-paid professions has remained relatively stable in recent years, but the rate of salary growth has differed by occupation. In some cases, gross wages have even doubled within five years.

Who earned the most in 2024?

Topping the Hungarian salary rankings are air traffic controllers and pilots, whose salaries have risen at a pace well above inflation and average earnings. In their case, monthly gross pay exceeded HUF 3.4 million and 3.1 million respectively in 2024. The salaries of politicians, ministers and state secretaries have also increased steadily, and by 2024 they held third place on the Hungarian salary ranking, with an average of HUF 2.2 million per month.

Detailed statistics show that between 2019 and 2024 the most significant pay rises were achieved in healthcare professions. Specialist doctors recorded an increase of 182%, general practitioners 227%, and obstetricians-gynaecologists 140%, placing them at the top of the Hungarian salary rankings. Ship captains, flight attendants and psychologists also feature among the professions with the highest growth rates. This trend clearly shows that pay rises are not limited to healthcare, politics or aviation, but are becoming an increasingly important factor for workers in other critical professions as well.

In 2019, the average gross salary in Hungary was close to HUF 360,000, while by 2024 this figure had risen to HUF 647,000, representing an increase of around 80%.

• Remarkable: Hungarian salary growth above inflation

Politicians and ministers at the top of the Hungarian salary rankings

Politicians’ salaries have been among the highest for years, and further expected increases may strengthen their position even more. From March, the basic salary of Members of Parliament may rise by HUF 180,000, which is a significant increase compared to average employee wage growth, as the average gross pay rise is around HUF 70,000. In recent years, politicians’ salaries have grown to three times the national gross average, meaning that by 2026 MPs could earn a basic monthly salary of up to HUF 2.18 million, while parliamentary group leaders could earn as much as HUF 4.36 million.

MPs’ salaries are automatically adjusted in line with the previous year’s average gross wage, so no separate legislation is required each year to implement the increase. The basic parliamentary salary is set at three times the previous year’s gross average, and with additional roles – such as committee membership or leadership positions – the total remuneration can even double. For example, Speaker of Parliament László Kövér’s salary could rise to HUF 5.89 million in March, while President Tamás Sulyok may earn HUF 6.48 million per month.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s salary is also based on the basic MP salary, supplemented by prime ministerial allowances, meaning the total could exceed HUF 8 million if he remains in office following a Fidesz victory. By contrast, average Hungarian workers are expected to receive a gross pay rise of around HUF 70,000 next year, while the minimum wage will increase to HUF 322,800.

Pay rise trends in recent years not only highlight income disparities, but also reflect demand for critical professions and their social recognition. Alongside the outstanding salaries of politicians and aviation professionals, the continued growth in healthcare wages also underlines that in certain fields the value of labour is increasingly expressed through financial recognition as well.