Understanding market competitive salaries is crucial for both employers and employees in Romania. A competitive salary attracts and retains top talent, while an under-market salary can lead to high turnover and difficulty attracting qualified candidates.

Factors Influencing Market Competitive Salaries

Several factors influence what constitutes a competitive salary in Romania:

• Industry: Salaries vary significantly across industries. IT, finance, and pharmaceuticals typically offer higher salaries compared to retail, hospitality, and education.
• Experience: Employees with more experience and proven track records can command higher salaries.
• Education and Qualifications: A higher level of education and specialized qualifications often translate to a higher salary.
• Location: Salaries tend to be higher in Bucharest, the capital city, and other major urban centers compared to rural areas.
• Company Size: Larger, multinational companies often offer higher salaries and benefits packages compared to smaller, local companies.

Determining Market Competitive Salaries

There are several ways to determine market competitive salaries in Romania:

• Salary Surveys: Websites provide salary data based on job titles, locations, and experience levels.
• Recruitment Agencies: Reputable recruitment agencies stay updated on current salary trends and can provide valuable insights for specific positions.
• Government Statistics: The National Institute of Statistics (INS) publishes data on average wages in Romania.

Considering all these factors when determining a competitive salary in Romania is important. By using a combination of resources and staying informed about current salary trends, you can ensure you are offering or requesting fair compensation.

The minimum wage in Romania is the lowest amount of monthly or hourly remuneration that employers are legally obligated to pay their workers. The regulations are outlined in the Labor Code and government decisions, with adjustments made periodically to reflect economic changes and living standards.

Minimum Wage Levels (as of October 1, 2023)

Romania has two minimum wage levels depending on the sector:

• General minimum wage: This applies to unqualified workers in most sectors. The current minimum gross monthly wage is RON 3,300 (approximately €670). This translates to a minimum gross hourly wage of approximately RON 19.60 for a standard 167.33-hour work month.

• Minimum wage in construction: Construction workers are entitled to a higher minimum wage. The current minimum gross monthly wage for construction workers is RON 4,582 (approximately €924). This translates to a minimum gross hourly wage of approximately RON 27.35 for a standard 167.33-hour work month.

• Important Note: These are the minimum gross wages before taxes and social security contributions are deducted.

Determining Minimum Wage

The Romanian Government sets the minimum wage after consulting with trade unions and employer organizations. Collective bargaining agreements can also establish minimum wages within a sector, provided they are not lower than the national minimum wage.

Payment Requirements

• Currency: Employers must pay salaries in Romanian Lei (RON).
• Frequency: Payments typically occur monthly.
• Payday: Salaries are usually paid between the last working day of the current month and the 15th of the following month.

In Romania, employers offer a variety of bonuses and allowances to attract and retain talent, which can significantly impact an employee's total compensation package.

Mandatory Benefits

Romania mandates some benefits by law, providing a baseline level of security and social protection for employees. These include:

• Social Security Contributions: Employers and employees contribute towards a social security system that provides benefits like pensions, unemployment benefits, healthcare, and parental leave.

• Paid Time Off: Employees are legally entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid annual leave per year, with additional days for marriage, childbirth, and other events.

Common Bonuses and Allowances

On top of mandatory benefits, many Romanian companies offer additional perks to enhance their compensation packages. Here are some widely used options:

• Performance Bonuses: Companies may tie bonuses to individual or company performance metrics, rewarding employees for exceeding goals.

• Holiday Bonuses: Many employers provide bonuses around major holidays like Christmas and Easter.

• Meal Vouchers: Meal vouchers are a popular benefit, offering employees a tax-efficient way to purchase meals at restaurants or supermarkets. The value can vary depending on the company.

• Transportation Allowances: To offset commuting costs, companies might offer allowances for public transportation, company buses, fuel, or parking.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Modern companies often provide flexible work options like remote work or flex hours, enhancing employee work-life balance.

• Health Insurance: While Romania has a universal healthcare system, some companies might offer supplemental private health insurance for added coverage.

• Professional Development: Companies may invest in their employees' growth by offering training programs, conference attendance, or educational stipends.

• Company Car: This benefit is typically offered to high-performing employees, management, or those in sales positions requiring frequent travel.

This list is not exhaustive, and the specific benefits offered will vary depending on the company, industry, and employee position.

Romania adheres to a monthly payroll cycle, with mandated monthly payments to employees. The specific pay date within the month is typically outlined in the individual employment agreement, but most commonly falls on the last working day of the month or the beginning of the following month.

Frequency and Timing

Romanian law dictates a minimum frequency of one payment per month. Monthly payments with disbursement on the last working day or the beginning of the following month is the standard practice.

Payment Methods

Salary payments must be made in the local currency, Romanian Leu (RON). Both bank transfers and cash payments are legal and commonly used.

Payslips

There's no legal obligation for employers to provide payslips. However, issuing payslips (either paper or digital) is a prevalent practice to ensure transparency with employees.

It's important to stay updated on any changes to Romanian employment and payroll regulations. Consulting with a financial or legal professional specializing in Romanian employment law is recommended for the most current information.