Average wage in North Macedonia: +80.87% under SDSM (2017–2024) and +18.11% under VMRO‑DPMNE (2024–2026); monthly rate ~0.72–0.73%
Compound monthly growth rates of the average net wage are almost identical (≈0.72–0.73%) despite higher nominal monthly gains after July 2024.
Official figures from the State Statistical Office show that the average monthly net wage in North Macedonia grew at almost the same compound monthly rate during two recent government periods: June 2017–May 2024 (SDSM-led government) and July 2024–June 2026 (VMRO‑DPMNE-led government).
The geometric (compound) monthly growth rates calculated for the two intervals are nearly identical, at roughly 0.72–0.73 percent per month.
In the first period of 84 months, from June 2017 to May 2024, the average net wage rose from 22,808 denars (about €371) to 41,252 denars (about €671). That represents a total increase of 18,444 denars, or 80.87 percent — an average nominal rise of around 222 denars per month and a compound monthly growth rate of about 0.72 percent.
Two-year span shows faster nominal gains but similar relative pace
In the second period, covering 24 months from July 2024 to June 2026, the average net wage increased from 40,961 denars (about €666) to 48,381 denars (about €787). This is a nominal rise of 7,420 denars, or 18.11 percent overall. The average nominal monthly increase in that span is roughly 323 denars, while the relative (percentage) monthly growth remains close to 0.73 percent.
The larger nominal monthly increment in 2024–2026 compared with 2017–2024 mainly reflects a higher starting wage level, adjustments tied to inflation and changes in the statutory minimum wage, rather than a substantially faster percentage growth rate.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski insisted in a TV appearance this week that wages have grown “70% more” under his government. He argued that comparing 84 months of the previous SDSM–DUI administration (June 2017–May 2024) with the 23 months from July 2024 to May 2026 shows a 70 percent higher increase in the average wage under the current government. “Those are numbers. You cannot falsify these numbers,” he said.
Photo: press material from the event
