Butorović: Salaries doubled and record-low unemployment – Montenegro five years later

Unemployment in Montenegro is at a historic low. Salaries are at a historic high. This is the picture of the labour market and wage system five years after the change of government.

Looking back at 2019, the labour market was far less favourable than it is today.

At that time, the minimum wage amounted to just €193, and in July 2019 it was raised to €222. The average net salary in Montenegro ranged between €510 and €520. Workers’ rights, although formally guaranteed on paper, were often disregarded in practice. It was not so long ago that many worked for minimum wage without paid overtime, without the right to weekly and annual leave being respected, and often without contributions or insurance.

Today, in September 2025, the situation is significantly different.

The unemployment rate stands at 9.03%, compared to 11.07% a year ago. This means that unemployment has decreased by more than 5,000 people in the past year. Particularly notable is that more than 7,400 people have been employed through the Employment Agency this year alone, confirming that the labour market is functioning actively and transparently.

The key difference, however, lies not only in the numbers. Today, workers enter employment relationships with far stronger protection of their rights – from paid overtime, to more secure contracts, to guaranteed rest periods.

The minimum wage is now significantly higher than in 2019. According to MONSTAT data for May 2025, the average net salary in Montenegro is €1,014, while the gross average salary is around €1,208. This means that average wages have increased by almost €500 compared to 2019.

Still, challenges remain. Almost two-thirds of unemployed persons registered at the Employment Agency have been seeking work for more than three years, with women making up the majority. This is an area that requires additional focus.

Nonetheless, the progress compared to just five or six years ago is indisputable: wages are higher, rights are real, and workers are no longer left to the arbitrary will of employers.

Overall, progress is clear – not only in statistics, but also in the everyday lives of citizens. Today, individuals in Montenegro have jobs that guarantee dignity and open new perspectives – the greatest asset a country can have.