More than half of Maltese workers worry feel they are underpaid, but less than EU average 

Almost two thirds of Maltese workers are concerned about not getting a fair salary based on their skills and experience. 

New figures released by Eurostat show that 67 per cent of the EU’s working population are worried about being underpaid, with the most concern illustrated in Southern European countries. 

Malta ranks below the EU average at 63 per cent. This is lower than its Southern neighbours of Portugal (86 per cent), Cyprus (86 per cent), Greece (85 per cent), Italy (84 per cent), Croatia (83 per cent), and Spain (81 per cent).

Breaking down Malta’s figure, the survey showed that the majority are “very worried” (38 per cent), while a quarter are fairly worried. Meanwhile, 22 per cent said they are not very worried about being fairly compensated, while 14 per cent were not at all worried. 

In general, geographical patterns emerge when examining the levels of worry. Nordic countries expressed less concern of being under-compensated. 

In fact, three Nordic countries and the Netherlands report the lowest worries about salary fairness: Denmark (19 per cent), Sweden (26 per cent), Netherlands (28 per cent), and Finland (34 per cent). These levels are significantly lower than the EU average, pointing to the population’s trust in social justice and equality. 

The Eurobarometer survey thereby illustrated huge differences in perspectives of good compensation, ranging from 19 per cent in Denmark to 86 per cent in Portugal and Cyprus. Malta stands slightly below the EU average, and above its Southern neighbours.

In Malta, the combined average salary for employees for Q4 2024 stood at €1,997, according to the latest Labour Force Survey published by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Employees in financial and insurance activities continued to command the highest wages, with average monthly salaries exceeding €2,777. However, workers in retail, transportation, accommodation, and food services saw only a marginal increase in pay, rising from €1,663 to €1,678 per month – a yearly increase of just €15.

Similarly, salaries in public administration, education, health, and social work registered a modest increase, going from €2,079 to €2,205 per month.

Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector saw wages increase by €125 per month, bringing the average salary to €1,801.

Beyond sectoral differences, the data also highlights a wage gap by job classification. While elementary occupations had an average salary of €1,239, managerial positions continued to offer significantly higher wages, averaging €3,170 per month.