How did the minimum wage increase in 30 years? - From 3 thousand to 50 thousand lek, from 1995 to 2026
The minimum wage in Albania has been one of the main instruments of social and economic policy over the past three decades. From 1995 to January 2026, it has been changed over 20 times, reflecting the country's economic transition, inflation, social pressure to increase incomes, and efforts to formalize the labor market.
In 1995, the minimum wage was first set at the national level at around 3,400 lek per month. The following year, it was increased to 4,400 lek, while after the 1997 crisis, in 1999, the minimum wage reached 6,380 lek, marking the resumption of official adjustments.
The period 2000–2006 was characterized by almost annual increases. From 7 thousand lek in 2000, the minimum wage reached 14 thousand lek in 2006, in an effort to track inflation and encourage real wage declaration.
The increases continued in the following years. In the period 2008–2013, the minimum wage gradually doubled, from 17 thousand to 22 thousand lekë. However, even after these increases, it remained among the lowest in Europe.
After a period of slowdown, the minimum wage increased again in 2017 to 24 thousand lekë and in 2019 to 26 thousand lekë, as a result of the increase in the cost of living.
A sharp turnaround was marked after the pandemic. In 2021, the minimum wage was increased to 30 thousand lek, to continue to 32 thousand in 2022. In 2023, it was initially increased to 34 thousand lek, while in April one of the largest historical increases was approved, bringing it to 40 thousand lek per month.
This level remained unchanged during 2024 and 2025. Meanwhile, according to the latest decision, from January 2026, the minimum wage in Albania will increase to 50 thousand lek per month, the highest level ever recorded.
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