Turkey Ranks Among the Lowest in Europe for Net Earnings

According to a Euronews report based on Eurostat data, Turkey ranks near the bottom among European countries in terms of net earnings. As of 2024, the average annual net income in Turkey stands at €11,440—well below the European Union (EU) average of €29,573. Turkey is positioned just above Bulgaria, which has the lowest net income at €11,074. In terms of net income, Turkey is comparable to several Eastern European countries.

The highest net earnings are found in Northern and Western Europe. Switzerland, a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), tops the list with an annual average net income of €85,631. It is followed by Iceland at €57,573 and Luxembourg at €50,410—the highest among EU member states. These countries are followed by the Netherlands, Ireland, Norway, and Germany. On the other hand, countries such as Italy (€24,797), Spain (€24,571), and Greece (€18,709) fall below the EU average, as do Eastern European nations like Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary.

Net income levels are significantly influenced by tax rates, social security contributions, and family-related government support. These factors can notably increase net earnings for married individuals and families with children. Across the EU, households with children typically have higher net incomes compared to single individuals without children. For instance, a single-income household with two children earns around €35,656 annually, whereas a childless single person earns €29,573. This gap is primarily due to tax breaks and family benefits.

No difference in net income between childless households and those with children

Turkey, however, stands out as an exception. In Turkey, there is virtually no difference in net income between childless households and those with children. This highlights the country’s lack of comprehensive family support policies when compared to much of Europe. In contrast, countries such as Slovakia, Poland, Luxembourg, and Belgium provide significantly higher net incomes to families with children—up to 40% more than childless households.

When adjusted for purchasing power standards (PPS), income disparities between countries narrow somewhat, but inequality remains evident. While the nominal difference in net income between Luxembourg and Bulgaria exceeds 4.5 times, the gap drops to 2.4 times when adjusted for PPS. Nevertheless, a clear East-West divide persists, particularly affecting countries in Eastern Europe, the Baltics, and the Balkans.

In conclusion, Turkey ranks among the lowest in Europe in terms of both nominal and purchasing power-adjusted net income. Moreover, it significantly lags behind in terms of social welfare and family support policies. This highlights not only the low income levels in Turkey but also a notable deficiency in social policy infrastructure.