Understanding the labor market in Turkey is essential for both employers and job seekers, especially when it comes to salary expectations and minimum wage standards. Whether you’re a foreign company looking to hire locally or a professional considering a move to Turkey, knowing how salaries are structured and what is legally required will help you make informed decisions.
In this guide, we will explore the 2025 minimum wage in Turkey, discuss salary expectations across industries, and explain cost of living and negotiation tips for employers and employees.
1. What Is the Minimum Wage in Turkey in 2025?
Current Minimum Wage (As of July 2025)
As of July 2025, the gross monthly minimum wage in Turkey is:
- Gross salary: 20,002.50 TRY
- Net salary (after tax and deductions): approximately 17,002 TRY
- Employer’s total cost: approximately 23,600 TRY
This wage applies to full-time employees (45 hours/week) and is set by the Minimum Wage Determination Commission under the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security. The wage is typically reviewed twice a year — in January and July — to keep up with inflation.
What’s Included in the Minimum Wage?
The gross minimum wage includes:
- Basic salary
- Social security and health insurance contributions
- Income tax and stamp tax deductions
Any additional benefits such as meal vouchers, transport allowance, or bonuses are considered extras and not included in the minimum wage calculation.
2. Legal Framework and Employer Obligations
Mandatory Payments and Contributions
Employers must comply with:
- Social Security (SGK): approx. 15% deducted from the employee, 22.5% paid by the employer
- Income tax: progressive rates starting from 15%
- Stamp tax: 0.759% of gross salary
Employers who fail to pay at least the legal minimum wage face penalties, including fines and reputational damage.
Who Is Covered by the Minimum Wage?
The minimum wage applies to:
- Turkish citizens
- Foreign nationals with valid work permits
- Employees of all ages, unless covered by special apprenticeship or internship programs
3. Average Salary in Turkey by Industry (2025)
While the minimum wage is standardized, actual salaries vary greatly depending on the sector, experience level, and location.
| Industry | Average Gross Monthly Salary (TRY) |
|---|---|
| IT and Software | 45,000 – 80,000 |
| Finance and Banking | 35,000 – 60,000 |
| Engineering | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Manufacturing | 25,000 – 40,000 |
| Healthcare | 28,000 – 55,000 |
| Retail and Hospitality | 20,000 – 28,000 |
| Customer Service / BPO | 18,000 – 25,000 |
| Legal | 40,000 – 70,000 |
| Education (Private Sector) | 22,000 – 35,000 |
Note: These are gross salaries for mid-level professionals in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Salaries can be 20–30% lower in smaller cities or rural areas.
4. Cost of Living and Salary Expectations
Understanding cost of living is critical for assessing whether a salary offer is fair.
Estimated Monthly Costs in Istanbul (2025)
- Rent (1-bedroom city center): 18,000–25,000 TRY
- Utilities & Internet: 2,000–3,000 TRY
- Food & groceries: 5,000–8,000 TRY
- Transportation: 1,500–2,000 TRY
- Leisure and other: 3,000+ TRY
A comfortable standard of living in Istanbul often requires a net salary of at least 35,000–40,000 TRY, especially for expatriates or skilled professionals.
5. Salary Negotiation Tips for Employers and Job Seekers
For Employers
- Benchmark salaries: Use platforms like Kariyer.net or Glassdoor to understand current salary trends.
- Offer benefits: Health insurance, remote work, or meal vouchers can boost perceived value.
- Be transparent: Break down gross vs net salary during negotiations to avoid confusion.
For Employees
- Know your worth: Research industry standards before interviews.
- Ask about net salary: In Turkey, taxes significantly affect take-home pay.
- Discuss benefits: Don’t overlook perks like insurance, training, or bonuses.
6. Regional Differences in Salary
Salaries are generally higher in major metropolitan areas due to higher costs of living and more competitive job markets.
| City | Average Net Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Istanbul | 35,000 – 60,000 TRY |
| Ankara | 30,000 – 50,000 TRY |
| Izmir | 28,000 – 45,000 TRY |
| Bursa / Antalya | 24,000 – 38,000 TRY |
| Eastern Turkey | 20,000 – 30,000 TRY |
Remote roles are becoming more common, but employers may still adjust compensation based on location.
7. Minimum Wage Trends Over Time
Turkey has experienced rapid inflation in recent years, which has affected wage levels. To maintain purchasing power, the government has increased the minimum wage multiple times.
| Year | Gross Minimum Wage (TRY) | Net Minimum Wage (TRY) |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,577 | 2,825 |
| 2023 | 10,008 | 8,506 |
| Jan 2025 | 17,002 | ~14,500 |
| Jul 2025 | 20,002 | ~17,002 |
This trend is expected to continue as the government attempts to match wage growth with inflation and currency fluctuations.
8. Expat and Foreign Worker Salaries in Turkey
Foreign employees, especially in specialized or executive roles, often earn higher salaries than local counterparts.
Typical Expat Packages Include:
- Higher base salary
- Housing allowance
- International health insurance
- School fees for children
- Relocation support
However, Turkish law requires that foreign nationals earn a salary at or above the local industry average, especially when sponsored by a Turkish company for a work permit.
9. Payroll and Payslip Requirements
Turkish employers must:
- Pay salaries monthly
- Deduct and remit all taxes and contributions
- Issue a payslip (“maaş bordrosu”) detailing gross and net amounts
Payslips must include:
- Salary period
- Deductions (SGK, income tax, stamp tax)
- Bonuses or additional compensation
- Final net payment
Payslip transparency is legally required and important for employee trust.
10. Salary Clarity Is Key in the Turkish Job Market
Navigating the salary landscape in Turkey requires a good understanding of the minimum wage laws, industry-specific salary expectations, and cost of living. For businesses hiring in Turkey, offering competitive and compliant compensation packages is essential for attracting and retaining talent. For job seekers, knowing what to expect—and how to negotiate—can make a significant difference in job satisfaction and financial well-being.
Looking to hire talent or understand payroll in Turkey?
Contact us for expert support in local HR compliance, salary benchmarking, and payroll management.
