A recent study by Insee reveals that average salaries in France are approximately double the minimum wage, with an hourly gross wage of 19.9 euros. Significant variations exist by profession and education, with managers earning 33.5 euros per hour compared to 14.6 euros for average employees. Educational attainment and industry also affect earnings, with the construction sector being the most profitable. Additionally, a gender pay gap persists, with women earning 13% less than men.
Average Earnings in France: Key Insights
How much do individuals in France earn? A recent study by Insee, released on March 12, reveals that both private and public sectors with over ten employees offer an average salary that stands at twice the minimum wage, based on the latest figures from 2022. According to Insee, “The average regular gross hourly wage is 19.9 euros, which is 9.1 euros higher than the minimum wage.” If apprentices are excluded, the average gross hourly wage rises to 20.3 euros.
Salary Variations by Profession and Education
As anticipated, salary disparities are notable across different professional categories. Managers boast an average earnings of 33.5 euros gross per hour, which is 129% higher than the average for employees, who earn around 14.6 euros. Workers in “intermediate” professions receive an average of 19.4 euros gross per hour, while those in lower-skilled roles earn approximately 14.3 euros.
Furthermore, educational attainment significantly influences earnings. Individuals holding a master’s degree earn 115% more than those with only a middle school diploma. The industry in which one works also plays a crucial role; for instance, salaries are typically higher in sectors like information and communication (28.9 euros) and financial services (28.7 euros), while those in accommodation and food services (14.3 euros) as well as administrative support services (15.2 euros) tend to earn less.
Additionally, the data indicates that salary varies with age and experience. The average gross hourly wage for those under 30 is 14 euros, while it jumps to 24.4 euros for employees over 60. When considering all factors including age, gender, education, and more, the construction industry emerges as the most lucrative sector in France, offering salaries that are 15% higher than those in retail, the reference point. Conversely, education ranks as the least lucrative sector, with salaries falling 18% below the retail average.
The gender pay gap remains a significant issue, with women earning a regular gross hourly wage of 18.4 euros in 2022—13% less than their male counterparts, who earn about 21.2 euros. This gap narrows to 8% when other factors are taken into account, which is largely due to the underrepresentation of women in managerial roles and their prevalence in lower-paying industries such as healthcare and domestic services.
In 2022, Insee found that one in two employees in France earns a gross hourly wage of no more than 16.4 euros, indicating a median salary that is 18% lower than the average. This statistic highlights the concentration of lower salaries within the workforce. In the broader Eurozone context, France ranks 10th, slightly above the European average but trailing behind Germany (18.9 euros), a common benchmark country for comparison.
Denmark leads the Eurozone in average earnings at 29.7 euros per hour, although Insee points out that social protections there are funded through income tax rather than employer contributions.