In the private sector men make 28 percent more than their female counterparts. The average monthly salary for men was 3,729 euros last year, while women’s pay failed to cross the 3,000 euro threshold at 2,913 euros. Back in 2008, the private sector gender gap was 31 percent.

Education is the main factor pulling up median monthly income. People with Master’s degrees earned 4,081 euros per month while those with basic school leaving certificates could expect to make 2,447 euros.

Surprising high earners

Hourly workers were paid an average 14.90 euros per hour last year. Paper and dock workers pulled down the heftiest hourly wages, earning more than 20 euros per hour.

Cleaners and security guards are at the bottom of the table, making 10–13 euros an hour for their efforts.