Moving to Turkey
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Turkey Salary Guide
Average Salary in Turkey (2026)
Salary ranges by sector, the minimum wage, and why most expats are better off maintaining foreign income than switching to local Turkish employment.
Quick Answer
The average gross monthly salary in Turkey is approximately ₺30,000–40,000 (€780–1,050). The minimum wage is around ₺17,000–18,000/month (€450–480). Technology and finance pay the most. For expats, maintaining foreign income while living in Turkey is far more financially advantageous than working for a Turkish employer.
EUR Conversion Note
EUR equivalents use an approximate rate of ₺38/€1. The Turkish lira exchange rate fluctuates significantly. All EUR figures are indicative and may shift considerably.
Salary Ranges by Sector
Technology (software developer)
€800–2,100/mo
₺30,000–80,000/month gross
Highest growth sector; senior developers can earn significantly more
Finance / banking
€650–1,600/mo
₺25,000–60,000/month gross
Istanbul-concentrated; international banks pay at the higher end
Tourism / hospitality (management)
€520–1,200/mo
₺20,000–45,000/month gross
Seasonal; coastal cities dominant; tips supplement income
Teaching (private school)
€650–1,300/mo
₺25,000–50,000/month gross
International schools pay significantly more (€1,500–3,000+)
Healthcare (doctor)
€1,050–2,650/mo
₺40,000–100,000/month gross
Varies significantly between public and private sector
Retail / service
€450–650/mo
₺17,000–25,000/month gross
Near minimum wage; most common employment category
Engineering
€650–1,450/mo
₺25,000–55,000/month gross
Wide variation by specialisation and seniority
Marketing / communications
€520–1,200/mo
₺20,000–45,000/month gross
Istanbul-skewed; digital roles growing rapidly
The Remote Work Advantage
A software developer in Turkey earns €800–2,100/month for a local employer. The same developer working remotely for a European or US employer earns €3,000–6,000/month in the same role.
This income arbitrage — earning a Western salary while living at Turkish cost levels — is the core financial appeal of Turkey for expat remote workers. A €3,000/month remote salary in Antalya has roughly the same lifestyle purchasing power as €7,000–8,000 in London or Amsterdam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in Turkey?
The average gross monthly salary in Turkey is approximately ₺30,000–40,000 (€780–1,050 at 2026 exchange rates). This masks wide variation: Istanbul professionals earn 2–3x the national average, while rural and service sector workers earn near the minimum wage. Turkey's minimum wage is set twice yearly by the government.
What is the minimum wage in Turkey?
Turkey's minimum wage (asgari ücret) is adjusted by the government, typically twice per year to account for inflation. As of 2026, the net minimum wage is approximately ₺17,000–18,000/month (around €450–480). It has increased significantly in recent years due to high inflation.
How do Turkish salaries compare for expats?
Most expats working for foreign employers remotely earn significantly more than local Turkish salaries — a key advantage of remote work in Turkey. Local Turkish employment salaries are modest by Western European standards. Working for a Turkish company typically means accepting Turkish salary levels, which are lower than European equivalents.
Is it worth working locally for a Turkish company?
For most Western expats, working for a Turkish employer means accepting significantly lower salaries than back home. The advantage is Turkish work permit sponsorship and legal status. Many expats choose to maintain their foreign employment (remote work) rather than switch to local contracts, as the income differential is substantial.
How has Turkish salary purchasing power changed?
Turkish salaries in lira have increased substantially in recent years, but high inflation has eroded purchasing power in local goods and services. For local TRY-denominated expenses (restaurants, transport, Turkish supermarkets), salary increases have partly kept pace. For EUR/USD-denominated expenses (rent in expat areas, imports, travel), TRY wages have lost significant purchasing power.