We all want a fair salary, but the reality of the Slovak job market can be tough. Some jobs, even though they are essential for society, pay very little. The website Platy.sk, which is part of the international platform Paylab, published a list of 20 jobs with the lowest average gross salaries in Slovakia over the last 12 months. This list includes not only support jobs but also positions in education, healthcare, and services.
Who Earns the Least?
At the very bottom of the list is the textile cutter with an average monthly gross salary of 1,010 euros. This is more than just a job with scissors: these specialists take measurements, advise on material choices, prepare patterns, cut clothing parts, and ensure they are ready for further processing.
The second lowest-paid job is gatekeeper or receptionist, who, according to the website, earns an average of 1,024 euros gross per month. Their duties include controlling access to buildings, providing information to visitors, handling phone calls, keeping visitor records, and issuing keys.
The third place is held by the cleaner with an average gross salary of 1,032 euros. Their work includes not only standard cleaning but also disinfecting rooms, washing windows, vacuuming carpets, and refilling hygiene supplies.
Other Jobs with Low Incomes
The top ten lowest-paid jobs also include:
- Kitchen support staff – 1,036 euros.
- Postal couriers – 1,077 euros.
- Sewing machine operators – 1,079 euros.
- Tailors – 1,087 euros.
- Kinesiotherapists – 1,090 euros.
- Maids – 1,091 euros.
- School janitors – 1,102 euros.
The list also includes other jobs from the service and healthcare sectors. Among them are: waiters providing room service (1,114 euros), shoemakers (1,134 euros), lifeguards (1,137 euros), au-pairs (1,137 euros), stagehands (1,138 euros), postal workers (1,154 euros), decorators (1,165 euros), kitchen assistants (1,178 euros), elderly caregivers (1,178 euros), and social rehabilitation specialists (1,179 euros).
Why is This Happening?
According to Platy.sk, jobs in the textile industry, gastronomy, healthcare, social services, and support roles are regularly among the lowest paid. Many of these sectors have faced worker shortages for a long time, and low salaries are often a main reason for a lack of interest in these vacancies.
For comparison, the average salary in Slovakia as of July 2026 is around 1,200 euros per month gross, although other sources indicate higher figures, up to 1,670 euros gross per month in 2026. The minimum wage in 2026 is set at 884 euros per month gross.
This data highlights a significant gap between the lowest and average incomes, creating challenges for workers in these sectors and for the country's economy as a whole.
