▷ France minimum wage and median wage in 2021 | Stationed in France (2024)

More expats special videos onPosted on France's YouTube channel

It is not part of French culture to talk about money. There may still be remnants of Catholic culture in which talking about money is taboo. "We don't show our pay slip to anyone and we don't tell anyone how much we earn."

Like Anne-Marie Berthierparticipationin herstudies into the influence of Catholicism in the contemporary French mentality. Catholicism is a religion 'to help the poor' and where becoming rich is frowned upon. Although France is now an atheist country, its Catholic roots have left traces. KnowFrance minimum wageInaverage salary will help you place your salary range when negotiating your salary and also give you an idea of ​​the cost of living in France.

I also wrote a whole post about itFrench cost of living.

Know the salaries in France in your field

Saying this,this does not mean that the French will not be willing to talk about itsalary expectationsduring a job interview or that they do not negotiate a pay increase every year.

The labor market is different than you may be used to and salaries vary greatly depending on the industry and position. It is therefore important to do some research based on your specific situation, experience and industry before going to your first job interview. You can consult the analyzes of recruitment agencies such asHayofMichel Page, For example

I will now discuss the French minimum wage and also the average wage as this helps to get a better idea of ​​the general income in France.

As is the case in many other countries, France has a lawminimum wage.it isreassessed annuallyin line with inflationand also takes into account general wage developments.

Ofminimum wageofSMICas we call it in France has been €11.52 gross per hour since May 1, 2023. This would mean€1,383.08 net/month for a full-time job.

***WARNING***This is the amount after social security contributions, but before income tax.

*Net before income tax

So when you consider the cost of fixed costs in France, such as rent, you quickly understand that it is difficult to live on a SMIC, although other financial help may be available.According to the French National Bureau of Statistics (INSEE), approx10%of the population of Franceserve€1,247 net per month or less.

It also helps to compare the French situation with other countries, taking into account purchasing power standards. The European statistical body Eurostat says France is in the first third of the purchasing power standard of the minimum wage in Europe.

Halfof the working population in Franceearn less than €1,845 net/month, the average wage.

In the beginning of2021, just over 2 million private sector workers, or12% of the working population, had been paidFrench minimum wage (Smic)This is reported by Dares, the statistical service of the Ministry of Labour.

It is believed that the lowest 30% of wages, earning less than €1,534 net per month, represent underqualified workers (often women) working in services or the labor market.

If we assume that 50% of the population earns a net € 1,534 per month, we can say thatmiddle classin France, serving between€1,500 at €2,800net per month.

Oftop 8%portionfrom €4,000net per month, and the top 1% starts from €8,700 net per month.

Defining net salary in France can be a bit complicated.

First,the concept of the net amount differs between France and other countries, such aswithholding of income taxhas just been implemented2019when. Therefore, until last year, the net amount received in the bank account each month for a French person was before the payment of income tax. The difference between the gross amount and the net amount before income tax is approx22% deduction for social security contributions for the employee.

This percentage will vary depending on whether the employee has a senior employment contract (executive status) or an employee position (non-executive status) or is self-employed (independent).

I realized that many expats don't necessarily do thatlavadifferencebetweensocial contributionsInincome tax. This is certainly because both social security contributions and income taxes have been deducted on the payroll without necessarily specifying the details, as would be the case on a French pay slip.

Don't get me wrong, there are very few French people who go into the details of their pay slip and understand everything. We also find it very complex!

In France,social contributions,according to the name it is financingthe social security system(including, for example, maternity, health care, pensions, unemployment benefits). These arepredetermined amountsfor specific funds.

While the income tax budget is managed by the government and its expenditure varies widely depending on government policies.

I hope this information has helped you understand the French salary system as I have always found it very different to the other countries I have worked in such as Spain or Britain.