Türkiye’s monthly average labour cost stood at TRY 45,777 in 2024, according to the latest Labour Cost Statistics released for the reference year.

The data show significant differences in labour costs across economic sectors. The highest monthly average labour cost was recorded in the financial and insurance activities sector, where it reached TRY 119,868. This was followed by the information and communication sector with an average of TRY 94,096, and the education sector with TRY 67,397.

In contrast, the lowest labour costs were observed in labour-intensive sectors. Construction recorded the lowest monthly average labour cost at TRY 26,047. It was followed by accommodation and food service activities with TRY 29,460, and real estate activities with TRY 30,929.

The statistics also reveal how labour costs are distributed. Gross earnings accounted for the largest share of total labour costs, making up 85.7 percent. Social security payments represented 13.9 percent of labour costs, while other labour cost payments accounted for the remaining 0.4 percent.

Within the components of earnings, regular payments for days worked constituted the highest share, at 78.4 percent. Irregular payments for days worked accounted for 9.9 percent, while payments for days not worked made up 8.6 percent. In-kind payments represented 2.7 percent of earnings, and savings scheme payments accounted for 0.4 percent.

A breakdown of social security payments showed that statutory payments dominated, accounting for 84.3 percent of total social security contributions. Voluntary social security payments made up 0.7 percent, while severance and termination payments accounted for 15 percent.

The figures highlight both the overall level of labour costs in Türkiye and the sharp disparities between sectors, reflecting differences in skill levels, productivity, and working conditions across the economy. (ILKHA)