The year unfolded under the dual pressure of demographic challenges and economic stagnation. While the broader economic environment prompted caution among market players, labor shortages pushed companies to rethink their retention strategies. WHC’s annual survey of white-collar roles and salaries found that the past year was defined primarily by a search for balance between the need for stability and the pace of technological advancement.

Based on WHC data, knowledge-based sectors continued to top the wage rankings in 2025, particularly IT and financial advisory. In IT, gross monthly salaries for senior professionals reached as much as HUF 2.5 million. Engineering and finance roles — including automation engineer, project manager, strategic controller and tax advisor — typically ranged between HUF 1 million and HUF 1.8 million per month.

Across all white-collar sectors, gross average earnings in Hungary rose by 8.5% to 10% in 2025. Full-time employees earned an average gross monthly salary of HUF 690,000 to HUF 720,000, compared with around HUF 646,800 in 2024.

The “Budapest-centric” era of the labor market came to an end in 2025, as industrial development in eastern Hungary produced wage growth dynamics that in several cases outpaced employers in the capital. Major investments in the east boosted demand for experienced middle managers, while along the western border the pull of the Austrian labor market continued to sustain wage pressure.

In several counties in Transdanubia, particularly Somogy, Tolna and Vas, more than a quarter of companies are struggling to fill vacant positions.

For white-collar employees, flexibility became a basic requirement in 2025. According to WHC’s survey, companies that drastically reduced remote work options faced significant turnover, regardless of the base salaries offered. Approximately 35% to 40% of white-collar workers are no longer seeking jobs in their county of residence if the position is hybrid. In addition to flexible working arrangements, corporate transparency and an environment that ensures genuine professional development have become increasingly important.

On the employer side, the market has been characterized since last year by what WHC described as “cautious defense,” with companies prioritizing the retention of existing skilled staff. As a result, the number of job advertisements declined, with new postings falling by about 10% year-on-year in the second quarter.

“The labor hoarding experienced last year is a sign of confidence in a future recovery. The year 2025 showed that the Hungarian white-collar labor market has entered a mature and conscious phase. Thus, in 2026, those organizations will have a competitive advantage that are not looking for people but are building on capabilities and optimizing for retention. One should not expect the arrival of the perfect candidate, but it is worth thinking in terms of building teachable, developable employees and establishing teams that operate stably and sustainably in the long term,” said Ágnes Horváth, head of WHC Heads, the company’s white-collar staffing and recruitment division.