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Trends Hero [2026]

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Recruitment trendsThe labour market in Hungary in 2026

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Trends Block 1 [2026]

Adaptation and uncertainty shape today’s Hungarian labour market

In 2025, geopolitical and economic uncertainty held back investments, leading to layoffs and factory closures across several sectors. Meanwhile, the cost of living and property prices continued to rise. Salary increases slowed, with companies focusing mainly on shortage occupations, and digital skills as well as internal advancement opportunities became more valuable. For both employers and employees, 2025 was far from an easy year.

Trends Block 2 [2026]

Rising uncertainty puts the brakes on salary growth

Based on our research, pay transparency is still in its early stages in most workplaces: 61% of employees say no progress has been made yet, although more companies are beginning to publish salaries or salary ranges - a clear sign that employers have started preparing for the 2026 pay transparency regulations.

Both employees and employers remain pessimistic about the economic outlook: the share of pessimistic respondents has risen above 70%, and only one in ten feels optimistic about the labour market prospects over the next 2–5 years.

In 2025, salary growth slowed noticeably: the most common increase was 6–10%, while many received only 2.5–5% and pay rises above 10% dropped sharply - reflecting employers’ cautious, cost‑conscious approach.

Select the statements that are true for your current workplace!

10% Employee salaries are public

24% Salary ranges are public

26% Promotion / salary increase criteria are public

61% None of the above

How optimistic are employees about the economic situation and its impact on job opportunities over the next 2-5 years?

Very optimistic
Moderately optimistic
Neutral
Not very optimistic
Not optimistic at all
1%
9,5%
17%
43%
29,5%

How did salaries change in 2025?

Employers

Employees

Increased by
more than 20%
Increased
between 16–20%
Increased
between 11–15%
Increased
between 6–10%
Increased
between 2.5–5%
Increased by
at most 2.4%
Did not change
Decreased
0
15%
30%
45%
1,5%
9%
2%
5%
6,5%
9%
38%
25%
36%
24%
5%
4%
10,5%
22%
1,5%
2%

Trends Block 3 [2026]

Growing skills gap shifts focus to internal development

The vast majority of employers continued to experience skills shortages in 2025: only 9% reported no such challenges. As a result, companies are increasingly turning to internal solutions in the new year - the most common responses are upskilling and reskilling existing employees, while only one in four organisations tries to address missing competencies through external hiring. Although training programmes and internal learning formats are widely used, most employers consider them only partially effective.

Among the biggest obstacles to retention, salary and limited benefits remain important factors, but the lack of career progression opportunities and the growing impact of overload and burnout are becoming even more prominent. This suggests that overloaded roles and restricted advancement paths jointly increase the risk of employee turnover. Skills shortages, the need for internal development and rising retention challenges together define the most pressing issues in today’s labour market.

Overall, to what extent did you experience skill shortages in 2025?

Employers' response

To a small extent
To a moderate extent
We did not experience / there was no skill shortage
To a significant extent
43%
40%
9%
8%

Top 5 challenges in employee retention

45

We cannot keep up with market-level salaries

42

There is no clear path for career progression

40

Too much work, burnout

35

Our benefits are less competitive compared to other companies

26

Other companies are poaching our talent

What strategy does your company mainly use to address skill shortages?

Employers' response

44% We provide additional training for existing employees in their current roles

25% We hire new colleagues to fill the gaps

18,5% We have no official strategy for addressing skill shortages

12,5% We reskill existing employees for new positions

Trends Block 4 [2026]

Looking for deeper insights? Download your guide today!

The Hays Salary Guide gives the most comprehensive overview of the Hungarian labour market. It features insights across 14 different industries, supported by analysis from our specialised recruitment consultants and the survey responses of over 4,200 employers and professionals nationwide.

The report highlights the latest trends across 14 sectors and provides salary ranges for more than 600 positions.

A laptop displaying the Hays Hungary Salary Guide 2026 on screen, featuring a professional standing in front of illuminated digital data displays.

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Trends Block 5 [2026]

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