Average Salary in Ethiopia (2025)

Understanding the average salary in Ethiopia (2025) is essential for job seekers, professionals, and businesses exploring opportunities in East Africa. Ethiopia is one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, yet wages remain modest compared to global and regional standards. Salaries in Ethiopia vary greatly depending on industry, education level, and urban vs rural locations.

In this guide, we’ll explore salary data, minimum wage in Ethiopia, salary trends 2025, and the relationship between cost of living vs salary in Ethiopia.

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Average Salary in Ethiopia: An Overview

In 2025, the average salary in Ethiopia is approximately 315,000 ETB per year (around 26,250 ETB per month, equal to $460 USD/month). Actual earnings vary widely:

• Median Salary: ~22,000 ETB/month ($380 USD)
• Top 10% Earners: Above 50,000 ETB/month ($850+ USD)
• Entry-Level Workers: ~10,000–15,000 ETB/month ($180–$270 USD)

This makes Ethiopia one of the lower-paying economies globally, though it offers a lower cost of living compared to many countries.

🔗 Looking beyond Ethiopia? Read about the Average Salary in Russia (2025).

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Industry-Wise Salary Breakdown in Ethiopia (2025)

• Technology & IT – 30,000 to 60,000 ETB/month
• Healthcare (Doctors & Nurses) – 25,000 to 70,000 ETB/month
• Engineering & Construction – 20,000 to 55,000 ETB/month
• Finance & Banking – 30,000 to 65,000 ETB/month
• Education (Teachers, Professors) – 15,000 to 40,000 ETB/month
• Agriculture & Farming – 10,000 to 25,000 ETB/month
• Hospitality & Retail – 12,000 to 20,000 ETB/month

These numbers reflect major urban centers like Addis Ababa, where wages are significantly higher than rural areas.

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Minimum Wage in Ethiopia (2025)

Unlike some countries, Ethiopia does not have a nationwide standardized minimum wage. Instead, wages are often set by collective agreements, industries, or individual employers.

• Government Employees: Starting salaries ~1,200–1,500 ETB/month
• Factory Workers: ~1,000–1,500 ETB/month
• Private Sector (skilled roles): Negotiated, usually above 8,000 ETB/month

This lack of a universal minimum wage makes wage inequality a pressing issue in the country.

🔗 Looking beyond Ethiopia? Read about the Average Salary in Japan (2025).

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Cost of Living vs Salary in Ethiopia

While salaries are lower compared to global standards, Ethiopia’s cost of living is also relatively affordable. Housing, food, and transport are cheaper, especially outside Addis Ababa.

• Addis Ababa: A worker earning 25,000 ETB/month may struggle with high rent and imported goods.
• Rural Areas: Lower salaries but also much cheaper living costs.

For expats or remote workers earning foreign salaries, Ethiopia can be a cost-effective destination.

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Salary Trends in Ethiopia (2025)

Key sectors showing salary growth in 2025 include:

• Technology & Telecommunications – rising with digital adoption.
• Healthcare – demand for doctors and nurses continues to increase.
• Construction & Infrastructure – supported by government projects.
• Banking & Finance – growth driven by modernization and fintech.

Meanwhile, agriculture remains the largest employer but pays the lowest wages.

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How Ethiopia Salaries Compare Globally

Compared to the average salary worldwide, Ethiopia ranks among the lower-income nations. However, within Africa, Ethiopia’s wages are similar to Kenya and Uganda but lower than South Africa and Nigeria.

👉 For a full comparison, visit our Average Salary Worldwide (2025) guide.

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Conclusion

In summary, the average salary in Ethiopia (2025) stands at around 315,000 ETB per year (≈ $5,500 USD). While salaries are modest, the cost of living is relatively low, making earnings sufficient for many local households. However, professionals in technology, healthcare, and finance enjoy better pay than workers in agriculture or retail.

Understanding the balance between average wage in Ethiopia, minimum wage policies, and cost of living vs salary is crucial for job seekers, expats, and businesses planning to operate in the country.

👉 For a full comparison, visit our Average Salary Worldwide (2025) guide.