This Is the Minimum and Average Salary in Denmark [2024 Update]

Denmark is one of the most attractive expat destinations in Europe, mainly because of the attractive salaries the countries offer, both in terms of minimum wages, as well as average salaries.

And today I will share the values for both of these salaries, and explain them more in depth – because Denmark has a different approach to salaries compared to most of the world.

However, if you don’t want to get through all the details below (but you should as they paint a clearer big picture), you should know this:

• The minimum salary in Denmark after tax in 2024 is around €2,000 / month (15,300 DKK)
• The average salary in Denmark in 2024 is around €4,200 / month after tax (31,300 DKK)

It’s easy to guess that the country has one of the highest minimum salaries in the EU, and the average monthly wages are also very good.

Overall, the living standard in the country is extremely high, even for somebody earning a minimum wage in Denmark.

Combine that with the flawless Danish culture and the fact that the country is clean, relaxed and really safe and you understand why so many people want to move to Denmark. Despite the cold weather (no place is perfect, after all!).

Now let’s get a more in-depth look at the minimum and average salaries here, because there are some important things that you should have in mind when analyzing this data.

What is the minimum salary in Denmark in 2024?

While there is no minimum salary set by law in Denmark, expect to earn around 15,300 DKK net (or 22,600 DKK gross) each month. This translates into a minimum take-home salary of around €2,000 / month in 2024.

This is a great salary. Actually, if we are to compare it with the AVERAGE salary in the EU (you can check our average salaries in the EU countries here), it would still be better than in many other countries.

Do have in mind that salaries vary a bit throughout the country, as they are decided by the various unions active in Denmark.

Also, skilled workers will earn more than unskilled ones and the wages shared above are for skilled worker.

Denmark follows the same trend that applies to all the other Scandinavian countries (Finland, Norway, Sweden and Iceland), tasking the employee unions and employer associations with negotiating the wages.

Also, people living in richer or more expensive cities, such as Copenhagen, will get quite higher minimum salaries than in other smaller cities.

But overall, even if you earn the minimum salary in the city you’re living in Denmark – no matter which one it is – you will still be able to live a decent life if you can share accommodation costs with at least another person.

What is the average salary in Denmark in 2024?

The average, take home monthly salary in Denmark is around €4,000 Euros (31,300 DKK), which is some 20% more than it was last year. This is a really solid wage that allows a person to live a good life in the otherwise expensive Denmark.

This average net salary applies for a full-time position in Denmark. But the work day in the country typically has just 7.5 hours (which translates to some 37 working hours a week).

Again, like with the minimum salaries, expect the average wages in Denmark to vary throughout the country, depending on the region and its economic condition. Same goes for working conditions and the amount of time you’re expected to work.

However, if you are to earn the average salary in Denmark, you will keep the cost of living well under control and afford to live a good life here, even if you’re living alone.

If we look at last year’s data (the average salary in Denmark in 2023 was around 3,300 Euros per month), we can see that this year’s numbers are a lot higher.

This is also because of the high inflation that has affected the country in 2022 and 2023, but which appears to slow down this year.

Even though Denmark’s cost of living is indeed higher than ever and the prices keep rising, the average wage you can earn here will still allow for a really good life. Even the minimum salary would be, for most, enough to live a decent life.

Conclusion

To sum things up, the salaries in Denmark are extremely competitive and among the highest in the European Union (as well as the world), both in terms of minimum, as well as average monthly wages.

Even though there is no official minimum salary in Denmark regulated by the authorities, you can still earn around 15,300 DKK per month (or 2,000 Euros).

On average, expect to earn double this amount: around 31,300 DKK per month or 4,200 Euros.

After some basic calculations, the overall minimum salary that a Danish employee gets is almost double the average minimum salary in the EU, which is insane if you think about it.

So, if you’re thinking about moving to Denmark, it might be a good decision regarding your career, living standards and income, given the minimum and average salaries here.

If you have any more updates or comments regarding the minimum and average salary in Denmark in 2024, let me know in the comments section below.

Article sources: Danmark Statistik & other (personal experience)