Pay Gap: Men Earn 52 Euros More Than Women on Average
The latest analysis by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics provides a detailed overview of gender disparities in Croatia, from education to pensions.
The latest analysis by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics provides a detailed overview of gender disparities in Croatia, from education to pensions.
In Croatia, the average monthly salary for men is 1,473 euros, while women earn an average of 1,421 euros, which is 52 euros less. These figures were released on Friday as part of the 21st edition of the publication "Women and Men in Croatia 2026," prepared by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics (DZS). The publication offers a comprehensive overview of the status of both genders through various statistical indicators.
According to DZS data, Croatia is home to 1,983,669 women, making up 51.3 percent of the total population, and 1,882,564 men, or 48.7 percent. The publication, which DZS has been issuing for two decades, covers various life stages, from education and employment to retirement, providing insight into long-term societal trends.
The data reveals significant population aging. The average age of men in 2024 was 42.8 years, about 13 years older than in 1953 when the average was 29.3 years. Women average 46.2 years, roughly 15 years older compared to 31.9 years in 1953.
Citizens are marrying later. The average age of women at first marriage is 29.8 years, eight years older than in 1970 (21.6 years). Men first marry at an average age of 32, compared to 25.5 in 1970. The dynamics of marriage have also shifted: in 2024, there were 4.5 marriages per 1,000 inhabitants, half as many as in 1950 (9.9). Meanwhile, the divorce rate per 1,000 marriages has increased three and a half times, from 83 in 1950 to 288 in 2024.
In terms of educational attainment, 25.7 percent of women have higher education, compared to 22.2 percent of men. Secondary education predominates among men (62.4 percent versus 49.4 percent for women). The publication also notes a doubling in the number of women with university or professional degrees and doctorates compared to the 1960s and 1970s.
However, the representation of women in leadership positions within educational institutions decreases as the system level rises. In the last academic year, no woman held the position of rector, and women accounted for 31 percent of faculty deans. At the secondary school principal level, the ratio is nearly balanced (49.4 percent women and 50.6 percent men), while women dominate as primary school principals at 61.4 percent.
The employment structure by sector shows pronounced gender segregation. Men make up 89.1 percent of those employed in construction, while women dominate education with an 80.9 percent share. Nearly equal representation is seen in real estate, professional, scientific, and technical activities, as well as hospitality.
In the judicial system, men are the majority on the Supreme Court, comprising 65.5 percent of judges. Women are most represented in commercial courts (78.4 percent), and they hold over 70 percent of positions in county and municipal courts. On the High Criminal Court, the gender ratio is balanced (50-50).
Disparities are also evident in the pension system. The average male retiree is 72 years old, has 32 years and 11 months of service, and receives a pension of 670.19 euros. The average female retiree is a year and a half older, has 30 years and 4 months of service, and receives 560.60 euros, which is nearly 110 euros less.
As reported by Index.hr, the DZS publication provides statistical indicators that allow for comparisons of life opportunities, working conditions, and social status between women and men. Narodno.hr highlights that the new edition continues a visual approach with interactive charts, making official statistics more accessible to citizens who are not professional data analysts. According to Zadarski list, the data confirms long-term trends of population aging and increasingly delayed marriages.
