The average monthly salary in Uzbekistan in 2021 amounted to 2.66 million soums

Salaries in Uzbekistan

The average salary in Uzbekistan varies depending on the source.
According to government data, it is 300-500 dollars, and an analysis of vacancies on employment sites shows income in the sum of 418,916–1,256,749 ($50-150). Wages in Tashkent are approximately 35% higher than earnings in the regions. Despite the positive trend in economic development, the state is still on the list of countries with high levels of poverty. This fact confirms the significant outflow of the working-age population leaving their homeland in search of high earnings.

How much is the minimum wage in Uzbekistan?

Today, the minimum wage in Uzbekistan is quite low, which significantly reduces the economic opportunities of its residents. Uzbeks deny themselves many pleasures, just to have enough money for the minimum expenses necessary for life. In connection with this situation, a huge number of Uzbeks decide to go abroad to work in search of a better life. This flow of emigrants, in turn, has a detrimental effect on the country’s economy, as there is a large loss of labor.

Minimum, average and maximum salaries

According to statistics, about 13% of citizens live below the poverty line. The low standard of living in rural areas is especially clearly reflected. In cities, incomes are higher, but, as a rule, one person cannot independently provide housing and food. It is possible to make ends meet within a family of 3 or more people.

The support of citizens from the state is felt in the annual indexation of wages and reforms leading to the stabilization of the economic situation in the country. But even taking into account the fact that the population’s income is constantly recalculated and maintained at the proper level, it is difficult to live in Uzbekistan.

In 2021, the president signed a decree increasing the minimum labor rate to 149,800 soums, which is only 1,150 rubles. Based on this amount, alternative budget payments are formed: pensions, scholarships, social benefits for disability, and so on. The minimum wage is not able to cover the necessary needs, so many citizens leave for Russia and other countries of the former CIS.

On average, a resident of Uzbekistan earns 235 dollars (15,000 rubles). These data are provided by European statistics and are more accurate today. At the beginning of a career, an employee without experience can count on an income of $60 (3,850 rubles). This amount of payments is in blue-collar occupations, such as welders, installers, and loaders. Depending on the region of residence and profession, the salary increases. The amount of payments is also affected by length of service and the size of the enterprise. In the public sector, wages are lower than in the private sector; this law applies everywhere in the former Soviet countries.

Representatives of the following professions are considered the most affluent: programmers, lawyers, creative managers, auditors, technologists, and sales representatives. This social stratum receives salaries of up to $400 (25,500 rubles). This amount of income was recorded in Tashkent; in the regions it is significantly lower.

Salary levels by region

In order to understand which city is the most profitable for employment and living, you need to consider the situation comprehensively. The table shows the salary of the average manager:

When calculating living costs, the individual's hobbies and bad habits are not taken into account. For example, if we take into account a two-time visit to the gym or swimming pool, wages will not be enough in any of the above regions, and they are considered highly paid.

Remuneration by specialty

In Uzbekistan, the highest paid specialties are:

• Marketer – from $65 to 900;
• Banker – from $113 to 1000;
• Accountant – from $80 to 1500;
• Insurer – from $60 to 800;
• IT specialist – from $60 to 1000;
• Lawyer – from $100 to 1500.

Earnings by profession in Uzbekistan show the difference between the minimum and maximum rates, so it is difficult to understand what the real income of citizens is.

Let's look at the average salaries by profession, data for Tashkent is presented:

There is information from official sources that the most prestigious job in Uzbekistan is police service. How much an internal affairs employee earns is not disclosed, but it is known that the difference from the average salary is significant.

1. The profession of a web designer is also very famous in Uzbekistan. This is due to the emergence of a large number of sites, and due to the ability to work remotely from anywhere in the world. The demand for specialists in this field is growing. At the same time, working as a web designer, you can earn a salary of up to $1000.
2. The basic university for training lawyers in the state is Tashkent State Law University. It trains professionals in five areas. Lawyers, economists and logistics specialists can earn the highest income.
3. SMM stands for Social Media Marketing, that is, a specialist in promotion in social networks. The task of an SMM manager is to increase the audience that is interested in the client’s product or service. He also strengthens the client’s image, tries to reduce negativity, including fighting “black PR” on social networks. The salary of an SMM manager starts from $200.
4. HR manager or HR manager is a profession that is one of the most promising and in demand. Representatives of this profession are called upon to select the most capable workers, create a productive atmosphere in the company, increasing the value of the company. The salary of HR managers in Uzbekistan starts from $250.
5. The salary of sales managers directly depends on the number of goods and services sold. A sales manager must be able to conduct business, develop and regulate dealer relationships, interest the client, draw up contracts, and also maintain good relationships with customers after transactions are completed.
6. The lowest paid professions in Uzbekistan are teachers, doctors, and salesmen. Their salary rarely exceeds $100.
7. Only a qualified specialist with extensive work experience or someone who has opened his own company: a clinic, private school, etc. can earn more. The least competition is observed in the field of consulting, tourism and restaurants, medicine, that is, specialists in these areas are in short supply for employers due to limited choice applicants.

The country's authorities are aware that more than 70% of the population cannot provide even the most important needs.

Income by profession in 2020

In Uzbekistan, the highest paid specialties are:

• Marketer – from $65 to 900;
• Banker – from $113 to 1000;
• Accountant – from $80 to 1500;
• Insurer – from $60 to 800;
• IT specialist – from $60 to 1000;
• Lawyer – from $100 to 1500.

The profession of a web designer is also very famous in Uzbekistan. This is due to the emergence of a large number of sites, and due to the ability to work remotely from anywhere in the world. The demand for specialists in this field is growing. At the same time, working as a web designer, you can earn a salary of up to $1000.

The basic university for training lawyers in the state is Tashkent State Law University. It trains professionals in five areas. Lawyers, economists and logistics specialists can earn the highest income.

SMM stands for Social Media Marketing, that is, a specialist in promotion in social networks. The task of an SMM manager is to increase the audience that is interested in the client’s product or service. He also strengthens the client’s image, tries to reduce negativity, including fighting “black PR” on social networks. The salary of an SMM manager starts from $200.

HR manager or HR manager is a profession that is one of the most promising and in demand. Representatives of this profession are called upon to select the most capable workers, create a productive atmosphere in the company, increasing the value of the company. The salary of HR managers in Uzbekistan starts from $250.

The salary of sales managers directly depends on the number of goods and services sold. A sales manager must be able to conduct business, develop and regulate dealer relationships, interest the client, draw up contracts, and also maintain good relationships with customers after transactions are completed.

The lowest paid professions in Uzbekistan are teachers, doctors, and salesmen. Their salary rarely exceeds $100.

Only a qualified specialist with extensive work experience or someone who has opened his own company: a clinic, private school, etc. can earn more. The least competition is observed in the field of consulting, tourism and restaurants, medicine, that is, specialists in these areas are in short supply for employers due to limited choice applicants.

The country's authorities are aware that more than 70% of the population cannot provide even the most important needs.

Average salary in Uzbekistan

The average salary in Uzbekistan in 2021 was 1.8 million soums (218 US dollars) or 14.4 thousand rubles. The income of Uzbeks over the past 5 years has increased by 20%. Representatives of the IT sector, as well as financiers and lawyers, are paid the most. The lowest earnings are for teachers, doctors, and residents of rural areas. Most Uzbeks do not have enough wages even to pay for basic necessities.

The economy of Uzbekistan has enormous potential. The country ranks 11th in the world in natural gas production, and 3rd in export volumes. Uzbekistan is known as a supplier of cotton; in terms of uranium and gold reserves, it is in the top ten in the world ranking of countries.

However, despite its industrial and economic potential, the population of Uzbekistan has to save a lot. The cost of food, real estate and travel expenses are high, and real wages are not enough to live on.

Maximum and minimum wages in Uzbekistan

By the beginning of this year, the level of the minimum wage in Uzbekistan increased by 15% and amounted to 69 dollars (4,402 rubles). The Ministry of Justice reported this on its official Telegram channel. Previously, the minimum wage reached 60 dollars (3,827 rubles), until October 2021 - 25 dollars (1,595 rubles).

The minimum wage in Uzbekistan is received by workers of the following categories:

• junior and paramedical staff - $60 per month (3,827 rubles);
• nannies - 70 dollars (4,465 rubles);
• security guards - 90 dollars (5,571 rubles).

Representatives of blue-collar professions earn little (for example, the salary of an electrician is about $100, or 6,379 rubles) and salespeople ($130, or 8,293 rubles).

According to Spot.uz, the highest salaries in the republic are received by employees in the information technology sector:

• an ASP.NET programmer or WEB engineer in Tashkent earns 1-2 thousand dollars (63,799-127,599 rubles);
• back-end programmer - 1-1.5 thousand dollars (63,799-95,699 rubles);
• Lead Java Developer - 2-3 thousand dollars (127,599-191,399 rubles);
• Data Design Lead - 2-5 thousand dollars (127,599-318,999 rubles).

Such specialists are difficult to find. Most programmers went abroad, where salaries are much higher.

A member of the Parliament of Uzbekistan earns 1.56 million soums (10,533 RUR), a minister - 1.727 million (11,682 RUR). Such data was published by the Ministry of Finance. The head of the regional administration is awarded 2.076 million soums (14,043 rubles), the district or city - 1.643 million soums (11,114 rubles). There are bonuses for special working conditions (20%), length of service (20-30%), incentive coefficients (40%) and additional financial incentives (15-25%). With all the additions, the income of, for example, the head of the regional administration will be 4 million soums (27,059 rubles).

The real estate industry is the highest paid according to 2018 data.

Average salary in Uzbekistan

The state is taking various measures to support the population, in particular, increasing the minimum subsistence level, and also reducing the tax burden on citizens. However, wages are still very low.

From January 2021, the minimum wage was increased to 202.7 thousand soums per month, which is 1.6 thousand rubles. This amount affects social benefits, including pensions and scholarships. In addition, when calculating wages, various coefficients are taken into account, taking into account which the minimum wage in the Republic will be 4.6 thousand rubles. or 577 thousand soums.

The average salary in Uzbekistan in 2021, according to the State Statistics Committee of the Republic, increased by almost 25%, averaging 14.4 thousand rubles. or 1.8 million soums (218 US dollars).

Reference! Citizens of the country massively report that official statistics are inflated, income on average is about 6.4 thousand rubles. or 809 thousand soums (100 US dollars).

According to the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan, the above data refers to the nominal accrued average wage. They include various types of allowances, including incentive and compensatory ones, as well as withheld taxes and contributions to the social insurance fund.

For convenience, the following rate established by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation was used in calculations: 1 Uzbek soum = 0.0079 rubles (as of March 10, 2021).

Below is a short video fragment dedicated to the official statistics of the Republic of Uzbekistan as of mid-2018.

Dynamics of changes in wages in Uzbekistan over the past 5 years

Over the past 5 years, average monthly earnings in the Republic of Uzbekistan have increased by more than 20%, reaching, according to official data, about 14.4 thousand rubles. or 1.8 million soums. The greatest increase was noted in the field of logistics, financial and insurance activities, IT and industrial enterprises.

Thus, in 2021, a law was approved, according to which a further increase in earnings is expected by an average of 7%. In fact, at the current level of wages, more than 70% of the country’s residents can hardly cope with making at least mandatory payments, not to mention any excesses.

Below is a graph of fluctuations in average wages over the years in Uzbekistan. Since the amount of earnings is presented by official bodies in millions, for more convenient reading of the graph, a reduction has been made to thousands of soums per month.

Graph 1. Dynamics of changes in wages in Uzbekistan over the past 5 years

Average salary in Uzbekistan in various sectors of the economy

The starting salary in the Republic is often considered to be from 3.9 thousand rubles. (503 thousand soums) up to 6.6 thousand rubles. (838 thousand soums). The highest paid specialists are representatives of the IT sector, as well as financiers and lawyers. Doctors, teachers and trade representatives receive the lowest wages.

Table 1. Earnings in various industries and economies

Source: State Committee on Statistics of the Republic of Uzbekistan
This is interesting! More than 10 thousand ordinary Uzbek workers were convicted in the high-profile cotton case in the USSR: from collective farm chairmen to accountants.
In Uzbekistan, just like in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, the problem of local currency inflation is pressing. From year to year, the authorities of the Republic try to support the country’s economy so that the population has the opportunity to acquire housing, transport, open enterprises and, in general, live a full life. But real data so far suggests that, despite the efforts of the government, little is changing in the lives of the citizens themselves.

The average income of the population of Uzbekistan slightly exceeds the mark of 1.5 million soums, which is equivalent to $130 per month. The monthly salaries of Uzbek workers are recalculated annually in order to prevent a sharp decline in the standard of living of citizens.

Average salary in Uzbekistan for 2021

The state is taking various measures to support the population, in particular, increasing the minimum subsistence level, and also reducing the tax burden on citizens. However, wages are still very low.

From January 2021, the minimum wage was increased to 202.7 thousand soums per month, which is 1.6 thousand rubles. This amount affects social benefits, including pensions and scholarships. In addition, when calculating wages, various coefficients are taken into account, taking into account which the minimum wage in the Republic will be 4.6 thousand rubles. or 577 thousand soums.

See also: Work in Syria, vacancies for Russians

The average salary in Uzbekistan in 2021, according to the State Statistics Committee of the Republic, increased by almost 25%, averaging 14.4 thousand rubles. or 1.8 million soums (218 US dollars).

Reference! Citizens of the country massively report that official statistics are inflated, income on average is about 6.4 thousand rubles. or 809 thousand soums (100 US dollars).

According to the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan, the above data refers to the nominal accrued average wage. They include various types of allowances, including incentive and compensatory ones, as well as withheld taxes and contributions to the social insurance fund.

For convenience, the following rate established by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation was used in calculations: 1 Uzbek soum = 0.0079 rubles (as of March 10, 2021).

Below is a short video fragment dedicated to the official statistics of the Republic of Uzbekistan as of mid-2018.

Minimum salary in Uzbekistan

When talking about the minimum monthly salary in Uzbekistan, we must take into account that the cost of living in the Republic is significantly lower than in other countries of the former USSR. The minimum wage in the country increased to 184,300 soums (about $24). For residents of Russia, this amount is catastrophically small for full life support, but in Uzbekistan things are somewhat different. Here the cost of food barely reaches 5,500 soums, and housing can be rented for $100–150. Thus, an Uzbek family consisting of several working people (4-5 workers) easily covers the most necessary expenses.

In most cases, unskilled employees or students who have no work experience receive the minimum wage. A citizen who lives alone and receives the minimum wage can only count on purchasing food and renting a room in a hostel or on the outskirts of the city.

The minimum wage in Uzbekistan does not entirely objectively reflect the real income of the population. In the private sector, salaries are much higher than in the public sector. Also, wages vary greatly between regions. The poorest people live in rural areas. In cities, average wages are close to the world average.

The poorest city in Uzbekistan

The lowest average salary in Uzbekistan is typical for the city of Urgench. Here this figure is at the level of $123, which is much less than other large settlements. At the same time, food and housing in the city are quite expensive, which is why residents have to save a lot.

Having figured out how much the minimum wage is in Uzbekistan, we can draw conclusions about the standard of living in the country. Although the minimum income of the population established by law is low, the average salary in large cities allows their residents to provide themselves with everything they need, buy the necessary things and even modern equipment.

Features of payroll taxation

Until January 1, 2021, the tax burden for citizens of Uzbekistan was heavier. In addition to the personal income tax and contributions to an individual savings pension account, contributions to the off-budget Pension Fund were mandatory. There were also 4 types of tax rates: from zero to 22.5%. Today, the features of taxation of citizens’ income are as follows:

1. All income of individuals, tax residents of the Republic of Uzbekistan, is now taxed at a single rate - 12%.
2. Contributions to an individual pension savings account are 0.1%, which is calculated on the taxable amount of income.
3. Contributions to the off-budget Pension Fund have been canceled altogether.
4. The procedure for exempting certain categories of employees from the tax burden is maintained. The deduction is 4 times the minimum wage.

There are about 20 types of taxes in Uzbekistan that strengthen the financial well-being of the country.

The following taxes are withheld from residents' income:

• personal income tax;
• contributions to INPS (individual savings pension account);
• mandatory insurance contributions to an off-budget pension fund;
• Income tax is withheld from total official income.

The state has 4 income tax rates:

• 0% - zero;
• 7.5% - minimum;
• 16.5% - average;
• 22.5% is the maximum.

A number of social contributions include deductions for INPS, which amount to 2% of the employee’s official salary minus the minimum amount that is not subject to personal income tax (172,240 soums). Insurance contributions to the extra-budgetary pension fund amount to 8% of the employee’s official earnings.

The following are not subject to taxes:

• money spent on a mortgage;
• amounts of material support;
• income received from the sale of private property;
• severance pay;
• scholarships;
• pension payments;
• government compensation;
• money received for participation in the donor program.

Additionally, tax deductions are provided for the export and import of goods, as well as for organizing the circulation of goods that require special permits, the so-called excise taxes.

What is not taxed

The list of social contributions includes contributions to the INPS, which amount to 2 percent of the employee’s official salary minus the minimum amount not subject to personal income tax (172,240 soums).

Insurance contributions to the extra-budgetary Pension Fund amount to 8 percent of the employee’s official income.

• Money spent on mortgage payments and interest;
• Amounts of material support;
• Income received from the sale of private property, excluding securities;
• Severance pay;
• Scholarships;
• Pensions;
• Compensation for damages resulting from injury or death of the breadwinner;
• Amounts received for participation in the donor program.

Salary in Uzbekistan by city

The quality of life of the population in different cities of Uzbekistan varies greatly. Let's take a closer look at the average wage in the largest populated areas of the country.

Tashkent

The standard of living in the capital of Uzbekistan is significantly higher than in most other cities. Here, the average resident earns about $200 a month, but such income is quite enough to buy food, pay for travel and housing due to affordable prices. The population's expenses here are quite consistent with the population's earnings.

Andijan

The average salary for residents of this city is slightly less than in Tashkent - approximately $180. It would seem that this should be quite enough, but prices in Andijan for services, entertainment and food are much higher than in Tashkent, so residents barely fit into the specified amount.

Shavat

In Shavat, the average income of the population is slightly higher and amounts to $215. Food here is also a little more expensive. A kilogram of chicken fillet will cost about $4.6, the average cost of a loaf of bread is 69 cents. The region is characterized by fairly high housing costs. For 1 square meter of living space you will have to pay at least $680. Young people can rarely afford to buy their own home, which is why rental property is in great demand.

Samarkand

The average salary of Samarkand residents is $210. The main expenses go to food, which is far from cheap. However, the cost of housing in Samarkand is much lower than in many other large cities of Uzbekistan and is about $500-550.

Bukhara

As in Andijan, the average income rarely exceeds $180, and this despite the unrealistically high cost of food, accommodation and transport services, not to mention the fact that not every resident of the city can buy their own home.

Urgench

The lowest average salary in Uzbekistan is typical for the city of Urgench. Here this figure is at $123, which is much lower than other large settlements. At the same time, food and housing in the city are quite expensive, which is why residents have to save a lot.

Salary in Uzbekistan by profession

It is clear that the salary amount differs in different cities of the country. Let's take the city of Tashkent as a basis. Note that in other cities the salary indicator, in comparison with Tashkent, is 15-30% lower:

• programmer – $300/month;
• lawyer – $350;
• teacher – $190-200;
• engineer – $230;
• driver and seller – $120-130;
• medical staff – $60-70;
• accountant – $240-250;
• security guard – $90-100;
• doctor – $150-160;
• economist - $280;
• dentist – $340-360;
• nanny – $40-60;
• builder – $250-270.

The lowest paid labor is unskilled. Employees without a specialty receive a minimum wage from the state. A good salary is considered to be from $100 per month. Craftsmen in blue-collar trades (welders, electricians, etc.) can count on it. The highest paid positions are lawyers, IT specialists, programmers, auditors and sales representatives.

Which city in Uzbekistan is most developed for a good life?

There are cities in Uzbekistan that are more and less rich. Let's consider which city can be considered the most suitable for a good life, taking into account the level of earnings of the largest cities in the state, including:

• Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan. Prices in Tashkent are moderate, which allows city residents to meet the average salary, which is about $200 per month.
• Andijan - the average income of residents of this city is approximately $180. Residents of this city barely fit into this amount, because prices in Andijan are much higher than in Tashkent.
• Shavat - residents of this city receive an average salary of up to $230. But they are not always enough, because prices here are also high.
• Samarkand – the average salary for residents of this city is $210 per month. The main costs come from food, which is expensive here. But the cost of housing in this city is much lower than in other large cities of Uzbekistan and amounts to $500-550.
• Bukhara - the average salary in this city rarely exceeds $180; with high prices, city residents often cannot afford to buy their own housing. Young families in Bukhara are forced to rent housing. Ownership of apartments is usually inherited or given as a gift.
• Urgench. Here the average salary is $123, which is much lower than other large cities. At the same time, food and housing in the city are quite expensive, because of this, city residents have to save a lot.

Shavat

In Shavat, the average income of the population is slightly higher and amounts to $215. Food here is also a little more expensive. A kilogram of chicken fillet will cost about 4.6 dollars, the average cost of a loaf of bread is 69 cents. The region is characterized by fairly high housing costs. For 1 square meter of living space you will have to pay at least $680. Young people can rarely afford to buy their own home, which is why rental property is in great demand.

Government plans to increase wages

The authorities are aware that more than 70% of the population suffers from a low standard of living and the inability to provide even the most basic needs. In 2021, a law came into force to increase citizens’ wages by 7% of the established amount.

Pensioners and the unemployed were not left out. Elderly Uzbeks will receive assistance from the state in the amount of $43 every month, and university graduates can count on financial support in the amount of $26 when looking for work.

The standard of living of the Republic of Uzbekistan leaves much to be desired. Purposeful residents of the country are forced to leave their homeland in search of decent work and high wages. Uzbeks who run private farms replenish the family budget with profits received from trading in markets.

The male population gets out of a difficult situation by working as taxi drivers or going to other countries for seasonal work. From this it follows that Uzbekistan is a country suitable for tourism, but not for improving its financial condition. You can get a job immediately in a high-paying position here only if you have a recommendation or as a result of a transfer from a foreign company with the right to maintain your previous salary.

Salary to living expenses ratio

The average salary in Uzbekistan does not quite correspond to the price level, which forces many residents of the country to limit their spending and save. On the other hand, the situation in Tashkent and other cities is different from each other. While residents of the capital generally have enough average earnings to pay for housing, food and other needs, and they can still afford entertainment, in the regions incomes and obligatory expenses are often almost comparable.

In Tashkent, renting an apartment in residential areas starts from $200. A trip to the store to buy fruit, rice, chicken, bread and milk will cost about $15. A trip around the city will cost approximately 2-3 dollars, and for utilities (living space of 80 square meters) you will have to pay about 90 dollars. Taxes will be about 15 percent of salary.

Staying in a hospital costs about 10-20 dollars per day (both in paid and free clinics). For entertainment: a movie ticket – 1 dollar, a trip to a cafe – 2 dollars per person.

Unemployment rate and migrants' prospects

According to official statistics, the unemployment rate in the state is 5.2 percent, which, however, is questioned among the country's residents.

Despite the growth of the economy and the strengthening of the financial well-being of citizens, Uzbekistan remains not the most attractive country to work for both local residents and foreigners. The level of average salaries does not allow most people to live comfortably. Even with all the programs to improve the well-being of the population, the number of labor migrants is growing, and the situation is unlikely to change for the better in the near future.