Tunisia is a North African country with a population of about 11.8 million. It has a diverse economy, with important sectors including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, petroleum, tourism, and services. Determining what constitutes a “good salary” in Tunisia depends on a variety of factors.
Average Salary in Tunisia
According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS) in Tunisia, the average monthly salary in 2021 was around 1,483 TND (Tunisian Dinar), which is equivalent to about $520 USD. This comes out to an average annual salary of around 17,800 TND ($6,240 USD).
However, there is significant variation in salaries across different sectors and regions in Tunisia. The average monthly salary can range from around 600 TND ($210 USD) to over 5,000 TND ($1,750 USD) depending on the type of work.
Minimum Wage in Tunisia
Tunisia has a government-mandated minimum wage that provides a wage floor for workers. As of 2022, the monthly minimum wage is 450 TND ($158 USD). This minimum wage applies to both public and private sector employees.
The minimum wage was last increased in 2019, rising from 357 TND to 450 TND per month. Advocates have called for the minimum wage to be raised further to keep pace with the rising cost of living in Tunisia.
Average Salary by Sector
Salaries in Tunisia can vary significantly across different industries and occupations. Here is a breakdown of average monthly salaries by sector in Tunisia (in TND):
- Information Technology: 3,000 TND
- Banking and Finance: 2,800 TND
- Healthcare and Medical: 2,500 TND
- Engineering and Construction: 2,200 TND
- Education and Training: 1,800 TND
- Sales and Marketing: 1,600 TND
- Administrative and Support Services: 1,400 TND
- Hospitality and Tourism: 1,000 TND
- Manufacturing: 980 TND
- Agriculture and Fishing: 750 TND
As you can see, salaries tend to be higher in knowledge economy sectors like IT, finance, and healthcare compared to more manual labor sectors like manufacturing and agriculture.
Average Salary by Region
There are also regional variations in average salaries across Tunisia:
Region | Average Monthly Salary (TND) |
---|---|
Tunis | 2,100 |
Sousse | 1,800 |
Sfax | 1,700 |
Monastir | 1,600 |
Bizerte | 1,500 |
Nabeul | 1,450 |
Ariana | 1,400 |
Kairouan | 1,300 |
Jendouba | 1,250 |
Rest of Tunisia | 1,100 |
As shown, monthly salaries tend to be higher in major coastal cities like Tunis, Sousse, and Sfax compared to interior regions.
Average Salary by Experience Level
Salaries also increase with experience and seniority across most occupations in Tunisia. Here are some examples of average monthly salaries by years of experience:
Experience Level | Average Monthly Salary (TND) |
---|---|
Entry-Level (0-2 years) | 1,000 |
Intermediate (3-6 years) | 1,500 |
Experienced (7-15 years) | 2,000 |
Advanced (15+ years) | 3,000 |
Workers early in their careers tend to earn less while more experienced workers command higher salaries after building up their skills and expertise.
What is Considered a “Good” Salary in Tunisia?
With the average salary around 1,500 TND per month, what is considered a “good” salary can be subjective based on individual circumstances and needs. However, here are some general guidelines:
- Minimum wage (450 TND) – Can cover basic necessities but difficult to afford extras
- 1,000 TND – Enough for comfortable standard of living for a single person
- 1,500 TND – Comfortable for small family but not a lot of savings
- 2,000+ TND – Allows more financial flexibility and savings for mid-sized families
- 3,000+ TND – Considered an excellent salary, achievable after many years of experience
Salaries at the higher end of this range allow households to afford nicer homes, cars, entertainment, vacations, and other discretionary spending. However, even at a lower salary, smart budgeting can allow for a decent lifestyle in Tunisia.
Factors That Influence Salaries in Tunisia
Several factors impact average salary levels and earning potential in Tunisia:
- Education level – Higher degrees like university bachelor’s or master’s degrees lead to higher salaries on average.
- Foreign language skills – Fluency in languages like French, English, German is highly valued.
- Specialized skills and certifications – Specific technical skills and professional certifications can boost salaries.
- Type of employer – Multinational companies and large Tunisian corporations tend to pay more.
- Location – Major cities and coastal regions have higher salaries than rural interior areas.
- Gender – Persistent gender wage gap with men earning more than women on average.
- Occupation and industry – High-paying sectors include IT, banking, healthcare, engineering.
Salary Expectations by Generation
Different generations in Tunisia tend to have different expectations and needs when it comes to salaries:
Baby Boomers (Born 1945-1965)
- More modest salary expectations, value stability and consistency
- Average desired salary around 2,000 TND per month
- Many willing to keep working past typical retirement age
Generation X (Born 1966-1980)
- Focus on achieving work-life balance and providing for families
- Average desired salary around 2,500 TND per month
- Willing to change jobs or retrain to advance careers and increase earnings
Millennials (Born 1981-1996)
- Desire meaningful work and professional development
- Average desired salary around 3,000 TND per month
- Eager to climb the career ladder quickly and earn more
Generation Z (Born 1997-2012)
- Passionate about jobs with purpose and work-life balance
- Willing to sacrifice higher pay for remote work flexibility
- Average desired salary around 2,500 TND per month
Conclusion
In summary, an average salary of around 1,500 TND per month is typical in Tunisia. However, salaries vary significantly by sector, region, experience level and other factors. Salaries below 1,000 TND can cover basic needs for an individual but offer limited financial flexibility.
Salaries in the range of 2,000-3,000 TND per month are considered “good” by many and allow for a comfortable lifestyle for middle class families. The highest salaries are earned by experienced professionals in fields like IT, finance and engineering working for multinational corporations or in major cities.
When evaluating salary offers in Tunisia, it is important to take into account cost of living in the area, education and experience levels, household circumstances, and career aspirations. Ultimately, an appropriate or “good” salary depends on aligning earning potential with personal financial goals and needs.