Understanding market competitive salaries is crucial for both employers and employees in North Macedonia. Employers need to offer attractive compensation packages to attract and retain top talent, while employees deserve fair wages that reflect their skills and experience.

Understanding Market Competitive Salaries

Market competitive salaries are wages that are comparable to what other employers in the same industry and geographic location are paying for similar positions with similar requirements. Factors influencing market competitiveness include:

• Job Title & Responsibilities: Different positions within the same industry will have varying salary ranges based on the complexity and scope of the role.
• Experience & Qualifications: Salaries typically increase with experience and relevant qualifications like certifications or advanced degrees.
• Company Size & Industry: Larger companies and those in high-demand industries often offer higher salaries to attract talent.
• Location: Cost of living can significantly impact salaries. Urban areas like Skopje may offer higher wages compared to rural areas.

Determining Market Competitive Salaries

Several resources can help you determine market competitive salaries in North Macedonia:

• Salary Surveys: Reputable organizations conduct salary surveys for North Macedonia. These surveys provide detailed breakdowns of average salaries for various positions across different industries and experience levels.

• Job Boards: Many online job boards in North Macedonia allow users to search for jobs by location, title, and salary range. This can provide valuable insights into what employers are currently offering for similar positions.

• Government Resources: The State Statistical Office of North Macedonia publishes data on average wages in the country. While not specific to individual positions, this data can provide a general benchmark for salary expectations.

• Recruitment Agencies: Recruitment agencies specialize in matching qualified candidates with suitable job openings. They possess in-depth knowledge of current salary trends within specific industries.

• Note: Market data is a valuable starting point, but it's not the only factor to consider when determining salaries. Benefits packages, company culture, and career development opportunities can also play a significant role in attracting and retaining talent.

In North Macedonia, a legal minimum wage is established that all employers must adhere to when compensating their employees.

Current Minimum Wage

As of March 1, 2023, the net national minimum wage in North Macedonia is set at MKD 20,175.00 per month. This is a net figure, meaning income tax and social security contributions have already been deducted.

Legislative Reference

The legal framework governing minimum wage in North Macedonia is established by the Law on Minimum Wage (Zakon za minimalna plača). This law outlines the minimum wage amount, its applicability across sectors, and the process for revisions.

Applicability

The minimum wage applies to all employment contracts in North Macedonia, including:

• Full-time and part-time employment
• Permanent and temporary contracts
• Apprenticeships

Minimum Wage Revisions

The minimum wage in North Macedonia is subject to periodic revisions. The process typically involves discussions between the government, social partners (trade unions and employers' organizations), and the Economic and Social Council. The revised minimum wage is then established through legislation.

In North Macedonia, employers often offer a variety of bonuses and allowances to attract and retain talent, motivate employees, and compensate for additional work hours.

Performance-Based Bonuses

In North Macedonia, it's common to offer a 13th-month salary. This bonus is typically paid at the end of the year to employees who meet specific criteria, such as working a minimum number of hours without excessive absences.

Companies may also offer performance-based bonuses tied to achieving individual or team targets. These bonuses can be financial rewards or other incentives like additional paid time off.

Overtime Compensation

North Macedonian law mandates overtime pay for work exceeding regular working hours. The overtime rate is usually at least 135% of the employee's standard hourly rate.

An additional bonus is required by law if an employee works more than 150 hours of overtime in a year with minimal absences. This bonus is equivalent to one month's average salary in North Macedonia.

Allowances

Some employers provide meal allowances to offset the cost of lunch during work hours. Companies may offer transportation allowances to help employees cover commuting costs, especially if public transportation options are limited. Employers may also provide a mobile phone allowance to reimburse employees for work-related phone usage.

These are just some of the common bonuses and allowances offered in North Macedonia. The specific types and amounts will vary depending on the company, industry, and employee position.

Understanding payroll cycles is crucial for both employers and employees in North Macedonia. This guide explores the typical practices followed in the country.

Frequency

The most common payroll cycle in North Macedonia is monthly. This means employees are typically paid their salaries once a month, at the end of the month they worked.

Salary Components

A typical Macedonian paycheck will include the following components:

• Gross Salary: The employee's total pre-tax earnings before deductions.
• Social Security Contributions: These mandatory deductions cover pension, disability, health, and unemployment insurance, with a portion paid by the employee and the employer.
• Personal Income Tax (PIT): Income tax is withheld from the employee's gross salary at a progressive rate.

Legal Requirements

The Labour Law of North Macedonia outlines several legal requirements for employers regarding payroll:

• Timely Payment: Salaries must be paid on the agreed-upon date, typically by the end of the month worked.
• Pay Slips: Employees are entitled to receive payslips with a breakdown of their gross salary, deductions, and net pay amount.
• Record Keeping: Employers must maintain accurate payroll records for a minimum period as stipulated by law.

Additional Considerations

While monthly is the standard, some companies in North Macedonia may offer bi-weekly or semi-monthly pay cycles, particularly for employees in hourly positions.

It's important to remember that many companies in North Macedonia also provide a 13th-month salary as a bonus at the end of the year. This is not mandatory by law, but a common practice that can be considered part of the overall compensation package.