The Romanian labor market showcased notable stability and adaptation throughout 2024, according to the Job Market Index report compiled by OLX. With over 560,000 job offers listed on the platform, the availability of positions held steady compared to 2023, reflecting maturation within the labor market.
Ioana Vrânceanu, Sales Manager at OLX Romania, pointed out key trends observed this year. "The number of employees remains stabilized around 5.1 to 5.2 million. During the first ten months of 2024, only 32,000 new job positions were created across the economy, marking slower growth compared to 2023, when over 50,000 jobs were generated," she explained.
One marked change was the mild increase in average net salary, which grew by 12% compared to the previous year, reaching over 5,200 lei by October 2024. This figure is projected to increase to approximately 5,355 lei net per month for the year 2025. "Workers within the IT sector still earn the highest average net salaries, at over 11,500 lei, whereas those employed in the textiles industry receive the lowest average salary, around 3,000 lei," Vrânceanu added.
Job seeking becomes increasingly active, with over 3.3 million Romanians using OLX Jobs to find employment, reflecting a 10% increase compared to last year. The most sought-after roles remain within the fields of Drivers, Auto Services, and Couriers, with 552,000 unique candidates applying—a 3% increase from 2023.
Despite these trends, economic uncertainties prompted increased caution among employers. While business leaders largely reported satisfaction with 2024's financial results, they hold tempered plans for 2025. "Budgets are tighter, with focus shifting to cost control and operational efficiency," Vrânceanu noted.
Conversely, candidates face rising financial pressures themselves. A significant proportion of young Romanians—43% of Millennials and 29% of Gen Z—worry about the cost of living. The rising prices and declining purchasing power present some of the toughest challenges for this demographic.
To navigate these difficulties, employers adopted several strategies, including:
- Cost utilization to maintain financial stability;
- Salary increases within the blue-collar sector due to workforce shortages;
- International recruitment targeting workers from Asia;
- Active retention strategies featuring more attractive salary packages;
- Customized recruitment strategies aimed at local markets.
Candidates themselves have become more pragmatic. A considerable 32% of Gen Z respondents are now willing to take on blue-collar jobs to secure higher pay quickly and achieve job stability. Improved salary stands as the most important criterion for 30% of job seekers, followed by advancement opportunities (18%) and job stability (18%).
Employer adaptability presented itself as another focal point for 2024. Recruitment and talent retention emerged as priorities. "Employers responded to economic challenges by optimizing recruitment and retention processes, emphasizing clearer job postings, added benefits, and recruitment digitalization. Increased international recruitment proved to be a viable solution for workforce deficits, particularly noted within construction, logistics, and production sectors," Vrânceanu explained.
Salary increases and flexible work conditions have become key to attracting younger generations. Companies refined salary strategies, evidenced by the median salary increase of 12%, and are beginning to respond more effectively to Gen Z expectations by offering greater flexibility and advancement opportunities.
The Romanian labor market's evolution for 2024 demonstrates enhanced adaptability from both employers and candidates, with trends outlined by the OLX Job report providing clarity on labor market's future heading toward 2025.
OLX supports these findings, offering valuable insights for both job seekers and employers as they navigate this dynamic environment.