Employees in Cyprus work some of the longest hours in the European Union but earn significantly less than their counterparts across the bloc, according to new data released by Eurostat.
The report, based on figures from the second quarter of 2025, ranks Cyprus second in the EU for the proportion of workers clocking more than 45 hours per week in both primary and secondary jobs. Greece topped the list at 20.9%, followed by Cyprus at 16.6%. The EU average stands at 10.8%.
Despite the long hours, Cypriot workers earn well below the European average. A recent European Commission report shows that hourly compensation in Cyprus — including wages and employer social contributions — is €19.4, compared to €30.5 across the EU and €34.3 in the Eurozone. That places Cyprus 36.4% below the EU average and 43.4% below the Eurozone.
In terms of base wages and daily earnings, Cyprus ranks 14th in the EU with an average of €15.6 per hour, compared to €22.9 in the EU and €25.6 in the Eurozone. Employer contributions in Cyprus are also lower, averaging €3.9 per hour versus €7.6 in the EU and €8.7 in the Eurozone.
The findings highlight a growing disparity between work intensity and compensation in southern Europe, raising concerns about labor equity and economic sustainability.
