Turkey’s average monthly labor cost stood at 45,777 lira in 2024, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute.
The figures were compiled for the first time using administrative records rather than survey data.
The series, produced every four years since 2004, measures the total cost to employers and the distribution of those cost components.
Finance and insurance recorded the highest labor costs, with an average of 119,868 lira per month. Information and communication followed at 94,096 lira, while the education sector averaged 67,397 lira.
Construction had the lowest labor costs at 26,047 lira. It was followed by accommodation and food services at 29,460 lira and real estate activities at 30,929 lira.
Gross earnings accounted for 85.7% of total labor costs, while social security contributions made up 13.9%.
Other labor‑related expenses represented 0.4%.
Payments for hours worked held the largest share within earnings at 78.4%.
Irregular payments for hours worked accounted for 9.9%, and payments for non‑working periods made up 8.6%.
In‑kind payments represented 2.7%, and contributions to savings funds were 0.4%.
Within social security costs, mandatory contributions represented 84.3%, while voluntary contributions accounted for 0.7%. Severance and notice payments made up 15% of total social security‑related expenses.