How important are studies in Romania? From “I was stupid at 18!” to “I earn better than many people with college!”
Although the average net salary exceeds 5,500 lei, individual experiences show that college graduates do not always earn more than those without higher education, and the differences are significant between fields and cities.
Educated employees often receive below average wages. PHOTO: archive
The average net salary in Romania exceeded, at the end of 2025, the threshold of 5,500 lei, but the reality of the labor market shows that the differences between employees are very large, depending on the field, experience and level of education.
There are college graduates who earn just over 3,000 lei, while people without higher education reach incomes of almost 9,000 lei, according to Click!.
“I feel like sticking my fingernail in my throat”
An example is that of a young architect, who says that his salary is a little over 3,000 lei, to which meal vouchers are added.
“It makes me want to stick my fingernail in my throat every time I read threads like this. I was stupid at 18. I earn just over 3000+ vouchers. I did architecture.” he states, suggesting that his income is far below expectations after completing his studies.
Similar situations can be found among graduates of technical faculties. A young man recounts that although he started with a well-paid internship, he was unable to find a stable job after graduation.
“I have 3k net (3,000 lei net-no) and I broke college, which was technical. In vain if you don't find ok jobs in Brașov“, he explains, stating that he had to accept a lower salary.
There are also more favorable examples for graduates. Another employee, also from Brașov, says that after about two and a half years of experience, he reached an income of 5,200 lei, to which are added additional benefits, such as a car and platform benefits of 1,100 lei.
At the same time, a person with a master's degree and more than 12 years of experience admits that his income remains relatively modest: “5,500 lei plus vouchers, bachelor's degree, master's degree and 12 years of experience in the field.”
“I earn better than many people with college”
Online discussions also show surprising situations where people without a university degree end up earning more than college graduates.
One user states that, although he does not have a bachelor's degree, he makes approximately 7,400 lei net without allowances, as a “dealer in a casino”. According to him, the salary can even reach 9,000 lei when weekend and night shifts are included. “For Romania and for my studies, I earn better than many people with a university degree“, he says.
Online comments also reveal situations where people with dual degrees work in fields unrelated to their training, such as retail or other entry-level jobs.
Such examples reinforce the increasingly widespread perception that a university degree no longer automatically guarantees a higher salary or professional stability.
Read here what the specialists say about how relevant or not studies in Romania are.
