Average annual income in Turkey 2008-2023, by gender
In Turkey, the average annual income was recorded at higher values in the case of men than women each year from 2008 to 2023. However, the gender pay gap fluctuated over time and has been widening from 2022. In 2023, men earned over 125,700 Turkish lira on average, whereas women made nearly 91,700 Turkish lira. That indicated a 37 percent pay gap between men and women in the country.
Average income varies significantly depending on education level
With high inflation leading to soaring prices and a decline in purchasing power within the country, the Minimum Wage Determination Commission, established by the Turkish government, has taken steps to regulate the minimum wage. As of 2024, the minimum wage was adjusted to 17,000 Turkish lira (497.4 U.S. dollars as of September 30, 2024), more than doubling compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, education levels continue to play a crucial role in income disparities in Turkey. Individuals with higher education degrees consistently earned the highest average annual income, reaching nearly 158,000 Turkish lira in 2023. In contrast, illiterate individuals earned about 45,600 Turkish lira on average.
Labor force participation and economic inactivity
The average labor force participation rate in Turkey reached 53.3 percent in 2023, with considerable regional variations. That year, Ardahan recorded the highest rate at 61.7 percent, while Siirt had the lowest at 38.5 percent. At the same time, there were a significant number of Turkish people who were not in the workforce in 2023. Over nine million people did not work that year due to being housewives, and nearly 5.4 million were absent due to disability, old age, or illness.