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What is the Typical Income in Denmark

Introduction

In recent years, Denmark has become a popular destination for Polish workers, due in part to the country's high average salary. While the cost of living in Scandinavia is generally quite high, Danish wages are high enough to balance out these expenses and provide a comfortable standard of living. Additionally, those with specific skills and trades are highly sought after in the Danish job market, and can expect above-average pay, good working conditions, and the same rights and privileges as native Danes.

The guide below provides answers to common questions about Danish salaries and the job market, including information on the average salary in Denmark, how Danish salaries compare to those in other European countries, the best-paid professions in Denmark, and how the average salary compares to the cost of living. Additionally, the guide offers insights into which professions are likely to earn high salaries in Denmark.


Average salary in Denmark

The Kingdom of Denmark is known for its liberal economic policies, which create numerous opportunities for economic migrants from the European Economic Area and the European Union. The average salary in Denmark ranges from DKK 20,000 to 40,000 per month depending on the profession, level of Danish language proficiency, age, and skillset of the employee. However, the lowest national salary is DKK 11,000 per month, which is higher than the minimum salary in Poland.


Despite the high cost of living in Denmark, the state offers many pro-social policies and concessions to Danish workers, including accommodations, food, and transportation. Furthermore, the cost of services such as telephone and internet subscriptions is relatively low

Unlike in many other countries, Denmark does not have a top-down minimum wage, with the exception of hourly rates for production workers or drivers engaged in combined transport and cabotage. Instead, working conditions such as wages, vacation time, and working hours are determined by agreement between the Trade Union Federation and the Danish Employers' Conference.


The average Danish salary vs. salary levels using selected professions as an example

Denmark is one of the ten richest European countries, and its capital city, Copenhagen, was named the most financially comfortable place to live in Europe in 2016. The country is known for its good social policies, high salaries, and equal rights for all citizens.

The Danish salary is influenced by several factors, including qualifications, profession, age, and language skills. Denmark does not have a top-down minimum wage per hour, except for a few exceptions. The weekly working time in Denmark is shorter than in Poland, usually no more than 37 hours with a daily average of 6 to 6.5 hours.


The average salary in Denmark is about DKK 20,000 to 40,000 per month, equivalent to PLN 12,000 to 25,000. The minimum Danish salary, which is typically paid to workers without knowledge of a foreign language or relevant qualifications, is about DKK 13,000 per month or PLN 10,000 per month (about DKK 110 gross per hour or PLN 67 gross per hour). In Copenhagen, the lowest salary is around DKK 15,000 per month, while the average is approximately DKK 20,000.


How much can you earn on average, working in Denmark?

  1. Farm worker: from 75 DKK per hour
  2. Greenhouse worker: from 80 DKK per hour; 130-140 DKK per hour
  3. Cleaning worker: 110-130 DKK per hour, around 15,000 DKK per month in Copenhagen
  4. Production worker: from 127 DKK per hour (top-down minimum wage effective from March 1, 2022)
  5. Glazier: approximately 150 DKK per hour
  6. Construction worker: 150-160 DKK per hour
  7. Warehouse worker: 150-170 DKK per hour
  8. Locksmith: approximately 160 DKK per hour
  9. Car mechanic and CNC operator: 160-170 DKK per hour
  10. Driver performing combined and cabotage transport: 163 DKK per hour (minimum wage set top-down)
  11. Welder: 170-220 DKK per hour
  12. Assembler: 170-190 DKK per hour
  13. Roofer: 175-180 DKK per hour
  14. Electrician and plumber: 180-190 DKK per hour
  15. Cashier: approximately DKK 14,000 per month
  16. Manager: approximately DKK 14,700 per month
  17. Secretary: 26,000-27,500 DKK per month
  18. Medical staff: approximately 18,500 DKK per month
  19. IT specialist: DKK 25,000-40,000 per month
  20. Doctors and lawyers: from 38,000 DKK up to 70,000 DKK per month.


Furthermore, individuals living in Denmark are entitled to various social benefits, including:


Denmark offers state-funded internships that are widely popular among the population. These internships are available in various fields, including research centers, farms, museums, energy corporations, institutes related to art, architecture, science, archaeology, and oil companies. Eligibility for these internships is limited to individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 who have completed a diploma at least 18 months prior to the start of their internship and possess proficiency in at least one of the following foreign languages: Danish, English, German, Swedish, or Norwegian.


Average salary in Denmark vs. cost of living

The regulation of labor laws in Denmark is not centralized, and therefore, factors such as salary, retirement age, vacation, termination conditions, length of the working day, and overtime or working hours are decided on an individual basis in the contract between employers and the Federation of Trade Unions.


The average salary earned by workers in Denmark is determined by these agreements, and it enables citizens to live comfortably as the cost of living in the country is relatively high.


Here are some price examples for certain products and services:

  1. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside Copenhagen starts from 5,000 DKK per month. Prices are higher in the Danish capital.
  2. Rent for a two-room apartment outside the capital ranges from 7,000 to 11,000 DKK per month. A deposit of at least three months' rent is usually required.
  3. Rent for a three-room apartment typically costs about 12,000 to 16,000 DKK per month.
  4. Rent for student apartments is around 4,000 to 5,000 DKK per month.
  5. Telephone subscription costs approximately 43 DKK per month.
  6. Internet service costs around 200 DKK per month.
  7. Starting fare for a taxi is about 50 DKK, with a regular fare of about 15 DKK per km.
  8. Bicycle rental ranges from 300 to 600 DKK per day.
  9. Monthly public transportation ticket costs approximately 1,300 DKK.
  10. A ticket for all metro routes in Copenhagen costs about 36 DKK.
  11. Gasoline costs about 12-14 DKK per liter.
  12. Tomatoes cost around 10 DKK per kilo, while a single banana costs about 3 DKK.
  13. Milk comes in cartons that cost 8-12 DKK, and a half-liter bottle of water costs 3-10 DKK.
  14. Potatoes cost about 10-20 DKK per kilogram, a loaf of bread is 16-18 DKK, and 12 eggs cost 20-30 DKK.
  15. Frozen rolls cost about 7-8 DKK, while 20 eggs cost around 39 DKK. A kilogram of chicken breast costs about 60 DKK, and a couple of slices of ham costs 10-12 DKK.
  16. Dining and Leisure:
  17. A slice of pizza at a restaurant costs about 50 DKK, while a whole large pizza costs 90-100 DKK. A fast food burger costs about 15 DKK, and a cup of drink from a vending machine is about 7 DKK.
  18. A dish at an inexpensive restaurant costs about 125 DKK, while a whole dinner at a more expensive restaurant costs about 300 DKK.
  19. A monthly gym pass typically costs about 150-350 DKK, and a cinema ticket costs about 90-140 DKK. Tennis court rental costs about 100-250 DKK.


There are several grocery and non-grocery stores that are commonly found in Denmark, including Aldi, Rema 1000, Lidl, and Fakta.


Based on the information provided, it's apparent that the average salary in Denmark can provide a high standard of living even for those who don't speak a foreign language. As a result, many Poles are choosing to emigrate to Denmark for work opportunities. In fact, more than 30,000 Polish citizens currently live and work in Denmark, according to statistics.


Summary

Denmark is a country that embraces open market principles and encourages free competition, treating both domestic and foreign citizens equally. Poles who decide to work in Denmark can expect to earn much higher wages than in Poland, particularly if they have the appropriate qualifications and speak one of the foreign languages commonly used by Danes (such as English or German).

Even with the lowest national salary, a Danish worker can lead a comfortable life and establish a financial safety net. Furthermore, all Danish workers are eligible for the various concessions and benefits provided to EU and EEA members by the Danish government. In short, Denmark is a country that provides ample opportunities for professional and financial growth, and is an attractive option for many Poles seeking to work abroad.


FAQs

1.How much is the average salary in Denmark?

The average salary in Denmark is between 20,000 and 40,000 DKK gross per month, which is 4-5 times higher than the average monthly salary in Poland.


2.How much is the minimum wage per hour in Denmark?

There is no top-down minimum wage per hour in Denmark, except for production workers who have a minimum wage of DKK 127 per hour starting from March 1, 2022, and drivers engaged in combined transport and cabotage who have a minimum wage of DKK 163 per hour. The lowest national wage is typically around DKK 110 gross per hour for those without foreign language skills.


3.What factors determine the salary for working in Denmark?

The salary in Denmark is determined by several factors, such as foreign language skills, age, and expertise. Specialized professionals like teachers, dentists, programmers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, veterinarians, engineers, and auditors can expect higher salaries than other workers. Fresh graduates typically earn no more than DKK 14,800, while those with academic success can earn up to DKK 18,500.


4.Can I get a well-paid job in Denmark without knowledge of the Danish language?

Yes, you can still find a well-paid job in Denmark without knowing the Danish language, especially since Danes also communicate in German and English.


5.Where have all aspects of labor law in Denmark been determined?

All aspects of labor law in Denmark, such as vacations, wages, hours worked, or overtime, have been agreed upon by the Federation of Trade Unions and the Danish Employers' Conference. Consequently, each employee's working conditions are determined individually.


6.What is the usual working day in Denmark?

The working day is usually between 6 and 6.5 hours (up to 37 hours per week). Overtime is paid at 50% for the first 3 hours and 100% for each additional hour. Employees working on Sundays and holidays are paid an additional 100%.


7.How much can you save while working in Denmark?

Despite Denmark being one of the most expensive countries in Europe, it is possible to save between 3,000 and 5,000 PLN per month with an average salary of 20,000-40,000 DKK.


8.How should I account for income earned in Poland and Denmark?

Income earned in Poland and Denmark should be settled on PIT-36, with PIT/ZG attached.


9.Do I need to file my taxes in Poland if I work in Denmark?

If you work in Denmark, you must settle with the tax office in Poland once a year. You will calculate the amount of income tax to be paid to the Polish tax office by deducting the income tax paid to the Danish tax office from the Polish tax.


10.How can I calculate my net salary in Denmark?

To calculate your net salary in Denmark, you can use online calculators. For salaries of 15,000-30,000 DKK gross, rates of 30-35% should be multiplied.


11.After how many years of work am I entitled to a pension in Denmark?

In Denmark, up to 2.5% of the pension is due for each year worked. When you reach retirement age and have worked 5 years, you are entitled to 12.5% of the benefit. The basic Danish pension is DKK 54,204 per year for those who have lived in Denmark for 40 years. For those who have lived for less time, the benefit is reduced by 1/40 for each year.


12.How can I find a job in Denmark?

You can find a job in Denmark by calling a special hotline +45 7222 3399. In addition, you can use the European EURES job database or websites like wokindenmark.dk and jobnet.dk to search for job offers. Seasonal work offers can be found at www.seasonalwork.dk.


13.Can I work in Denmark without permission?

Citizens of Scandinavian countries are allowed to work and live in Denmark without permission. Citizens of Switzerland or EU or EEA countries are entitled to apply to SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) for a residence registration certificate as soon as they start working. After 3 months, it is necessary to register your residence in Denmark with SIRI or the regional office of Statsforvaltningen or the local branch of ICS (International Citizen Service).


14.Do I need to register my residence in Denmark?

Yes, you need to register your residence in Denmark to be entitled to medical care („yellow card”). According to Danish registration law, a certain number of residents should be registered in each property, so finding an apartment or house is not the same as being able to register legal residence in Denmark.


15.Where can I find cheap accommodation in Denmark?

You can find accommodation for rent from private landlords on websites such as polonia.dk, wirtualnakopenhaga.pl, and federacja-polonia.dk. Another option is to sign up for a Danish housing cooperative, but there is usually a wait of six months to one and a half years for a cooperative apartment. To receive such an apartment, you must have a „yellow card.” In the case of cooperative housing, you do not incur rental costs, so you can save DKK 2 to 3 thousand per month.


16.What taxes do I have to pay when working in Denmark?

If you choose to live and work in Denmark, you have unlimited tax liability, meaning you must file a tax return with the Danish tax authorities every year by May 1 (or July 1). You can do this preferably through the online government portal www.skat.dk using the pre-ordered 8-digit code Tast Selv. Limited tax liability (begrænset skattepligt) is required if you work in Denmark but live outside the country, or have employment with a Danish company under a fixed-term employment contract.


In Denmark, both employers and employees are required to pay income tax to SKAT, which is the Danish tax authority. The tax consists of a flat municipal tax and a progressive tax to the state, and the exact amount that needs to be paid is based on the individual's annual income.


In Denmark, there is a tax-free rate of 10.10% on gross wages, which is determined annually. However, income tax percentage rates are also in place in the country:

In addition, there is a voluntary church tax, which averages at 0.92 percent.

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