Average salary in Uzbekistan reaches nearly 6 million soums: what the figures show for the first half of 2025

By | 25/07/2025
Dynamics of the average monthly salary in Uzbekistan, 2021–2025, in thousand soums

According to the results of January–June 2025, the average nominal accrued salary in Uzbekistan amounted to 5,982.3 thousand soums (approximately USD 470 at the June 2025 exchange rate of ~12,700 UZS per USD). This was reported by the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Statistics. This figure represents a 17.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Growth is observed in almost all regions and sectors. However, the gap between the capital and other regions persists, and wages in the social sector remain below the national average.

Where do they pay more: salaries by region

Salaries in Uzbekistan traditionally vary significantly by region. The highest income is recorded among residents of Tashkent, where major administrative and economic structures are concentrated, along with a large share of the private sector.

Below are the official data on the average nominal salary by region of Uzbekistan for the first half of 2025. All amounts are in thousands of soums:

RegionAverage salary (thous. soums)Growth vs. H1 2024 (%)
Republic of Uzbekistan5,982.3+17.2
City of Tashkent10,138.4+18.8
Navoi region7,486.4+13.4
Tashkent region5,674.4+15.3
Andijan region4,935.3+11.0
Bukhara region4,787.3+14.8
Syrdarya region4,789.8+18.0
Republic of Karakalpakstan4,757.2+14.2
Khorezm region4,720.1+15.6
Surkhandarya region4,256.5+16.1
Kashkadarya region4,148.3+14.3
Samarkand region4,435.4+15.8
Jizzakh region4,476.8+17.0
Fergana region4,443.8+16.9
Namangan region4,350.1+16.6

The highest salary in the country was recorded in the city of Tashkent — over 10 million soums, which is nearly 2.5 times higher than in Namangan region (4.35 million soums). This reflects not only the concentration of high-paying jobs in Tashkent but also the general uneven distribution of economic activity across the country. The second highest income level is in Navoi region, due to its industrial profile.

How much do people earn in different sectors?

Salary levels also depend on the type of economic activity. The breakdown by sector for the first half of 2025 is as follows:

SectorAverage salary (thous. soums)Growth vs. H1 2024 (%)
Banking, insurance and financial services16,252.9+13.9
Information and communication14,785.8+17.0
Transportation and storage9,006.6+16.0
Industry7,173.1+15.4
Trade6,700.9+12.8
Construction5,888.3+6.1
Arts, entertainment and recreation5,036.8+20.7
Accommodation and food services4,592.6+4.5
Education4,141.8+18.3
Healthcare and social services3,697.3+12.4

The highest salaries are in the banking and financial sector, at over 16.2 million soums. High earnings are also observed among IT and logistics professionals. The lowest incomes are found among employees in healthcare, education, and food services. Wages in these sectors are four times lower than in banks and insurance companies.

Yearly dynamics (in thousand soums):

YearAverage nominal salary
20212,968.5
20223,551.6
20234,337.6
20245,106.0
20255,982.3

Over five years, the average salary has more than doubled, yet significant disparities between sectors and regions remain.

Note on methodology

The data are calculated based on official statistics from enterprises and organizations. Small and microenterprises, as well as the agricultural sector, are not included in the calculations.
The average salary is determined as the ratio of the total wage fund to the average number of employees.

Why is the average salary rising in Uzbekistan?

Economic growth

According to the Central Bank of Uzbekistan and international analysts, economic activity in Uzbekistan was strong in the first half of 2025.

  • Domestic demand was supported by high levels of consumption, increased investment, and growing consumer lending.
  • The Asian Development Bank forecasts that Uzbekistan’s GDP will grow by 6.6% in 2025.

This economic activity contributes to rising incomes in the private sector and growing demand for labor, especially in industry, logistics, construction, and IT.

Salary growth in specific sectors

According to the press release of the State Committee on Statistics dated 28 July 2025, the highest salary growth rates were recorded in the following sectors:

  • arts and leisure (+20.7%),
  • education (+18.3%),
  • information and communication (+17.0%),
  • transportation and storage (+16.0%),
  • industry (+15.4%).

This reflects structural demand for specialists in developing sectors.

Public sector and wage reform

Although the press release does not mention specific budgetary decisions, the actual salary growth in education (+18.3%) and healthcare (+12.4%) suggests a continued increase in wage funds in public sector organizations.

Legalization and reflection of shadow incomes

The growth in official statistics may also be associated with more complete corporate reporting, including through reforms in accounting and tax reporting.

Although the press release of the Committee on Statistics does not specify this, such measures are regularly highlighted in the context of tax policy and digitalization of settlements.

Real income growth

It is important to note that nominal wage growth does not automatically mean an increase in purchasing power. Inflation in the country remains at around 8.7% annually:

  • According to the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, annual inflation in June 2025 was 8.7%.
  • The consumer price index (CPI) for January–June 2025 increased by 4.2%.

Thus, with nominal wages rising by 17.2%, and prices by 4.2%, real income growth for the population can be estimated at approximately 12–13% over the half-year.

Who benefits from wage growth, and who lags behind?

Beneficiaries: employees of financial institutions, banks, insurance companies, IT specialists, as well as engineers in construction and industry.

Those left behind: doctors, teachers, workers in cafes and hotels, and employees of museums, libraries, and theaters.

Such a disparity affects the structure of employment, leads to staff outflow from the public sector, and intensifies migration sentiments in certain regions.

Share

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *