According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), the average wage in the economy in March stood at 15,921 shekels, an increase of 8.8% compared to March of the previous year. After adjusting for the increase in the Consumer Price Index, the average real wage rose by 6.8%.
The significant increase in the average wage was likely caused by the temporary withdrawal of lower-paid workers from the labor market, as well as employees being placed on unpaid leave (halat) in connection with Operation Rising Lion. The number of salaried positions in March stood at 3.812 million, a decrease of 8.3% compared to February and 7.5% compared to March 2025.
The share of workers employed in sectors where the average wage is below the overall economy-wide average stood at 66.94%.
Wages by Sector
The average wage of 587.6 thousand workers in welfare and social services stood at NIS 9,977.
The average wage of 585.8 thousand workers in education stood at NIS 10,355.
The average wage of 480 thousand workers in retail and wholesale trade (including vehicle repair) stood at NIS 13,703.
The average wage of 231.4 thousand workers in management and support services stood at NIS 9,748.
The average wage of 181 thousand workers in accommodation and food services stood at NIS 6,918.
The average wage of 209.8 thousand construction workers stood at NIS 14,499.
The average wage of 343.6 thousand workers in manufacturing stood at NIS 24,844.
The average wage of 252.2 thousand workers in information and communications stood at NIS 37,943.
The average wage of 251.5 thousand workers in scientific, professional, and technical services stood at NIS 21,287.
The average wage of 157.8 thousand workers in public, local, and security administration stood at NIS 19,236.
