17.04.202606:30:00UTC+00Hungary’s Wage Growth Cools Sharply in February, Signalling Shift in Labor Cost Pressures

Hungary’s gross wage growth slowed markedly in February 2026, pointing to a significant easing in labor cost pressures across the economy. Year-over-year gross wages increased by 9.7% in February, a sharp deceleration from the 26.3% annual rise recorded in January 2026.

The data, updated on 17 April 2026, show that while wages are still rising compared with a year earlier, the pace has moderated substantially. In January, the indicator compared gross wages to January of the previous year, while the latest reading reflects the change in February wages versus the same month a year ago. This abrupt slowdown may indicate a normalization following an exceptionally strong January, with potential implications for inflation dynamics, household incomes, and monetary policy in the months ahead.