Kazakhstan leads Central Asia in average wage, according to Ranking.kz.
Data from the CIS Interstate Statistical Committee shows that in September 2024, the average nominal salary in Kazakhstan was US$817.2—nearly twice as much as in Uzbekistan (US$437.8) or Kyrgyzstan (US$411.2). Tajikistan lagged even further behind, with wages 3.4 times lower than in Kazakhstan (US$242.8).
The gap between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan might have been even wider if not for a significant wage increase in Tajikistan over the past year. In September 2024, Tajikistan’s nominal wages rose by 24.9%, while real wages increased by 21.1%—the highest growth rates in the region.
In comparison, wage growth in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan was more modest.
No publicly available data on average wage in Turkmenistan.
Minimum wages: Kazakhstan leads again
Kazakhstan also has the highest minimum wage in Central Asia. In 2023, it was set at 85,000 KZT (US$181.1). In contrast, minimum wages in other Central Asian countries were significantly lower:
- Uzbekistan – US$89.4
- Tajikistan – US$54.9
- Kyrgyzstan – US$28.3
Turkmenistan officially reports a minimum wage of US$402.9, but this figure is misleading. The conversion is based on the official exchange rate of 1 USD = 3.5 Turkmen manat, as reported by the country’s National Bank. However, most currency exchanges in Turkmenistan operate on a black market rate of 1 USD = 19 manat, making the actual minimum wage closer to US$74.2 in 2024.
Which sectors pay the most?
Data from national statistics agencies indicate that finance and insurance are the highest-paying sectors in all four Central Asian countries.
However, salary levels vary significantly by country:
- In Kazakhstan, finance professionals earn over US$1,700—three times more than in Tajikistan (US$561.9).
- In Kazakhstan, the financial and mining industries offer the highest wages.
- In Tajikistan, alongside finance, the manufacturing and service sectors pay relatively well.
- In Uzbekistan, the finance and IT sectors offer salaries exceeding US$1,000.
- In Kyrgyzstan, a similar trend is observed, with finance and IT among the best-paying fields.
Lowest-paying sectors
Across Central Asia, the lowest salaries are found in education, healthcare, agriculture, and public utilities. These sectors consistently report below-average wages, regardless of the country.
