Greece’s labor market appears, at first glance, to be in recovery mode. Unemployment has dropped to 7.5%, while total employment has climbed above 4.3 million people, according to the latest data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).

In 2025, the country recorded a net gain of 70,563 jobs, despite notable losses in the final two months of the year, with 96,488 positions lost in November and another 14,524 in December. The headline figures suggest stabilization.

But for a growing number of workers, the reality behind the statistics feels far less reassuring. Across Greece, more and more people are taking on second jobs, not to build savings or improve their standard of living, but simply to cover rent, pay utility bills and make it to the end of the month.

Job Growth Without Purchasing Power

While employment figures are improving, the structure of the labor market explains why incomes are not keeping pace. In the first months of 2026, more than 40% of new employment contracts were part-time or rotational; a higher share than in the pre-pandemic period.

This reflects the makeup of the Greek economy, which is dominated by small businesses. Nearly 87.8% of enterprises employ up to 10 people, and roughly 48% operate in retail trade, food service and wholesale sectors. Only 29 companies nationwide employ more than 3,000 workers.

In an environment marked by small firm size and strong seasonality, flexibility has become the main cost-management tool. Employers adjust working hours and shifts according to demand. The result is a growing number of contracts that generate lower monthly income per worker.

A part-time employee earns 40% to 50% less than a full-time worker in the same sector. When job creation is concentrated in these types of positions, total wage income in the economy rises more slowly than employment itself. More people may be working, but not necessarily earning enough.

The €1,200 Ceiling

Income data from Greece’s ERGANI labor information system provide further insight. Nearly 60.79% of workers earn up to €1,200 gross per month. Of those, 36.5% receive up to €1,000 gross, while 24.29% fall between €1,000 and €1,200.

The average gross salary stands at €1,362, reflecting a 4.56% increase. Yet that increase is nominal. In real terms, the wage losses accumulated during the inflationary period between 2022 and 2025 have not been fully recovered.

Housing, energy and essential services continue to absorb a large share of household income. A recent survey by the Small Enterprises Institute of the Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen and Merchants (IME GSEVEE) underscores the strain. Six in 10 households report that their income does not last the entire month. On average, funds run out by the 18th day, and 55.7% of respondents say they cannot cover an unexpected expense of €500.

The Rise of Parallel Employment

Against this backdrop, holding a second job is increasingly becoming a necessary financial buffer. ERGANI data show that 131,122 workers are employed by more than one company. Parallel employment is particularly common in service-related sectors.

This shift has broader implications beyond household budgets. Fragmented working schedules can increase fatigue, reduce productivity and limit time available for training or professional development.

At the same time, 78.53% of workers log more than 35 hours per week, a figure that rose by 106,047 people in a single year. The labor market is therefore not defined by underwork, but by low hourly output and low compensation.

Consumption Under Pressure

The pressure on wages is also visible in consumer behavior. Retail turnover increased by roughly 2% in 2025, a rate below average inflation. In real terms, consumption volumes remained largely stagnant.

With a majority of workers earning below €1,200 gross per month, spending is concentrated on non-negotiable expenses such as housing, food, energy and basic services. Purchases of durable goods and discretionary services remain limited. This dynamic also affects public finances, as value-added tax revenues — a key pillar of the state budget — depend heavily on consumer activity.

Source: ot.gr