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Starting from January 1, 2025, Bulgaria’s military personnel will see a significant boost in their paychecks as the government raises the minimum salary to 2,300 leva (€1,175).
This change follows recent amendments to the Law on Defense and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria, officially published in issue 38 of the State Gazette.
The new salary structure reflects Bulgaria’s ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of its armed forces amid growing security challenges in the region.
Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov emphasized that the revised salary scheme is part of broader reforms aimed at attracting and retaining skilled personnel within the military.
Salary Tied to National Average
According to Zapryanov, the basic monthly salary for military personnel will be determined annually, based on the average salary in Bulgaria for the second quarter of the previous year, as reported by the National Statistical Institute (NSI).
For the second quarter of 2024, the average salary in Bulgaria was 2,296 leva, which serves as the foundation for the projected salary adjustments in 2025.
This adjustment represents a fundamental shift in the way military pay is calculated, ensuring that it is directly linked to the overall economic conditions in the country.
Zapryanov highlighted that this method allows for a more dynamic and fair compensation system that adjusts with inflation and economic growth.
Under the new system, different ranks within the military will receive salaries determined by applying a multiplier to the base average salary.
Officers, for example, will receive a multiplier of not less than 1.2, while officer candidates, sergeants, and soldiers will receive a multiplier of not less than 1.0.
Projected Salary Increases
The Ministry of Defense has already projected the new salary ranges that military personnel can expect come January 2025. Soldiers and sailors, the lowest-ranked personnel, will earn between 2,300 leva and 2,370 leva per month, which represents an average increase of 47%.
Sergeants, meanwhile, will see their salaries increase to between 2,395 leva and 2,485 leva, marking a 45% rise.
Officer candidates will experience a 40% increase in their pay, bringing their monthly earnings to between 2,520 leva and 2,630 leva. Junior officers, who rank higher, will see a 30% pay increase, with salaries ranging from 2,830 leva to 2,950 leva.
Senior officers will also benefit from the new changes, with salaries ranging from 3,000 leva to 4,050 leva, reflecting an average increase of 27%. High-ranking senior officers will see even more substantial salaries, ranging from 4,250 leva to 6,700 leva, representing a 27% increase as well.
Final Figures Pending Budget Approval
The final figures for military pay will be set and officially announced by the Minister of Defense following the approval of the 2025 State Budget.
While the salary projections provide an indication of the upcoming changes, the precise amounts may vary slightly depending on the final budget allocations.
Minister Zapryanov expressed confidence that these changes would enhance morale and provide much-needed financial support to the country’s military personnel, further aligning their compensation with the economic realities of Bulgaria.
The salary reform is expected to help the military attract new recruits, retain experienced personnel, and boost the overall readiness of Bulgaria’s armed forces in the face of evolving security challenges in the region.
The government’s commitment to improving military salaries comes at a time of increased focus on national security, with the Ministry of Defense prioritizing investments in personnel as well as modernizing equipment and infrastructure.