Seasonal Workers in Serbia: How Much They Earn and Where They Stay During Summer?
Summer is here, and with it come the seasonal workers filling restaurants, construction sites, fields, and shops across Serbia. But how much do they really earn, and what are their living conditions? Brace yourself, because the truth about seasonal work in Serbia is far from rosy!
Where are the most in-demand seasonal jobs? The highest number of job openings during summer is in hospitality, construction, retail, and agriculture. Waiters, assistant cooks, event staff, manual laborers, and various skilled workers are the most sought after. In retail, selling ice cream and refreshments is popular, while in agriculture, fruit picking dominates.
How much do they earn? Miloš Turinski from Infostud states that monthly salaries for seasonal workers in Serbia range from 65,000 to 90,000 dinars, depending on location, type of job, and qualifications. Construction workers, especially those doing physically demanding outdoor work, earn the highest daily wages, averaging around 50 euros. Agriculture offers similar pay, while hospitality and retail generally offer lower wages.
Accommodation and living conditions Most employers in Serbia rarely provide accommodation and meals, unlike abroad. Accommodation is usually rented near workplaces, with rent prices varying. For example, in Surčin, average apartment rents for workers range from 150 to 300 euros per month, while houses for larger groups can accommodate up to 25 people, with rent around 100 euros per person per month, including utilities.
Apartments are generally functional and simply furnished, adapted for collective living with multiple beds. Employers often rent these apartments directly for workers. However, finding ideal accommodation is not easy, as most apartments are designed for families, couples, and students.
Tourist center specifics Tourist centers like Zlatibor, Vrnjačka Banja, and Silver Lake see increased demand for hospitality workers, especially on weekends. In Zlatibor, demand for accommodation grows year-round, and construction workers often choose older, cheaper housing, often in houses with several rooms, where daily rent per person is between 4 and 5 euros, often with food organized by the employer.
Landlords and renting out Renting apartments to seasonal workers can be profitable for landlords as it ensures full occupancy and advance payment. However, higher maintenance costs and intensive use of property pose challenges. Some landlords are cautious due to potential damages and payment issues, but some recognize stable income and are willing to cooperate.
Conclusion: Seasonal work in Serbia is no fairy tale! Seasonal workers in Serbia perform hard labor for wages often low compared to the effort they put in. Accommodation is often modest and expensive, and employers rarely offer additional benefits like meals or housing. Still, demand for seasonal workers is growing, especially in tourist and agricultural areas, which may lead to slight wage increases in the future.
If you ever thought about seasonal work in Serbia, now you know what to expect. Got any crazy seasonal job stories? Or know where it’s better? Drop a comment, let’s laugh or spark a debate!
