The Highest Paying Jobs in Serbia (2025)

It’s a common misconception that “you can’t earn a good salary in Serbia.” Yes, average wages are lower than in Western countries—but Serbia is a land of opportunity for expats, particularly for those willing to think outside the box.

• 
  

  Favorable tax rates (as low as 10%)

  
  


• 
  

  Strategic geographic location between East and West

  
  


• 
  

  Underserved sectors where foreign experience gives you a competitive edge

  
  


• 
  

  Booming tech and digital industries

  
  


• 
  

  Affordable cost of living (so your money goes further)
  
  

  
  

Now, let’s explore the top high-income jobs in Serbia today.

1. 💻 IT & Software Development

Average Salary: 292,000 RSD/month

Top Earners: €5,000–€12,000/month

IT continues to dominate Serbia’s salary rankings. Roles in software engineering, cybersecurity, blockchain, and tech brokerage pay far above national averages. We personally know brokers in Belgrade earning over €10,000/month.

🧠 Tip: Serbia offers major tax breaks for tech startups, making it a prime base for remote work or launching your own digital agency.

2. 🛢 Oil, Gas & Petroleum Engineering

Average Salary: 297,000–330,000 RSD/month

Jobs in petroleum derivatives and natural gas extraction require specialization but offer top-tier salaries. Positions in production, engineering, and logistics are in high demand as Serbia grows its energy infrastructure.

3. ✈️ Aviation (Pilots & Air Transport)

Average Salary: 232,000 RSD/month

Pilots in Serbia remain among the highest earners. With Air Serbia expanding routes to the U.S., Asia, and beyond, the aviation industry is poised for major growth—especially for certified foreign pilots and aviation professionals.

4. 🔬 Scientific Research & Development

Average Salary: 206,000 RSD/month

Serbia is investing heavily in R&D infrastructure. Opportunities exist in biotech, pharma, engineering, and innovation, especially for those launching research-focused startups (eligible for R&D tax credits).

5. 💰 Financial Sector & Private Lending

Average Salary: 175,000 RSD/month

Entrepreneurial Potential: Untapped

While Serbia’s financial services are lucrative, the real opportunity lies in private lending. Traditional banks hesitate to lend to self-employed entrepreneurs—leaving a massive market gap for expat-led financing and investment consultancies.

6. 🧠 Management & Business Consulting

Average Salary: 170,000 RSD/month

Serbia’s growing business scene lacks deep experience in entrepreneurship and scaling operations. If you have a background in business development, systems, or scaling, you can position yourself as a go-to consultant for local firms.

🌱 Pro tip: Build your presence through word of mouth—Serbians value personal referrals.

7. 🎬 Media, Film & Television Production

Average Salary: 142,000 RSD/month

Thanks to generous film incentives and stunning locations, Serbia has become a hub for international productions. This means high-paying jobs in cinematography, production management, and post-production.

We’ve seen film sets pop up even near government buildings—proof of the industry’s growth.

8. 🏭 Manufacturing & Processing

Average Salary: 96,000–155,000 RSD/month

Sectors like tobacco, chemicals, and machinery pay more than general manufacturing roles. Plus, investing in a factory or processing business is a path to Serbian citizenship by exception if you hire locals and contribute to economic growth.

9. 📈 Marketing, AI & Market Research

Average Salary: 126,000 RSD/month

Freelance Potential: High

From digital marketing to AI-driven agencies, Serbia is ripe for remote marketing firms. Combine AI tools with traditional marketing know-how, and you can build a highly profitable agency here with global clients.

10. 🛠 Skilled Trades & Service-Based Businesses

While not officially among the “highest salaries,” skilled trades such as electricians, chefs, hair stylists, and salon owners are in high demand—especially if you own your own business.

Our founder, a former Canadian master electrician, was offered over €3,000/month upon arrival in Serbia—showing how much locals value verified skill.

It’s important to note that average salaries in Serbia reflect employed positions—but entrepreneurs and freelancers regularly earn 2x–5x these numbers.

If you:

• 
  

  Offer niche skills (IT, finance, consulting),

  
  


• 
  

  Build a productized service (e.g., agency model),

  
  


• 
  

  Or set up a business that hires locally,
  
  

  
  

…you can scale your income while benefiting from low overhead, low tax, and high quality of life.

Serbia may not be the first country that comes to mind for high-income opportunities—but the numbers (and real-world results) don’t lie.

✅ The IT sector is booming.

✅ Consulting and private finance are untapped.

✅ Skilled trades and creative industries are thriving.

✅ Entrepreneurs can earn exceptional income and gain residency—or even citizenship.

At Relocation Serbia, we help clients like you move with confidence. Whether you're job hunting, launching a business, or investing in a better life—we’ll guide you every step of the way.

👉 Book your consultation now with our legal and relocation team to find the best solution for your citizenship and residency goals.