Working in Thessaloniki
Do you want to know everything about working in Thessaloniki? It is the second city of Greece, after Athens. The city is known for its strong Byzantine heritage, with many UNESCO-listed monuments to see. Thessaloniki is a lively, youthful city with many university students and expats.
On this page we will tell you about the life of the city, the average salary for different jobs and how much it costs to live in Thessaloniki.
Having a job in Thessaloniki
If you are ready for working in Thessaloniki, it is good to know about the most important things about having a job in this amazing city. We tell you all the information you need for having a job in Thessaloniki.
Working hours in Thessaloniki
Most full-time jobs in Thessaloniki follow a 40-hour working week, usually spread over five days, with eight working hours per day. Office-based employees generally work from Monday to Friday, with typical working hours between 9:00 and 17:00.
Working hours can vary depending on the industry. Shops, restaurants and hospitality businesses may have evening and weekend shifts. International companies and customer service centres also offer shift-based schedules, as some operate seven days a week or around the clock.
Salary in Thessaloniki
Expect this for the average salary for an expat living and working in Thessaloniki:
| Type of job | Indicative gross salary |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | €1,000-€1,400 a month |
| Technical Support | €1,100-€1,700 a month |
| Sales | €1,200-€2,000 a month |
| Experienced/Specialised roles | €1,800-€3,000 a month |
Holidays and time off
Employees in Thessaloniki are entitled to paid annual leave under Greek labour law. If you work a five-day week, you start with 20 working days of paid holiday per year. This entitlement increases with your length of service, reaching 22 days after three calendar years of employment. Employees working six days a week receive a higher allowance.
Work culture in Thessaloniki
Work culture in Thessaloniki combines traditional Greek values with a growing international business environment. Personal relationships and friendly communication are important in many workplaces, and colleagues often take time to get to know each other. Compared to some Northern European countries, the working atmosphere can feel more informal and relationship-oriented.
Workplaces in Thessaloniki can also have a more traditional management structure, where seniority and clear responsibilities play an important role. However, this depends on the company, and international employers often have a more modern and multicultural approach.
Finding a job in Thessaloniki
There are opportunities in Thessaloniki for international candidates, particularly in customer service, sales and other multilingual roles. Job Squad can help you find suitable vacancies and guide you through the recruitment process before you make the move to Greece.
Life in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki has a vibrant and diverse nightlife that caters to a wide range of tastes. The city is known for its bustling bars, clubs, and live music venues. Aristotelous Square and Valaoritou Street are popular areas with a concentration of bars and clubs, while Ladadika neighborhood is known for its lively tavernas and restaurants that transform into vibrant nightlife spots at night. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening at a cozy bar or a night of dancing and partying, Thessaloniki has something to offer for every preference.
Work in Thessaloniki
- Average working hours per week: 40 hours, 8 hours daily
- Typical working day: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Number of Vacation days: 20 days / 4 weeks
- Commute: Mostly by metro/train/tram or bus
FAQ
You can move to Thessaloniki by yourself, with a friend or as a couple. There are pros and cons to all of the situations. If you consider moving abroad with any kind of friend it can be a really good idea to sit down and talk through practical and everyday stuff such as economy, bills, cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking vs ordering, going out/staying in, how you deal with potentially going out without each other as well as having friends and family visiting (from near and far and extended visits). Apart from the practical arrangements, life is fun when you can share your new core memories with other people – so it is very recommendable to move abroad together. Moving with a friend can cause you to interact less with new people compared to if you move abroad by yourself. But if this is a good or a bad thing entirely depends on your personal goals and wishes as well as your personality.
Conclusion: communication is key if you and your friend decide to move abroad together
Getting around Thessaloniki is convenient with an efficient public transportation system. The brand new metro system opened in 2024. It is fast and efficient. To get into specific neigbourhoods, you can take busses. Average costs for public transport in Thessaloniki:
- 24-hour unlimited pass: €2,50
- 30-day unlimited pass: €16
- 90-day unlimited pass: €45
Some of the cheapest locations to live in Thessaloniki include neighbourhoods like Kato Toumba, Xirokrini, and Evosmos. These areas offer more affordable housing options compared to the city center or upscale neighbourhoods. Additionally, the suburbs surrounding Thessaloniki, such as Neapoli and Kalamaria, may provide lower rent prices while still offering convenient access to the city. The average monthly rent price in Thessaloniki will be something like this:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €450-€650
- 1-bedroom apartment outside of the city center: €300-€450
- Room in a shared apartment: €200-€300
Thessaloniki has a Mediterranean climate, which means the following for the different seasons:
- Spring: 13-18°C. Mild and increasingly sunny.
- Summer: 26-28°C. Hot and dry.
- Autumn: 17-22°C. Generally comfortable.
- Winter: 7-10°C. Cool, but snow is rare.
How expensive is living in Thessaloniki?
Thessaloniki is considered one of the more affordable major cities in Europe. The city is also much cheaper than Athens. Besides housing and public transport, you can expect the following average expenses when living in Thessaloniki:
Groceries: €200–€300 per month
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €12–€15
Coffee at a café: €2–€3
Beer at a bar (0.5L): €4–€5
Gym membership: €30–€60 per month
Cinema ticket: €7–€10
Still not sure about living and working in Thessaloniki?
Enjoy a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, warm weather, and the genuine hospitality of the locals. Thessaloniki offers a truly unique and enriching living experience:
- Be sure to explore the White Tower, which a symbol of the city and a great point for panoramic views.
- The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is a also recommendable, housing a vast collection of artifacts from ancient Macedonia.
- The Rotunda of Galerius and the nearby Arch of Galerius are impressive historical sites that showcase the city’s rich Roman heritage.
- Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll along the vibrant waterfront promenade, visit the vibrant Modiano and Kapani markets, and explore the charming Ano Poli (Upper Town) with its traditional houses and Byzantine walls.
And when in Thessaloniki, make sure to try the local specialty, “mpougatsa,” a delicious pastry filled with cream or cheese. Another must-try Greek dish is “souvlaki,” grilled skewered meat typically served with pita bread, tzatziki, and garnishes, offering a flavorful taste of Greek street food.
