Average Salary in Israel by City, Jobs & More 2025

What is the Average Salary in Israel?

The average salary in Israel in 2025 floats between ₪13,000–₪14,800 per month (roughly $3,600–$4,200 USD). But that’s the “average”—and we all know how misleading averages can be!

Monthly vs. Yearly Figures

• Monthly (gross): ₪14,200 NIS
• Yearly (gross): ₪170,400 NIS
• Net take-home pay: closer to ₪12,000/month

A couple who made aliyah from New York were stunned—"We thought we'd be rich on shekel salaries!" Turns out, rent in Tel Aviv laughed at their optimism.

Median vs. Average

• Median salary sits around ₪13,000—meaning half earn less.
• Expect huge differences based on field, seniority, and location.

Net vs. Gross Income

• Always clarify whether salary offers are bruto (gross) or neto (net).
• Taxes, social security, and pension cuts can shrink your paycheck fast!

Useful read: cost of living in Tel Aviv

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Why is Understanding Salaries in Israel Important for Expats and Job Seekers?

When you’re planning to move to Israel or job hunt here, knowing the numbers helps you avoid surprises.

Here’s why it matters:

• Cost of living: Rent, food, and daycare costs bite. You’ll want to budget smart.
• Salary expectations: A role that pays ₪10,000/month might sound decent—until you see Tel Aviv’s housing market.
• Negotiation: Knowing your worth helps you ask the right questions.

One olah we spoke to took a teaching job at ₪6,000/month—only to realize her Tel Aviv rent was ₪5,300. Whoops. Research first, always.

Planning aliyah? Check our Aliyah process guide.

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How Much Do Israelis Really Earn by Industry?

Let’s talk tachles—your paycheck heavily depends on what you do.

High-paying sectors

• Tech & Engineering: Salaries range from ₪18,000–₪35,000/month. Startups may pay less but often give equity. Big companies like Intel and Google offer cushy salaries, relocation packages, and perks.

One oleh got hired at a fintech firm in Herzliya—he negotiated equity and got help finding an apartment!

• Legal & Finance: Corporate lawyers can hit ₪30,000/month, while junior accountants start around ₪12,000. Finance jobs are competitive, but well-connected Anglo firms love bilingual hires.
• Medicine & Biotech: Doctors earn well but train long. Hospital residents may earn ₪10,000–₪15,000/month, while specialists can exceed ₪30,000.

Low to Mid-range sectors

• Education & Social Work: Teachers earn ₪8,000–₪12,000/month after years in the system. Social workers often hover around ₪7,000.
• Retail & Hospitality: Expect ₪6,000–₪9,000/month. Tips can help, but it’s still tight.
• Government Jobs: Range from ₪7,000–₪15,000/month depending on role and seniority.

Want help finding your path? Read how to find a job in Israel

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What is the Average Salary in Major Israeli Cities?

Where you live in Israel impacts what you earn—and spend.

1. Tel Aviv

High-paying, high-spending. Average salary: ₪15,000–₪18,000/month, especially in tech and startups. But expect ₪6,000+ rent for a tiny flat.
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Check our Tel Aviv real estate guide

2. Jerusalem

More government and education jobs. Average: ₪11,000–₪14,000/month. Cost of living is lower than Tel Aviv, but still not cheap.

3. Haifa

A quiet tech hub. Salaries average ₪12,000–₪15,000/month. Rent and utilities are more affordable. Great for families or engineers.

4. Be’er Sheva

Growing tech scene via CyberSpark. Salaries ₪10,000–₪13,000/month. Lower cost of living makes it attractive for young professionals.

5. Herzliya & High-Tech Hubs

Some of Israel’s highest earners are here. Expect ₪18,000+ in tech, R&D, or international business roles.
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Learn more about Herzliya apartments for rent

Tip: Remote jobs based in Tel Aviv but lived out in Haifa? Major win. One American oleh did just that—and saves ₪4,000/month on rent alone!

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What Do Salaries Look Like in the Tech Sector?

Israel’s startup nation is a magnet for tech talent—especially olim with experience abroad.

Entry vs Senior-Level Roles

• Junior devs: ₪14,000–₪18,000/month
• Mid-level: ₪18,000–₪25,000/month
• Seniors & Architects: ₪30,000+
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Check out starting a business in Israel if you’re planning your own startup.

Comparison to Global Tech Salaries

While you won’t match Silicon Valley wages, you do get:

• Lower income taxes (at higher brackets)
• Shorter workweeks
• Massive innovation culture

Startups vs Large Companies

Startups may offer stock options, flex time, and creativity. Big corps bring security, bonuses, and better HR.

One dev we know joined a Tel Aviv startup straight from San Francisco—and took a 30% salary cut. “But I get to bike to work and still code all day. Worth it.”

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What Benefits Do Israeli Employees Receive Beyond Salary?

In Israel, your paycheck is only part of the package. Many employers offer generous mandatory benefits and common perks—and you should know what to expect.

Mandatory Benefits

• Pension contributions (both employer and employee)
• National Insurance (Bituach Leumi) covering healthcare, maternity leave, etc.
• Paid leave—including vacation days, sick days, and holidays

Common Perks

• Meal stipends via “ten bis” cards or lunch delivery services
• Public transport reimbursement or company car options
• Gym memberships, team outings, and wellness programs

Looking for jobs that include perks like relocation support or health extras? Start by reading our guide on Aliyah benefits.

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What Challenges Do People Face With Low Wages in Israel?

Israel isn’t cheap—and for many, low wages don’t stretch far enough.

Rising Cost of Living

Rent, groceries, childcare, and even coffee prices keep climbing. Tel Aviv recently ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world. That ₪9,000 paycheck? It vanishes fast.

Stagnant Wage Growth

Wages in many sectors haven't kept pace with inflation. A nurse we spoke to said, “My salary went up ₪400 in five years. My rent went up ₪1,500.”

Reliance on Dual-Income Households

Most Israeli families need two working adults just to stay afloat. It’s not unusual for both partners to juggle full-time jobs and side gigs.

Considering a move? Read about life in Israel and budget smartly before signing any job offer.

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What’s the Gender Pay Gap and How Does It Impact Average Salary?

The gender pay gap in Israel is real—and varies by industry.

• In tech, women can earn up to 30% less than men in similar roles.
• In public sectors like education, the gap narrows, but women are still underrepresented in leadership roles.

The good news? Awareness is growing. Many companies are under pressure to address these gaps. But we still hear stories—like a talented olah in biotech offered ₪5,000 less than her male colleague “because he negotiated harder.”

Tip: Negotiate early, and don’t accept the first offer.
Also, check out how to get an Israeli passport for paths to long-term security.

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How Does the Average Salary Compare to the Cost of Living in Israel?

It’s all about balance: How much you earn vs. how much you spend.

Rent and Housing

• Tel Aviv: ₪6,000–₪10,000/month for a basic apartment
• Jerusalem/Haifa: more affordable but rising
  First-time renters are often shocked by upfront costs—first month, last month, and a big deposit.

Check out where to live in Israel for budget-friendly cities.

Utilities and Food

• Electricity + water: ₪600–₪900/month
• Groceries: ₪2,000–₪3,000/month for a family
  Many olim discover that cooking at home saves thousands—but imported goods are pricey.

Childcare and Education

• Gan (preschool): ₪2,000–₪4,000/month
• School trips, books, extras? Yep, they add up.
  One couple we know budgeted for tuition but forgot about the five separate WhatsApp groups asking for “voluntary donations.”

Looking for a breakdown? Here’s our Tel Aviv cost of living guide.

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What Are the Tax Implications on Salary in Israel?

Taxes in Israel can feel like a maze, especially if you're new. But knowing the basics helps avoid surprises.

Income Tax Brackets

• Start at 10% and climb to 50% for very high earners
• Most mid-level salaries fall into the 20–30% range

National Insurance & Health

Mandatory deductions for Bituach Leumi cover healthcare, maternity, and more.

Effective Take-Home Pay

Expect net pay to be 15–25% lower than your bruto (gross) offer.
Tip: Always ask recruiters for net figures or use an online salary calculator.

Also check our breakdown on property tax in Israel to see where more of your shekels go.

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How Can New Immigrants (Olim) Negotiate Better Salaries?

Olim bring serious value—but many don’t know their worth. Here's how to change that.

Recognizing International Experience

Highlight past roles clearly—especially if you’ve worked for global companies. Don’t downplay yourself just because you’re new here.

Knowing Your Worth in the Market

Use job boards, Facebook groups, and salary sites to compare numbers. Ask, ask, ask.
One software engineer from Canada boosted her offer by ₪5,000 just by showing competing salary data.

Using Relocation Packages

Some employers offer relocation stipends, rent help, or even ulpan classes. Ask early—these don’t always appear in job ads.

For more tips, check our guide on making Aliyah from the US.

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How Do Israelis Survive on Such Low Wages?

The struggle is real—but so is the creativity.

Side Hustles and Freelancing

Many Israelis freelance on Fiverr, teach English, do graphic design, or tutor online to top up their incomes.

Family Support Systems

It’s common for young adults to live at home longer, or get help from family with rent and childcare.

Subsidies and Government Programs

Low-income families may qualify for child tax credits, rent assistance, and reduced tuition fees.

A young couple we know moved to Be’er Sheva, took part-time jobs, and still managed to travel—because her parents helped with daycare and they grew their own veggies!

Want to explore work options? See our post on coworking spaces in Tel Aviv.

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What Are the Best Practices When Job Hunting in Israel?

Finding work here is part hustle, part connections.

Researching Salary Benchmarks

Before any interview, know the market rate for your role. Use sites like SalaryExpert and ask in olim WhatsApp groups.

Interview Negotiation Tips

Always ask: Is that bruto or neto? Practice your pitch—confidence matters. One oleh asked for 15% more and got it just for asking.

Also, remember: follow up! Israeli hiring culture moves fast and favors persistence.

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How to Find the Best Job in Israel? Resources That Actually Work

Finding the right job in Israel isn’t just about sending resumes—it’s about tapping into the right channels.

Top Job-Hunting Resources

• Facebook Groups – Try Secret Tel Aviv Jobs, Jobs for Olim, and Jobs Israel English Speakers.
• Job Sites – AllJobs, Drushim, and Glassdoor IL.
• Networking – Israelis love personal connections. Go to meetups, ask around, and follow up—twice.

One olah found her dream job at a digital marketing firm by chatting with someone at ulpan.

Need practical help? Check our full guide on how to find a job in Israel.

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Wrap Up: What You Really Need to Know About the Average Salary in Israel

So, what’s the average salary in Israel? Somewhere between ₪13,000 and ₪14,800/month, depending on where you live, what you do, and how well you negotiate.

Key takeaway: Don’t accept the first offer, do your research, and remember—what seems “average” might not cover real life in Tel Aviv.

Olim who succeed? They prep, plan, and ask questions before signing anything.

Ready to take your next step? Check out our homepage for guides, advice, and tools to help you thrive in Israel.