Common Job Salaries in Ethiopia
Looking for the salary of an accountant, nurse, teacher, driver, sales representative, engineer, HR officer or software developer in Ethiopia? This guide shows indicative monthly salary ranges for common jobs.
Salaries in Ethiopia vary widely. The same job title can pay very differently depending on the employer, city, sector, years of experience, qualifications, language skills, allowances, commissions and responsibilities.
Important: The figures below are indicative monthly pay ranges in Ethiopian Birr (ETB). They are not official government salary scales, guaranteed job offers or nationwide averages.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Estimated Monthly Salaries for Common Jobs in Ethiopia
| Job Role | Indicative Monthly Salary | What Usually Changes the Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Call Centre Agent or Customer Service Representative | ETB 7,000 to ETB 15,000 | Language ability, shifts, sales targets and customer-service experience |
| Sales Assistant or Field Sales Representative | ETB 8,000 to ETB 20,000, plus commission in many roles | Commission structure, sector, sales volume and experience |
| Cashier or Storekeeper | ETB 10,000 to ETB 20,000 | Retail, hospitality, warehouse, NGO and field-location differences |
| Administrative Assistant or Receptionist | ETB 9,000 to ETB 25,000 | English skills, executive-support duties, organisation type and benefits |
| Driver | ETB 10,000 to ETB 20,000 | Vehicle class, driving licence, route, employer type and allowances |
| Teacher | ETB 8,500 to ETB 25,000 | School type, subject, qualifications, experience and location |
| Accountant | ETB 15,000 to ETB 35,000 | Experience, accounting software, tax knowledge, industry and responsibility level |
| HR Officer | ETB 18,000 to ETB 35,000 | Recruitment, payroll, labour-law knowledge, employer type and allowances |
| Nurse | ETB 12,000 to ETB 40,000 | Public or private facility, specialty, emergency work, duty station and NGO pay scale |
| Civil Engineer | ETB 15,000 to ETB 35,000 | Project type, professional experience, site responsibility and employer size |
| IT Support or Junior IT Officer | ETB 10,000 to ETB 25,000 | Technical certifications, systems responsibility and employer size |
| Software Developer | ETB 20,000 to ETB 65,000+ | Programming stack, portfolio, seniority, product responsibility and project leadership |
| Project Manager, Operations Manager or Sales Manager | ETB 25,000 to ETB 60,000+ | Team size, sector, targets, technical expertise and performance incentives |
Why the Same Job Can Have Different Salaries
A job title alone does not tell you the full salary. An accountant working for a small local business, for example, may earn very differently from an accountant working for a large bank, manufacturing company, international NGO or project-based organisation.
- Location: Addis Ababa and major cities may offer different pay from regional or field locations.
- Employer type: Local businesses, government institutions, banks, international organisations and NGOs often use different salary structures.
- Experience: Entry-level, mid-level and senior roles should not be compared as though they are the same job.
- Benefits: Housing, transport, hardship, medical, lunch, overtime and communication allowances may change total compensation.
- Commission: Sales and business-development jobs may have a lower base salary but higher earning potential through commission.
- Skills: Professional certifications, technical skills, financial knowledge, project experience and strong English skills can affect pay.
Gross Salary vs Net Salary
Always ask whether the salary in a job advertisement is gross or net. Gross salary is the amount before applicable deductions. Net salary is the amount paid to the employee after deductions.
Also check whether the stated figure includes transport, housing, commission, overtime, per diem, hardship allowance or other benefits. Two jobs showing the same salary figure may not offer the same total compensation.
How to Use Salary Information Before Applying
Use salary ranges as a starting point, not as a reason to reject a role immediately. Read the full job description, compare the responsibilities, assess the benefits, and consider how the position supports your experience and future career options.
Before accepting an offer, make sure your employment agreement clearly states your job title, salary, payment schedule, benefits, probation period, working hours and any commission or performance-based payment terms.
Research Employers Before Applying
The employer matters as much as the job title. Research the company, its sector, location, products and business activity before applying or negotiating a salary.
Browse the Aksion Ethiopian Business Directory to discover businesses by sector, location and business type.
Disclaimer: Salary ranges change regularly and may differ significantly from one employer to another. This page is for general research only and should not be treated as a salary guarantee, employment offer, labour-law advice or tax advice.