Two thirds of Czech firms plan to raise wages next year, survey shows

About 64 percent of small and medium-sized companies in Czechia expect to raise employee wages next year, while nearly a quarter plan to keep them unchanged, according to a ČSOB (bank) business survey. Only five percent of firms intend to cut pay, and seven percent have not yet decided. Among businesses planning increases, the average rise will be around 2.3 percent. Almost half will raise wages across the board, while others plan selective increases based on performance or position. “Every year we try to raise pay to retain people—it’s not just about money but also about our attitude toward employees,” said Radek Schmied of Jizerská Porcelánka. According to official data, Czech average gross wages rose 7.8 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025.