The data was published by the human resources consultancy Randstad, which says that most workers in these conditions are men, with 60% working in Greater Lisbon and Porto.

In a statement, Isabel Roseiro, marketing director of Randstad Portugal, states that Portugal is witnessing "a clear evolution in higher incomes, which reflects the appreciation of highly qualified roles."

More specifically, in 2016, 28,700 workers were receiving salaries above €3,000 net per month. Throughout the second quarter of 2026, 125,000 Portuguese workers received more than €3,000 per month, demonstrating that this reality has quadrupled in the last 10 years.

It is worth highlighting that, in the second quarter of 2024, there were 71,000 workers in Portugal receiving this salary, meaning that in two years the number of workers with salaries exceeding €3,000 doubled. Compared to 2025, this represents a 27% increase.

However, Randstad warns that "despite the growth in higher salaries, which now encompass 2.7% of the employed population, the salary structure remains predominantly concentrated in the lower-middle brackets."

The consultancy says that salaries between €900 and €1200 net per month continue to be the most representative, encompassing "34.1% of all salaried workers, equivalent to 1.56 million people."

Disparities identified

The data also demonstrate that geographical and gender disparities exist, as well as challenges in retaining young talent in companies in Portugal.

Isabel Roseiro also points out that the data shows “geographic and gender disparities, along with specific challenges in retaining young talent and in reconfiguring key sectors such as technology.”

Randstad thus concludes that, currently, among those who receive more than €3,000 net per month, 69.2% are men, compared to 30.8% of women. Geographically, 65.9% are located in Greater Lisbon.