In Hungary, student jobs are no longer just a summer phenomenon. Based on current data from the job portal profession.hu, companies recruit young people throughout the year at a nearly constant rate. In addition to financial incentives, the main draw is the opportunity to gain early practical experience.
Traditionally, the run-up to summer break was considered the peak season for student jobs. But this dynamic has changed noticeably. As an analysis confirms by profession.hu, the number of job postings for students in the weeks leading up to summer reached almost exactly the same level as in the first months of the year. This trend continues a development that was already evident last year.
More and more employers view young people as a year-round, permanent resource,”
explained Alma Kispéter, senior recruiting and selection expert at profession.hu. The benefits of this flexible employment are mutual. Companies can quickly and easily expand their capacity during peak periods. On the other hand, students have the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and earn a regular income while still in school, she added. According to the expert, this is about much more than just earning money temporarily—these jobs are increasingly serving as a direct stepping stone to a permanent entry into the job market.
The lion’s share of job openings this year is once again in the hospitality industry. In the first half of the year alone, this sector accounted for nearly 20% of all student job postings. Administration and document management came in second place, with a 13% share. Among the most popular positions are hostess jobs, service roles such as waitstaff and bartenders, retail and cashier positions, as well as roles as logistics clerks, administrative assistants, data entry clerks, and semi-skilled positions.
Financially, students can currently expect an average hourly wage of nearly 2,200 forints (6.18 euros).
The average listed in the job postings is exactly 2,180 forints (6.12 euros), which represents a 4.6% increase compared to the previous year.
However, earnings vary significantly depending on the industry:
Hospitality, hotels, and tourism: 1,928 forints (5.42 euros) gross per hour
Administration, assistant roles, and office work: 2,223 forints (6.25 euros) gross per hour
Due to the income tax exemption in Hungary for employees under 25, the gross wage in most cases corresponds directly to the net pay. Despite this flexibility, profession.hu warns against underestimating legal requirements. Before starting work, it is always important to clarify exactly which form of employment and which tax regulations apply to the employment relationship.
While setting out the scope of duties, compensation, and working hours in writing is a legal requirement for most types of contracts, a written contract is also recommended for casual or seasonal work. In addition, students should note that the tax exemption is subject to strict legal conditions, while the general minimum wage regulations apply without exception to all forms of employment.
Via MTI; Featured image: Pixabay
