“If Bratislava doesn’t grow fast enough and other regions catch up to it, those regions will fare a little better, but Slovakia as a whole, economically speaking, won’t fare as well,” explains labor market analyst Martin Sabo. What this means: Slovakia’s economic center is gradually shifting eastward, and Košice is becoming an increasingly attractive place to look for work.
This creates new opportunities for those looking for work in Slovakia, especially outside the capital. According to a new study by the Profesia portal, the labor market in the Košice Region is now significantly more stable than in the Bratislava Region.
What’s Happening in the Labor Market
Although the Bratislava region remains the engine of the Slovak economy, its position is weakening somewhat. Over the past two years, the number of job openings in the capital region has fallen by 16%. Meanwhile, in the Košice region, this figure has decreased by only 3%, making it the most stable in the country.
Moreover, in terms of the number of job openings, Košice has surpassed such strong industrial regions as the Žilina and Trenčín regions. Analysts attribute this to the fact that the eastern part of the country places greater emphasis on manufacturing and industry, while the service sector dominates in Bratislava.
Salaries: The Gap Is Narrowing
Košice is also catching up to the capital in terms of the salaries offered in job openings. While the average salary in the Bratislava region is 1,800 euros, it is 1,600 euros in the Košice region.
Although the capital still leads in absolute terms, the gap is gradually narrowing. This makes the eastern region more competitive for skilled professionals who previously considered Bratislava their primary career destination.
The main driver of growth is the new car plant
The labor market in Košice is being significantly boosted by the construction of a new Volvo car plant. The company has already hired its first 1,000 employees. Most of them—95%—are Slovak citizens.
The company’s plans are as follows:
- By the end of 2026, they will hire another 200 employees.
- In 2027, when mass production begins, hiring will continue—the company will bring on thousands more new employees.
- In total, the plant is expected to create 3,300 direct jobs, while related companies and suppliers will create up to 12,000.
According to Martin Seman, a representative of Volvo Car Košice, recruitment will continue into 2027. The company is actively seeking both production operators and technical specialists.
What This Means for Job Seekers
Košice’s growth is good news for the entire eastern region, as new jobs are being created and wages are rising. At the same time, analysts warn that Bratislava’s weakening position could negatively impact the country’s economy as a whole.
For those currently looking for work in Košice, this is a great opportunity. Today, November 11, marks the end of Profesia Days, the largest job fair, taking place at Kulturpark. There, you can speak in person with dozens of employers, as well as attend lectures and workshops.
