Waiters, chefs, assistant chefs, chambermaids, and kitchen assistants are the most sought-after occupations this tourist season, with employers offering entry-level waiting staff earnings of €900 to €1,000, along with provided accommodation and at least one meal a day.
According to data from the Employment Agency of Montenegro, from the beginning of January to the end of June, around 1,250 people from the Agency’s register were employed in seasonal jobs, including 30 recipients of financial support. The highest demand for workers was recorded in coastal municipalities, particularly in the areas of Herceg Novi, Tivat, Kotor, Bar, Budva, and Ulcinj, the Agency told the Bankar portal.
The demand for seasonal workers remains strong this year as well, especially in the tourism and hospitality sector, which traditionally has the greatest need for additional labour during the summer months, the Employment Agency of Montenegro said.
“According to data from the Employment Agency of Montenegro, from the beginning of January to the end of June 2026, around 1,250 people from the Agency’s register were employed in seasonal jobs, while the actual number is even higher, as some employers register seasonal employment through fixed-term employment contracts. Among those employed in seasonal jobs are also 30 recipients of financial support,” the Agency stated.
The highest demand for workers was recorded in coastal municipalities. The Herceg Novi regional unit (covering Herceg Novi, Tivat, and Kotor) and the Bar regional unit (covering Bar, Budva, and Ulcinj) together account for more than 75 per cent of the total demand for seasonal labour.
“When it comes to the territorial distribution of labour needs, the highest demand was recorded in coastal municipalities. Looking at the Agency’s regional units, the largest number of vacancies was recorded in the Herceg Novi Regional Unit (Herceg Novi, Tivat, and Kotor) and the Bar Regional Unit (Bar, Budva, and Ulcinj), which together account for more than 75 per cent of the total seasonal labour needs,” they pointed out.
Waiters, chefs, and chambermaids in highest demand
Employers have the greatest need for waiters, chefs, assistant chefs, chambermaids, and kitchen assistants. These occupations have been among those facing the most severe shortages on the domestic labour market for years.
“The most sought-after occupations are waiters, chefs and assistant chefs, chambermaids, kitchen assistants, as well as other professions in the hospitality and tourism sectors. These are precisely the roles facing the greatest shortages, as year after year employers face challenges in securing a sufficient number of qualified workers, especially during the peak of the tourist season,” stated the ZZZCG (Employment Agency of Montenegro).
During the first six months, employers advertised vacancies for 970 workers through the Agency, while more than 1,300 unemployed individuals expressed an interest in seasonal work.
“During the current part of the year, employers have advertised vacancies for a total of 970 workers through the Agency, while 1,307 unemployed individuals expressed interest in seasonal work through Individual Employment Plans, primarily in the hospitality, tourism, and construction sectors,” the Agency stated.
However, the number of individuals available for employment from the Agency’s register is lower than in previous years, which is a consequence of falling unemployment. Because of this, employers are covering part of their needs by hiring workers from abroad.
Earnings are not the only reason for accepting a job
The Agency explains that the decision of domestic workers to accept seasonal employment does not depend solely on the offered salary. Health status, location of work, family circumstances, and the feasibility of being away from family also influence the decision.
“When it comes to the interest of domestic workers in seasonal jobs, experience shows that the decision to accept or decline employment depends on several factors. Besides the salary, a significant role is played by the candidate’s health status, the feasibility of being away from family, the location of work, personal expectations, and professional preferences. In general, it can be noted that employers today offer significantly better conditions than in previous years, meaning a large number of seasonal jobs represent a good opportunity to earn a quality income.”
“During the current part of the year, employers have advertised vacancies for a total of 970 workers through the Agency, while 1,307 unemployed individuals expressed interest in seasonal work through Individual Employment Plans, primarily in the hospitality, tourism, and construction sectors,” the Agency stated.
However, the number of individuals available for employment from the Agency’s register is lower than in previous years, which is a consequence of falling unemployment. Because of this, employers are covering part of their needs by hiring workers from abroad.
Up to €1,000 for entry-level workers, accommodation and meals included
The earnings of seasonal workers vary depending on the occupation, experience, and level of responsibility. Nevertheless, the Institute points to a continuous growth in income compared to previous years.
“The level of earnings depends on the type of job, experience, and the responsibility of the position, but there is an evident upward trend compared to previous years. For example, a significant number of employers offer entry-level waiting staff earnings of €900 to €1,000, along with provided accommodation and at least one meal a day. Earnings for more experienced workers and specialised professions are considerably higher.”
Despite the improvement in working conditions and rising wages, the tourism industry is expected to face challenges in securing a sufficient number of employees this season, particularly in the hotel and catering sectors.
“Given the intensive tourist season and the continuing trend of declining unemployment, we expect that there will be certain challenges again this year in securing enough workers to meet the needs of the tourism industry, especially when it comes to shortage occupations in hospitality and catering. Therefore, further improvement of working conditions, investment in the professional training of the domestic workforce, and timely planning of staffing needs are of particular importance.”
(Blic, 14.07.2026)