Hungary’s MÁV: 13% Income Boost in 2026 Wage Deal

MÁV employees get up to 13% income boost in 2026 with a 9.6% salary hike and increased benefits, securing labor stability amid inflation.

January 21, 2026 11:39 pm

🛑 Key Takeaways:

Hungarian state railway MÁV finalized a 2026 wage deal, increasing total employee income by up to 13% to offset inflation.
The agreement includes a 9.6% base salary hike and a 233% increase in annual non-wage SZÉP card benefits to 400,000 HUF (€1,040).
This state-backed deal aims to secure labor stability in critical national infrastructure and may set a precedent for other public sector negotiations in Hungary.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – Employees at Hungarian state railway operator MÁV will receive a total income boost of up to 13% in 2026, following a revised three-year wage agreement announced on January 19. The deal, brokered between MÁV management, trade unions, and the Hungarian state, combines a multi-stage base salary increase with a significant expansion of non-salary benefits.

Category	Specification / Detail
Agreement	MÁV 2026 Wage Agreement (Final Year Addendum)
Base Salary Increase	9.6% (phased implementation in 2026)
SZÉP Card Benefit	Increase from 120,000 HUF to 400,000 HUF (€1,040) annually
Health Fund Contribution	Increase from 4,000 HUF to 7,000 HUF (€18) net/month
Key Stakeholders	MÁV Group, Employee Trade Unions, Ministry of Construction and Transport
Effective Dates	January 1, 2026 & March 1, 2026

Operational & Technical Details

The 2026 compensation package is structured in multiple phases. The base salary increase will occur in two steps. An initial 4.7% raise will apply for January and February. From March 1, a second 4.7% increase will be added, bringing the total base salary to 9.6% above current levels for the remainder of the year.

The non-salary benefits see the largest percentage growth. The annual contribution to the SZÉP benefits card will more than triple, rising from 120,000 HUF (€312) to 400,000 HUF (€1,040). This amount will be disbursed in two equal installments of 200,000 HUF in March and July 2026. Additionally, the employer’s monthly health fund contribution will increase by 75% to 7,000 HUF (€18) net, effective January 1. The annual loyalty bonus of 350,000 HUF (€910) remains unchanged and is scheduled for payment in December.

Market Impact Analysis

This agreement is a strategic measure by the Hungarian state, MÁV’s owner, to ensure operational continuity and prevent labor disruptions. By proactively addressing inflationary pressures on employee purchasing power, the government mitigates the risk of strikes that could paralyze national transportation. The heavy reliance on enhancing non-taxable or lower-taxed benefits like the SZÉP card is a common fiscal strategy in the region to boost net employee income while managing direct payroll costs. The deal establishes a significant benchmark for upcoming wage negotiations across Hungary’s public sector, particularly within other state-owned enterprises.

FAQ: Quick Facts

What is the total value of the MÁV 2026 wage increase?

The agreement provides a total income increase of up to 13% for MÁV employees. This is composed of a 9.6% base salary hike and substantial increases in benefits, including a 233% rise in SZÉP card contributions to 400,000 HUF (€1,040) per year.

When will the MÁV pay rises take effect?

The increases will be implemented throughout 2026. The health fund contribution rises on January 1. The base salary increase is phased, with the first step in January and the second, final step on March 1, 2026.