Last year the average wages and salaries were over 11,000 kroons

In 2007 compared to the previous year, the annual average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in fishing; construction and mining and quarrying economic activities (29.6%, 29.2% and 28.3%, respectively). The average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the least in real estate, renting and business activities; hotels and restaurants and in education (7.1%, 16.2% and 18.2%, respectively).

In 2007 compared to the previous year, the average hourly gross wages and salaries increased the most in fishing; construction and public administration economic activity (34.6%, 29.5% and 26.7%, respectively). The average hourly gross wages and salaries increased the least in real estate, renting and business activities; hotels and restaurants and in education (6.9%, 17.6% and 19.5%, respectively).

In short term statistics the average gross wages and salaries are measured as a component of labour costs. Labour costs include gross wages and salaries, employer’s social contributions and employer’s imputed social contributions to employees.

In 2007 the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 15,240 kroons and the average hourly labour costs were 101.06 kroons. Compared to the previous year, the average monthly labour costs per employee and the hourly labour costs increased 20.5%.

Compared to the previous year, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased the most in fishing (29.3%), and the least in real estate, renting and business activities (7.1%).

Compared to the previous year, the average hourly labour costs increased the most in construction (30.2%) and the least in real estate, renting and business activities (6.2%).

Statistics Estonia conducts the survey of wages and salaries statistics on the basis of international methodology since 1992. In 2007, the sample included 8,814 enterprises, institutions and organisations. The average monthly gross wages and salaries have been given in full time units to enable a comparison of different wages and salaries, irrespective of the length of working time. Calculations of the monthly gross wages and salaries are based on payments for actually worked time and remuneration for time not worked. The hourly gross wages and salaries do not include remuneration for time not worked (holiday leave pay, benefits, etc.).

Average monthly gross wages and salaries, 1st quarter 2004 – 1st quarter 2008
(kroons)

Average monthly gross wages and salaries and monthly labour costs per employee, 2007

Average hourly gross wages and salaries and hourly labour costs, 2007