In the 3rd quarter the growth of wages and salaries slowed down even more

The growth of wages and salaries that had remained around 20% in the previous year and in the 1st quarter of 2008 slowed down in the 2nd quarter, when the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased 15.2% and the average hourly gross wages and salaries grew 17.7% compared to the 2nd quarter of 2007. In the 3rd quarter of 2008 the growth of wages and salaries slowed down even more.

The growth of real wages which took into account the influence of the change in the consumer price index remained around three percentages two last quarters in a row. In the 3rd quarter the growth of real wages was 3.5%, in the 2nd quarter 3.4%. The growth of real wages was so small last in the 4th quarter of 2004 (3.3%).

Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2007, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in fishing; electricity, gas and water supply and in forestry (40.1%, 25.4% and 25.2%, respectively). The average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the least in construction; manufacturing and wholesale and retail trade (8.6%, 12.0% and 12.3%, respectively).

Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2007, the average hourly gross wages and salaries increased the most in fishing, forestry, and in agriculture and hunting (65.9%, 27.4% and 22.7%, respectively). The average hourly gross wages and salaries increased the least in construction, manufacturing; and in transport, storage and communication (9.5%, 9.7% and 11.2%, respectively).

The average gross wages and salaries were 12,606 kroons in July, 12,414 kroons in August and 12,527 kroons in September.

In the 3rd quarter of 2008 the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 16,865 kroons and the average hourly labour costs were 119.63 kroons. Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2007, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased 15.1% and the hourly labour costs increased 14.6%.

Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2007, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased the most in fishing (37.9%) and the least in construction (9.4%).

Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2007, the average hourly labour costs increased the most in fishing (55.3%) and the least in construction (9.9%).

Statistics Estonia conducts the survey of wages and salaries statistics on the basis of international methodology since 1992. In 2008, the sample includes 11,089 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 – 3rd quarter 2008 (kroons)

Average monthly gross wages and salaries and monthly labour costs per employee, 3rd quarter 2008

Average hourly gross wages and salaries and hourly labour costs, 3rd quarter 2008