Average monthly gross wages and salaries decreased for the first time

The growth of real wages which took into account the influence of the change in the consumer price index continued decreasing in the 1st quarter. If in the 2nd and 3rd quarter of 2008 real wages increased slightly over 3%, then in the 4th quarter real wages decreased 1.3% and in the 1st quarter of 2009 real wages decreased by 4.5%. Compared to the end of March 2008, the number of employees decreased 6.7% as of the end of March.

Compared to the 1st quarter of 2008, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply — 14.0%. The monthly gross wages and salaries decreased the most in financial and insurance activities and in construction — in both activities 10.2%.

Compared to the 1st quarter of 2008, the average hourly gross wages and salaries increased the most in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply — 16.4%. The gross hourly wages decreased the most in professional, scientific and technical activities and in construction — in both activities 3.6%.

The average gross wages and salaries were 12,207 kroons in January, 11,884 kroons in February and 12,373 kroons in March.

In the 1st quarter of 2009, the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 16,512 kroons and the average hourly labour costs were 112.23 kroons. Compared to the 1st quarter of 2008, the average monthly labour costs per employee decreased 0.4% and the average hourly labour costs per employee increased 4.1%.

Compared to the 1st quarter of 2008, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased the most in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (16.7%) and decreased the most in financial and insurance activities (8.1%).

Compared to the 1st quarter of 2008, the average hourly labour costs increased the most in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (19.2%) and decreased the most in financial and insurance activities (4.0%).

Statistics Estonia conducts the survey of wages and salaries statistics on the basis of international methodology since 1992. In 2009, the sample includes 11,263 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.). 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 contributions and employer’s imputed social contributions to employees.

Average monthly gross wages and salaries, 1st quarter 2005 – 1st quarter 2009 (kroons)

Average monthly gross wages and salaries and monthly labour costs per employee,
1st quarter 2009

Average hourly gross wages and salaries and hourly labour costs, 1st quarter 2009