Last year the average wages and salaries were below 13,000 kroons

The growth of real wages, which took into account the influence of the change in the consumer price index, was only 3.2%. Since 1993, the growth of real wages has been so small twice — in 1993 (2.3%) and in 1996 (2.1%).

Compared to 2007, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in forestry (24.2%), education (20.5%) and in health and social work (20,0%). The monthly gross wages and salaries increased the least in construction (7.7%); transport, storage and communication (9.2%) and in manufacturing (12.1%).

Compared to 2007, the average hourly gross wages and salaries increased the most in forestry (27.5%), health and social work (21.4%) and in education (21.1%). The hourly gross wages increased the least in construction (10.3%); transport, storage and communication (10.8%) and in financial intermediation (12.1%).

In 2008, the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 17,416 kroons and the average hourly labour costs were 116.68 kroons. Compared to 2007, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased 14.3% and the average hourly labour costs per employee increased 15.5%.

Compared to 2007, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased the most in forestry (33.4%) and the least in construction (8.2%).

Compared to 2007, the average hourly labour costs increased the most in forestry (38.1%) and the least in transport, storage and communication (10.6%).

Statistics Estonia conducts the survey of wages and salaries statistics on the basis of international methodology since 1992. In 2008, the sample included 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.). 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, 2008

Average hourly gross wages and salaries and hourly labour costs, 2008