Last year the annual average monthly gross wages and salaries grew again after the fall

The year 2009 was exceptional as the annual average monthly gross wages and salaries decreased for the first time during the last 16 years compared to the previous year. In 2010, the fall turned to a growth again. At the same time, the annual average monthly gross wages and salaries in 2010 were smaller than in 2008 when the wages and salaries were the highest so far.

The real wages which took into account the influence of the change in the consumer price index and which shows the purchasing power of wages and salaries, decreased for the second year in succession, but at a slower pace. In 2009 the real wages decreased by 4.9%, in 2010 by 1.8%.

In 2010 compared to the previous year, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in mining and quarrying (11.6%) and decreased the most in real estate activities (14.4%).

In 2010 compared to the previous year, the average hourly gross wages and salaries increased the most in professional, scientific and technical activities (6.4%) and decreased the most in real estate activities (15.8%).

In 2010, the average monthly gross wages and salaries in public sector were 821 euros (12,850 kroons) and in private sector 780 euros (12,211 kroons). Compared to the previous year, the average monthly gross wages and salaries in public sector decreased by 0.5% and in private sector increased by 1.6%. Public sector also includes companies owned by the state or local government.

In 2010, the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 1,074 euros (16,812 kroons) and the average hourly labour costs were 7.22 euros (112.95 kroons). Compared to 2009, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased by 0.7% and the average hourly labour costs decreased by 1.5%.

In 2010, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased the most in mining and quarrying (11.2%), and decreased the most in real estate activities (13.6%).

In 2010, the average hourly labour costs increased the most in professional, scientific and technical activities (5.7%) and decreased the most in real estate activities (14.8%).

Statistics Estonia conducts the survey of wages and salaries statistics on the basis of international methodology since 1992. In 2010, the sample included 11,685 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 and monthly labour costs per employee, 2010

Average hourly gross wages and salaries and hourly labour costs, 2010