Average monthly gross wages and salaries grew and year-end bonuses increased in the 4th quarter

The average monthly gross wages and salaries without irregular bonuses and premiums increased 3.0%. Compared to the 4th quarter of 2009, the irregular bonuses and premiums per employee grew 30.3% and influenced the increase of the average monthly gross wages and salaries by 0.9 percentage points.

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 ninth quarter in succession. In the 4th quarter of 2010 the real wages decreased by 1.2%.

According to the survey of wages and salaries statistics, as at the end of December, the number of employees was 1.2% smaller than at the same time in 2009.

Compared to the 4th quarter of 2009, the average monthly gross wages and salaries as well as the average hourly gross wages and salaries increased the most in mining and quarrying (11.8% and 13.6%, respectively) and decreased the most in real estate activities (14.7% and 19.2%, respectively).

The average gross wages and salaries were 787 euros (12,317 kroons) in October, 807 euros (12,630 kroons) in November and 849 euros (13,277 kroons) in December.

In the 4th quarter of 2010, the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 1,105 euros (17,285 kroons) and the average hourly labour costs were 7.04 euros (110.22 kroons). Compared to the 4th quarter of 2009, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased by 3.3% and the average hourly labour costs by 1.1%.

Compared to the 4th quarter of 2009, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased the most in mining and quarrying (10.8%), and decreased the most in real estate activities (14.3%). The average hourly labour costs also increased the most in mining and quarrying (10.9%) and decreased the most in real estate activities (18.2%).

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, 4th quarter 2010

Average hourly gross wages and salaries and hourly labour costs, 4th quarter 2010