Last year the annual average monthly gross wages (salaries) and the real wages grew

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, increased 0.9% in 2011 compared to the previous year. In 2009 as well in 2010, the real wages decreased 4.9% and 1.8%, respectively.

In 2011, the average hourly gross wages and salaries were 5.04 euros and increased by 5.4% compared to the previous year.

In 2011, the average monthly and hourly gross wages and salaries increased the most in real estate activities, 11.4% and 13.3%, respectively. In 2010, the wages and salaries in this economic activity decreased the most and due to the low comparison basis in 2011 the increase was also the biggest.

Compared to 2010, the average monthly and hourly gross wages and salaries decreased only in other service activities, 4.8% and 7.9%, respectively.

In 2011, the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 1,137euros and the average hourly labour costs were 7.55 euros. Compared to 2010, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased by 5.8% and the average hourly labour costs by 4.6%.

In 2011, the average monthly and hourly labour costs per employee increased the most in real estate activities, 11.2% and 12.0%, respectively.

Compared to 2010, the average monthly and hourly labour costs per employee decreased only in other service activities, 5.2% and 6.8%, respectively.

In 2011, the average monthly gross wages and salaries in public sector were 853 euros and in private sector 834 euros. Compared to 2010, the average monthly gross wages and salaries in public sector increased by 3.9% and in private sector by 6.8%. Public sector also includes companies owned by the state or local government.

Statistics Estonia conducts the survey of wages and salaries statistics on the basis of international methodology since 1992. In 2011, the sample included 11,277 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, 2011

Average hourly gross wages and salaries and hourly labour costs, 2011