In the 3rd quarter the 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 1.2% in the 3rd quarter of 2011. Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, the real wages increased after the decrease lasting for eleven quarters.

According to the Wages and Salaries Statistics Survey, the number of employees increased by 2.5% as at the end of September compared to the same period of 2010.

Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2010, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in mining and quarrying (13.4%), and decreased only in other service activities (10.2%).

Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2010, the average hourly gross wages and salaries increased the most in real estate activities (12.2%), and decreased the most in other service activities (11.4%).

The average gross wages and salaries were 785 euros in July, 817 euros in August and 826 euros in September.

In the 3rd quarter of 2011, the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 1,096 euros and the average hourly labour costs were 7.64 euros. Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2010, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased by 6.7% and the average hourly labour costs by 4.1%.

Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2010, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased the most in wholesale and retail trade (12.8%) and decreased only in other service activities (10.6%).

Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2010, the average hourly labour costs increased the most in real estate activities (12.1%) and decreased the most in other service activities (9.3).

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

The low wages (salaries) of employees of education in the 3rd quarter was related to reflecting the holiday leave pay of most employees in the 2nd quarter.

Average monthly gross wages and salaries and monthly labour costs per employee, 3rd quarter 2011

Average hourly gross wages and salaries and hourly labour costs, 3rd quarter 2011