Last year, average wages and salaries increased in all counties
According to Statistics Estonia, in 2019, the average monthly gross wages and salaries of Estonian enterprises, institutions and organisations were 1,407 euros, i.e. 7.4% higher than in 2018. The average monthly gross wages and salaries were higher in the second and fourth quarters.
The average monthly gross wages and salaries continued to be highest in information and communication and in financial and insurance activities, and lowest in accommodation and food service activities, real estate activities and in other service activities.
Compared to 2018, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in other service activities (activities of organisations, repair of household goods, beauty treatment) and in human health and social work activities – respectively by 14% and 10%. The average monthly gross wages and salaries decreased in agriculture by 1.9% and in real estate activities by 0.7%.
In the public sector, the average monthly gross wages and salaries amounted to 1,525 euros and the year-on-year growth was 9.5%. In the private sector, i.e. in enterprises owned by Estonian and foreign private entities, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 1,368 euros and the year-on-year growth was 6.7%.
In 2019, by county, the average monthly gross wages and salaries continued to be highest in Harju (1,531 euros) and Tartu (1,426 euros) counties and lowest in Hiiu (992 euros) and Valga (1,058 euros) counties. The average monthly gross wages and salaries increased in all counties. The year-on-year growth was fastest in Põlva, Lääne and Pärnu counties and slowest in Jõgeva and Rapla counties.
The average monthly labour cost per employee was 1,886 euros and the hourly cost 12.5 euros. Compared to 2018, the average monthly labour cost increased by 7.3%.
| Year | Average monthly gross wages and salaries, euros | Change on previous year, % |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 887 | 5.7 |
| 2013 | 949 | 7 |
| 2014 | 1,005 | 5.9 |
| 2015 | 1,065 | 6 |
| 2016 | 1,146 | 7.6 |
| 2017 | 1,221 | 6.5 |
| 2018 | 1,310 | 7.3 |
| 2019 | 1,407 | 7.4 |
In the 4th quarter of 2019, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 1,472 euros, i.e. 6.3% higher compared to the 4th quarter of 2018. The average hourly gross wages and salaries were 8.4 euros, which is 7% higher than the year before. Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2019, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in education (15.1%) and arts, entertainment and recreation (10.5%) and decreased in accommodation and food service activities (1%) and in agriculture (0.2%).
The statistics are based on the questionnaire “Wages and salaries and labour force”, the deadline of which was 18 January 2020. Statistics Estonia published the quarterly summary in 30 working days. Statistics Estonia performs the statistical activity “Wages and salaries” for the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.