The rise in average wages slowed down in the third quarter

News
Posted on 24 November 2022, 8:00

According to Statistics Estonia, in the third quarter of 2022, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 1,679 euros, which is 8.1% more than in the third quarter last year.

In the third quarter of 2022, real wages were 1,279 euros, which is 12.7% less than in the same quarter last year. Real wages take into account inflation, as the consumer price index is used to adjust average monthly gross wages and salaries and determine real wages. Real wages reflect purchasing power, i.e. the amount of goods and services that can be purchased.

By economic activity, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were the highest in information and communication (3,059 euros), financial and insurance activities (2,606 euros), and energy (2,235 euros). “Average gross wages were the lowest in accommodation and food service activities (1,089 euros), real estate activities (1,151 euros), and other service activities (1,244 euros),” noted Argo Tarkiainen, analyst at Statistics Estonia. Average monthly gross wages and salaries decreased in arts, entertainment and recreation (0.4%) and other service activities (1.3%).

Average monthly gross wages and salaries and their change, 1st quarter 2017 – 3rd quarter 2022

Year

Quarter

Average monthly gross wages and salaries, euros

Change on same period of previous year, %

2017

I

1,153

5.7

 

II

1,242

6.8

 

III

1,201

7.4

 

IV

1,271

7.5

2018

I

1,242

7.7

 

II

1,321

6.4

 

III

1,291

7.5

 

IV

1,384

8.9

2019

I

1,341

7.9

 

II

1,419

7.4

 

III

1,397

8.2

 

IV

1,472

6.3

2020

I

1,404

4.8

 

II

1,433

1

 

III

1,441

3.2

 

IV

1,515

2.9

2021

I

1,473

4.9

 

II

1,538

7.3

 

III

1,553

7.8

 

IV

1,625

7.3

2022

I

1,593

8.1

 

II

1,693

10.1

 

III

1,679

8.1

Average wages and salaries increased the most in public administration and defence (12.9%) and manufacturing (12.2%).

The average monthly gross wages and salaries were again the highest in Harju (1,826 euros) and Tartu counties (1,651 euros) and the lowest in Valga (1,194) and Hiiu counties (1,097 euros). Year on year, the biggest growth in wages and salaries was recorded in Ida-Viru county (17.2%) and Põlva county (12.4%). Compared with the third quarter of last year, average monthly gross wages and salaries decreased in Lääne (0.1%), Valga (2.1%) and Hiiu counties (7.0%).

Average monthly gross wages and salaries by economic activity, 3rd quarter, 2021–2022

The statistics are based on the questionnaire “Wages and salaries and labour force”. For the statistical activity “Wages and salaries”, the main representative of public interest is the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, commissioned by whom Statistics Estonia collects and analyses the data necessary for conducting the statistical activity.

More detailed data are published in the wages and salaries and labour costs section on our website.

 

For further information:

Helen Maria Raadik
Media Relations Manager
Marketing and Dissemination Department
Statistics Estonia
Tel +372 625 9181
press [at] stat.ee (press[at]stat[dot]ee)

 

Photo: Shutterstock

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