Average wages and salaries were highest in information and communication

The average monthly gross wages and salaries were 1,435 euros in July, 1,365 euros in August and 1,389 euros in September. Compared to the 2nd quarter, the gross wages and salaries decreased by 1.6%, mainly due to 38% decrease in irregular bonuses and premiums. However, compared to the 3rd quarter of 2018, irregular bonuses and premiums increased by 9%.

Real wages, which take into account the influence of the change in the consumer price index, increased by 5.8% compared to the 3rd quarter of 2018. The increase was slower than in the case of average monthly gross wages and salaries as a result of increase in consumer prices.

By economic activity, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were highest in and information and communication (2,360 euros), financial and insurance activities (2,257 euros) and energy (1,858 euros). Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2018, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in other service activities (activities of organisations, repair of household goods, beauty treatment) where they have been among the lowest. Average monthly gross wages and salaries decreased in mining and quarrying, and water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities.

In the 3rd quarter of 2019, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were highest in state institutions and enterprises (1,723 euros) and in enterprises owned by foreign private entities (1,650 euros). The fastest year‑on-year increase was in state institutions and enterprises (10.3%) and slowest in enterprises owned by Estonian (7.5%) and foreign private entities (7.6%).

By county, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were highest in Harju (1,519 euros) and Tartu (1,408 euros) counties and lowest in Saare (1,081 euros), Valga (1,066 euros) and Hiiu (1,008 euros) counties. The year-on-year growth in average monthly gross wages and salaries was fastest in Põlva (17.4%), Lääne (16.2%) and Pärnu (13.5%) counties.

In the 3rd quarter of 2019, the average monthly labour costs per employee were 1,870 euros, having increased by 7.9% year on year.

Statistics Estonia conducts wages and salaries survey on the basis of an international methodology since 1992. 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. The hourly gross wages and salaries do not include remuneration for time not worked or irregular premiums. 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 statistics are based on the questionnaire “Wages and salaries and labour force”, the deadline of which was 18 October 2019. Statistics Estonia published the quarterly summary in 28 working days. In the data submission environment of Statistics Estonia, eSTAT, enterprises can compare their wages and salaries, profit and turnover with Estonian average and the respective indicators of the same economic activity. 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.