Confidence remains the highest in the retail trade sector and the lowest in construction
On 25 September, Statistics Estonia published the results of the business and consumer surveys for September. Compared with the previous month, confidence has improved slightly among retail trade and construction enterprises and has fallen a little in the services and industry sectors. Consumer confidence has remained at the same level as in August.
65% of people and 34% of enterprises use AI
The latest information technology surveys conducted by Statistics Estonia show that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) increased significantly in 2026 compared with the year before. AI use was up both among enterprises and among individuals, with the use of AI tools for private purposes rising by 53%. There was also a rise in the use of internet-connected devices, such as smart TVs and smart watches.
HICP flash estimate: prices up by 0.3% in August
According to the preliminary estimate of Statistics Estonia, in August 2026, the harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP), which includes the expenditures of tourists, increased by 0.3% compared with July. Compared with August last year, the HICP rose by 1.3%. This is a flash estimate which will be refined once more detailed data on August prices are received.
Business and consumer confidence showed signs of improvement in August
On 26 August, Statistics Estonia published the results of the business and consumer surveys for August. The survey results show that, compared with the previous month, assessments improved slightly among consumers as well as in the four business sectors.
Average wages and salaries were 2,243 euros in the second quarter
According to Statistics Estonia, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 2,243 euros in the second quarter of 2026. Compared with the second quarter of 2025, the average gross wages and salaries increased by 5.5%, or 117 euros.
Average wages and salaries were 2,135 euros in the first quarter
According to Statistics Estonia, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 2,135 euros in the first quarter of 2026, which is 6.2% higher than in the same quarter last year.
Lowest-ever gender pay gap recorded in Estonia last year
According to Statistics Estonia, in 2025, the gross hourly earnings of female employees were 12.2% smaller than the hourly earnings of male employees. The gender pay gap decreased by one percentage point year on year and was the narrowest ever.
Average wages increased by 5.6% last year
According to Statistics Estonia, the average monthly gross wages and salaries in 2025 were 2,092 euros, which is 5.6% higher than in 2024. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 2,155 euros, which is 4.5% higher than in the same quarter of 2024.
Average wages and salaries were €2,075 in the third quarter
According to Statistics Estonia, in the third quarter of 2025, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were €2,075, which is 5.9% higher than in the third quarter of 2024. Year-on-year wage growth slowed down.
Revised data: average wages and salaries were €2126 in the second quarter
According to Statistics Estonia's revised data, in the second quarter of 2025, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were €2,126, which is 5.9% higher than in the second quarter of 2024.
Average wages and salaries were 2,011 euros in the first quarter
According to Statistics Estonia, in the first quarter of 2025, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 2,011 euros, which is 6.1% higher than in the first quarter of 2024.
The gender pay gap is the largest in financial and insurance activities
According to Statistics Estonia, in 2024, the gross hourly wages and salaries of female employees were 13.2% smaller than the hourly wages of male employees. Year on year, the gender pay gap widened by 0.1 percentage points.
Average wages and salaries rose by 8.1% last year
According to Statistics Estonia, the average monthly gross wages and salaries in 2024 stood at €1,981, which is 8.1% higher than in 2023. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were €2,062, which is 8.3% higher than in the same quarter of 2023.
Average wages and salaries were €1,959 in Q3
According to Statistics Estonia, the average monthly gross wages and salaries in the third quarter of 2024 were €1,959, which is 8.1% higher than in the same quarter the year before. The median wages were €1,620 in the third quarter of this year and €1,500 in the same quarter of 2023.