In the third quarter, wage growth was one of the biggest in recent years
According to Statistics Estonia, in the third quarter of 2021, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 1,553 euros, which is 7.8% more than the year before. Gross wages and salaries were highest in Harju and Tartu counties, and in information and communication, financial and insurance activities and the energy sector.
Argo Tarkiainen, analyst at Statistics Estonia, said that the growth in average wages and salaries was in the same range before the corona pandemic. “While last year the growth in wages and salaries was slower, this year they are again growing faster. In the third quarter, the change in wages was one of the biggest in recent years,” said Tarkiainen.
The average monthly gross wages and salaries continued to be highest in Harju (1,700 euros) and Tartu counties (1,531 euros) and lowest in Hiiu and Ida-Viru counties, where average wages were more than 370 euros below the Estonian average. Year on year, the biggest growth in wages and salaries was recorded in Lääne and Valga counties, while wages fell the most in Põlva county.
|
Year |
Quarter |
Average monthly gross wages and salaries, euros |
Change on same period of previous year, % |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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 |
By economic activity, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were again highest in information and communication (2,878 euros), financial and insurance activities (2,539 euros) and energy (2,007 euros). The average gross wages were lowest in accommodation and food service activities (976 euros), real estate activities (1,133 euros) and other service activities (1,260 euros).
Compared to the third quarter of 2020, the average monthly gross wages increased the most in arts, entertainment and recreation (13.9%) and in information and communication (13.1%). The lowest increase was recorded in the energy sector (1.5%) and education (2.6%).
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. Wage compensation received during the emergency situation is considered as remuneration paid by the employer. Social tax and unemployment insurance premium paid on the compensation are not considered as employer’s social contributions or unemployment insurance premium.
More detailed data have been published in the statistical database.
See also the dedicated section on wages and salaries and labour costs.
For further information:
Kadri Kütt
Media Relations Manager
Marketing and Dissemination Department
Statistics Estonia
Tel +372 625 9181