In the first quarter, wages grew faster again
According to Statistics Estonia, in the first quarter of 2021, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 1,473 euros. Highest were in Harju and Tartu counties, in information and communication, financial and insurance activities and the energy sector.
According to Argo Tarkiainen, analyst at Statistics Estonia, the average monthly gross wages and salaries have continuously increased in the last five years. “Last year, a slower growth in wages could be noticed, but in the first quarter of the current year, gross wages were again nearly 5% higher than at the same time last year,” said Tarkiainen.
| 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 |
The average monthly gross wages and salaries were highest in Harju county (1,623 euros) and Tartu county (1,438 euros), and lowest in Võru county (1,118 euros) and Põlva county (1,133 euros). Year on year, wages grew the most in Hiiu and Pärnu counties, while wage growth was smallest in Võru and Põlva counties.
By economic activity, the average wages and salaries were again highest in information and communication (2,629 euros), financial and insurance activities (2,582 euros) and in energy (2,295 euros). The economic activities with the lowest average wages were accommodation and food service activities (847 euros), real estate activities (1,119 euros) and arts, entertainment and recreation (1,165 euros). “In terms of economic activities, wages and salaries fell only in accommodation and food service and in energy; biggest growth was recorded in human health and social work activities and agriculture and forestry,” added Tarkiainen.
The average monthly gross wages and salaries were highest in state institutions and enterprises (1,877 euros) and enterprises owned by foreign private entities (1,831 euros). Compared to the first quarter of 2020, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in enterprises owned by foreign private entities and the least in state institutions and enterprises.
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