Growth in average wages is still driven by information and communication activity
According to Statistics Estonia, in the second quarter of 2021, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 1,538 euros, which is 7.3% higher than the year before. Gross wages and salaries were the 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 increase in average monthly gross wages and salaries was last at this level in the third quarter of 2019. “In the second quarter of this year, monthly gross wages were again the highest in Harju and Tartu counties and the lowest in Hiiu and Valga counties, where average wages were more than 350 euros below the Estonian average. Year on year, the biggest growth in wages and salaries was recorded in Hiiu and Lääne counties, while the increase in average wages was the smallest in Võru and Põlva counties,” explained 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 |
|
|
II |
1,538 |
7.3 |
By economic activity, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were again the highest in information and communication (2,761 euros), financial and insurance activities (2,545 euros) and energy (2,124 euros). The average gross wages were the lowest in accommodation and food service activities (884 euros), real estate activities (1,124 euros) and arts, entertainment and recreation (1,208 euros).
Compared to the second quarter of 2020, the average monthly gross wages increased the most in mining and quarrying (17.7%) and in human health and social work activities (13.2%). The lowest increase was recorded in the energy sector (0.3%) and in financial and insurance activities (1.8%).
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