Wage growth continued in the first quarter
According to Statistics Estonia, in the first quarter of 2022, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 1,593 euros, which is 8.1% more than at the same time last year.
Argo Tarkiainen, analyst at Statistics Estonia, said that the average monthly gross wages and salaries were again the highest in information and communication (2,871 euros), financial and insurance activities (2,764 euros), and energy (2,655 euros). “Average gross wages were the lowest in accommodation and food service (974 euros), other service (1,160 euros), and real estate activities (1,162 euros),” added Tarkiainen.
| Year | Quarter | Average monthly gross wages and salaries, euros | Change on the same period of previous year, % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | I | 1153 | 5.7 |
| II | 1242 | 6.8 | |
| III | 1201 | 7.4 | |
| IV | 1271 | 7.5 | |
| 2018 | I | 1242 | 7.7 |
| II | 1321 | 6.4 | |
| III | 1291 | 7.5 | |
| IV | 1384 | 8.9 | |
| 2019 | I | 1341 | 7.9 |
| II | 1419 | 7.4 | |
| III | 1397 | 8.2 | |
| IV | 1472 | 6.3 | |
| 2020 | I | 1404 | 4.8 |
| II | 1433 | 1 | |
| III | 1441 | 3.2 | |
| IV | 1515 | 2.9 | |
| 2021 | I | 1473 | 4.9 |
| II | 1538 | 7.3 | |
| III | 1553 | 7.8 | |
| IV | 1625 | 7.3 | |
| 2022 | I | 1593 | 8.1 |
In the first quarter, average wages and salaries fell only in other service activities (1.3%). “Wages increased the most in the energy sector (15.7%) and accommodation and food service activities (15%),” added Tarkiainen.
The average monthly gross wages and salaries continued to be highest in Harju (1,744 euros) and Tartu counties (1,583 euros) and lowest in Valga (1,130) and Hiiu counties (1,033 euros). Year on year, the biggest growth in wages and salaries was recorded in Põlva (14.8%) and Ida-Viru counties (13.2%). Compared to the first quarter of 2021, average monthly gross wages and salaries decreased in Hiiu (10.1%) and Valga counties (0.8%).
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.
See also the dedicated section on wages and salaries and labour costs.
More detailed data have been published in the statistical database.
For further information:
Hanna-Liisa Ruul
Communications Partner
Marketing and Dissemination Department
Statistics Estonia
Tel +372 625 9264