Growth in wages and salaries stalled across Estonia
According to Statistics Estonia, in the 2nd quarter of 2020, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 1,433 euros, which is 1% higher than last year. While in county comparison, both increase and decrease in wages could be observed, the year-on-year growth has not been as modest in ten years.
In the 2nd quarter of 2020, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were highest in Harju (1,574 euros) and Tartu (1,451 euros) counties and lowest in Valga (1,103 euros) and Hiiu (1,025 euros) counties. Year on year, wages and salaries increased the most in Hiiu and Võru counties (5.6% in each), but declined the most in Lääne county (9.6%).
| 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 |
By economic activity, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were highest in information and communication (2,564 euros), financial and insurance activities (2,499 euros) and energy (2,118 euros). Compared to the 2nd quarter of 2019, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in energy (10.7%) and decreased the most in wholesale and retail trade (11.9%). “When in the first quarter of this year, there was one economic activity where the average monthly gross wages and salaries decreased year on year (in trade by 8.7%), in the second quarter, wages decreased in almost half of the economic activities,” said Statistics Estonia’s analyst Karina Valma.
The average monthly gross wages and salaries were highest in state institutions and enterprises (1,858 euros) and enterprises owned by foreign private entities (1,754 euros). Compared to the 2nd quarter of the previous year, gross wages and salaries increased the most in enterprises owned by foreign private entities (4.1%) and declined the most in enterprises owned by Estonian private entities (2.1%).
The statistics are based on the questionnaire “Wages and salaries and labour force”, the deadline of which was 18 July 2020. 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.
For further information:
Kadri Kütt
Media Relations Manager
Marketing and Dissemination Department
Statistics Estonia
Tel +372 625 9181