The annual growth of monthly gross wages and salaries was less than 7% in the 4th quarter

The growth of real wages which took into account the influence of the change in the consumer price index remained around three percentages in the 2nd and 3rd quarter, but in the 4th quarter the real wages decreased by 1.3%. Compared to the end of 2007, the number of employees decreased 4% as of the end of December.

Compared to the 4th quarter of 2007, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in education; electricity, gas and water supply; and in health and social work — 16.0%, 15.8% and 13.8%, respectively. The monthly gross wages and salaries decreased in fishing and construction — 9.6% and 0.8%, respectively.

Compared to the 4th quarter of 2007, the average hourly gross wages and salaries increased the most in forestry; education; and in electricity, gas and water supply — 22.5%, 21.1% and 17.7%, respectively. In fishing, the gross hourly wages decreased 11.0%.

The average gross wages and salaries were 12,816 kroons in October, 13,179 kroons in November and 13,382 kroons in December.

In the 4th quarter of 2008, the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 17,786 kroons and the average hourly labour costs were 116.86 kroons. Compared to the 4th quarter of 2007, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased 7.7% and the average hourly labour costs per employee increased 10.0%.

Compared to the 4th quarter of 2007, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased the most in forestry (16.8%) and decreased in fishing (9.1%).

Compared to the 4th quarter of 2007, the average hourly labour costs increased the most in forestry (27.8%) and decreased in fishing (10.8%).

Statistics Estonia conducts the survey of wages and salaries statistics on the basis of international methodology since 1992. In 2008, the sample includes 11,089 enterprises, institutions and organisations. The average monthly gross wages and salaries have been given in full time units to enable a comparison of different wages and salaries, irrespective of the length of working time. Calculations of the monthly gross wages and salaries are based on payments for actually worked time and remuneration for time not worked. The hourly gross wages and salaries do not include remuneration for time not worked (holiday leave pay, benefits, etc.). In short term statistics, the average gross wages and salaries are measured as a component of labour costs. Labour costs include gross wages and salaries, employer’s contributions and employer’s imputed social contributions to employees.

Average monthly gross wages and salaries, 1st quarter 2004 – 4th quarter 2008 (kroons)

Average monthly gross wages and salaries and monthly labour costs per employee,
4th quarter 2008

Average hourly gross wages and salaries and hourly labour costs, 4th quarter 2008