The decrease in the average monthly gross wages and salaries was replaced with the increase

The average monthly gross wages and salaries that had been in falling trend for five quarters in succession compared to the same quarter of the previous year increased in the 2nd quarter. The increase in the gross wages and salaries was also influenced by the decrease in the number of persons on holiday without pay. The hourly gross wages and salaries were influenced by the fact that compared to the 2nd quarter of the previous year, this year there was one working day more and the average number of hours worked per employee was bigger.

The real wages which took into account the influence of the change in the consumer price index decreased for the seventh quarter in succession, but the decrease has slowed down. In the 2nd quarter of 2010 the real wages decreased by 1.9%.

As at the end of June, the number of employees was 7.3% smaller than in 2009 at the same time.

Compared to the 2nd quarter of 2009, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in mining and quarrying (19.4%) and decreased the most in real estate activities (17.5%). The big increase in mining and quarrying was caused by the significant increase of payments to employees paid irregularly (bonuses) in the 2nd quarter of 2010 compared to the same period of the previous year.

Compared to the 2nd quarter of 2009, the average hourly gross wages and salaries increased the most in agriculture, forestry and fishing (9.3%) and decreased the most in real estate activities (18.2%).

The average gross wages and salaries were 12,343 kroons (789 euros) in April, 12,381 kroons (791 euros) in May and 13,891 kroons (888 euros) in June.

In the 2nd quarter of 2010, the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 17,341 kroons (1,114 euros) and the average hourly labour costs were 117.26 kroons (7.49 euros). Compared to the 2nd quarter of 2009, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased 0.8% and the average hourly labour costs decreased 2.7%.

Compared to the 2nd quarter of 2009, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased the most in mining and quarrying (18.2%), and decreased the most in real estate activities (16.5%).

Compared to the 2nd quarter of 2009, the average hourly labour costs increased the most in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (6.8%) and decreased the most in real estate activities (17.8%).

Statistics Estonia conducts the survey of wages and salaries statistics on the basis of international methodology since 1992. In 2010, the sample includes 11,685 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 and monthly labour costs per employee,
2nd quarter 2010

Average hourly gross wages and salaries and hourly labour costs, 2nd quarter 2010