Average monthly gross wages and salaries grew and irregular bonuses increased in the 1st quarter

The average monthly gross wages and salaries increased for the fourth quarter in succession. The average monthly gross wages and salaries of the 1st quarter were influenced by irregular bonuses and premiums. The average monthly gross wages and salaries without irregular bonuses and premiums increased 3.2% compared to the 1st quarter of 2010. At the same time, the irregular bonuses and premiums per employee grew on an average 57.9%.

The real wages which took into account the influence of the change in the consumer price index and which shows the purchasing power of wages and salaries, decreased for the tenth quarter in succession. In the 1st quarter of 2011 the real wages decreased by 0.9%.

According to the survey of wages and salaries statistics, as at the end of March, the number of employees was 1.2% larger than at the same time in 2010.

Compared to the 1st quarter of 2010, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (18.9%) and decreased the most in administrative and support service activities (3.9%).

Compared to the 1st quarter of 2010, the average hourly gross wages and salaries increased the most in mining and quarrying (16.6%) and decreased the most in administrative and support service activities (7.0%).

The average gross wages and salaries were 749 euros (11,723 kroons) in January, 785 euros (12,284 kroons) in February and 843 euros (13,197 kroons) in March.

In the 1st quarter of 2011, the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 1,074 euros (16,810 kroons) and the average hourly labour costs were 6.99 euros (109.39 kroons). Compared to the 1st quarter of 2010, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased by 4.3% and the average hourly labour costs by 1.8%.

Compared to the 1st quarter of 2010, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased the most in mining and quarrying (17.5%), and decreased the most in administrative and support service activities (4.2%).

Compared to the 1st quarter of 2010, the average hourly labour costs increased the most in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (16.5%) and decreased the most in administrative and support service activities (8.4%).

Statistics Estonia conducts the survey of wages and salaries statistics on the basis of international methodology since 1992. In 2011, the sample included 11,277 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, 1st quarter 2011

Average hourly gross wages and salaries and hourly labour costs, 1st quarter 2011