In the 1st quarter the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 900 euros

The average monthly gross wages and salaries without irregular bonuses and premiums increased 6.5%. Real wages, which take into account the influence of the change in the consumer price index, increased 2.7% in the 1st quarter of 2013. Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, real wages increased for the seventh quarter in succession.

According to the Wages and Salaries Statistics Survey, the number of employees as at the end of March was practically the same as in the same period of 2012.

Compared to the 1st quarter of 2012, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in real estate activities (13.9%) and the hourly gross wages and salaries in agriculture, forestry and fishing activities (15.7%). Compared to the 1st quarter of 2012, the average monthly and hourly gross wages and salaries decreased only in arts, entertainment and recreation activities (2.0% and 1.0%, respectively).

The average gross wages and salaries were 876 euros in January, 882 euros in February and 940 euros in March.

In the 1st quarter of 2013, the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 1,220 euros and the average hourly labour costs were 8.03 euros. Compared to the 1st quarter of 2012, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased by 6.3% and the average hourly labour costs by 8.7%.

Compared to the 1st quarter of 2012, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased the most in real estate activities (13.7%) and the average hourly labour costs in agriculture, forestry and fishing activities (15.7%). Compared to the 1st quarter of 2012, the average monthly labour costs per employee and the hourly labour costs decreased only in arts, entertainment and recreation activities (2.2% and 1.3%, respectively).

In the 1st quarter of 2013, the average monthly gross wages and salaries in public sector were 918 euros and in private sector 894 euros. Compared to the 1st quarter of 2012, the average monthly gross wages and salaries in public sector increased by 6.3% and in private sector by 6.4%. Public sector also includes companies owned by the state or local government.

Statistics Estonia conducts the Wages and Salaries Statistics Survey on the basis of international methodology since 1992. In 2013, the sample included 11,592 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 2013

Average hourly gross wages and salaries and hourly labour costs, 1st quarter 2013