Last year the annual average gross wages (salaries) increased in all economic activities

Real wages, which take into account the influence of the change in the consumer price index, increased 1.7% in 2012. After the fall in 2009 and 2010, the real wages increased for the second year in succession compared to the previous year.

In 2012, the average monthly and hourly gross wages and salaries increased in all economic activities. The average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in construction (10.8%) and the hourly gross wages and salaries in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (11.3%). The average monthly and hourly gross wages and salaries increased the least in transportation and storage (1.6% and 2.3%, respectively).

In 2012, the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 1,203 euros and the average hourly labour costs were 7.98 euros. Compared to 2011, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased by 5.8% and the average hourly labour costs by 5.7%.

In 2012, the average monthly labour costs per employee and the average hourly labour costs increased the most in professional, science and technical activities (10.6% and 10.7%, respectively). The average monthly labour costs per employee and the hourly labour costs increased the less in transportation and storage (1.7% and 2.3%, respectively).

In 2012, the average monthly gross wages and salaries in public sector were 896 euros and in private sector 883 euros. Compared to 2011, the average monthly gross wages and salaries in public sector increased by 5.1% and in private sector by 6.0%. 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 2012, the sample included 11,523 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, 2012

Average hourly gross wages and salaries and hourly labour costs, 2012