The increase in average monthly gross wages and salaries accelerated slightly in the 3rd quarter

Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2012, the increase in average monthly gross wages and salaries was slightly faster than in the 2nd quarter, when the growth compared to the same quarter of 2012 was 8.5%. The faster increase in wages was mainly caused by irregular bonuses and premiums which rose 42.3% per employee compared to the 3rd quarter of 2012 and influenced the growth of average monthly gross wages and salaries by 0.8 percentage points. The average monthly gross wages and salaries without irregular bonuses and premiums increased 8.0% in the 3rd quarter.

Real wages, which take into account the influence of the change in the consumer price index, increased 5.8% in the 3rd quarter of 2013. Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, real wages increased for the ninth quarter in succession.

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

Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2012, the average monthly and hourly gross wages and salaries increased the most in information and communication – by 14.4% and 11.8%, respectively.

Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2012, the average monthly and hourly gross wages and salaries decreased the most in arts, entertainment and recreation – by 3.6% and 8.0%, respectively.

The average gross wages and salaries were 944 euros in July, 904 euros in August and 942 euros in September.

In the 3rd quarter of 2013, the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 1,255 euros and the average hourly labour costs were 8.85 euros. Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2012, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased by 8.4% and the average hourly labour costs by 7.7%.

Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2012, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased the most in information and communication (13.9%) and the average hourly labour costs increased the most in transportation and storage (11.0%).

Compared to the 3rd quarter of 2012, the average monthly and hourly labour costs per employee decreased the most in arts, entertainment and recreation – by 2.9% and 6.0%, respectively.

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

The low wages and salaries of employees in education in the 3rd quarter were related to reflecting the holiday leave pay of most employees in this activity in the 2nd quarter.

Average monthly gross wages and salaries and monthly labour costs per employee, 3rd quarter 2013

Average hourly gross wages and salaries and hourly labour costs per employee, 3rd quarter 2013