Average salaries and wages rose in all sectors last year and the average wage was more than 7% higher than in 2018.
In 2019, the average monthly gross wage was EUR 1,407, up by 7.4%. Salaries were the highest in Q2 and Q4 2019.
The highest average monthly gross salaries are in the information and communication and in financial and insurance sectors, and the lowest in service activities, such as accommodation and food.
However, compared to 2018, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in other service activities such as repairers of household goods or for providers of beauty treatments, and in human health and social work activities – by 14% and 10%, respectively.
In agriculture wages and salaries decreased by 1.9% and in real estate activities by 0.7%.
In the public sector, the average monthly gross wages and salaries amounted to EUR 1,525, up by 9.5%. In the private sector, i.e. in enterprises owned by Estonian and foreign private entities, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were EUR 1,368, up by 6.7%.
In 2019, by county, the average monthly gross wages and salaries continued to be the highest in Harju at EUR 1,531 and Tartu at EUR 1,426 counties and the lowest in Hiiu at EUR 992 and Valga at EUR 1,058. The average monthly gross wages and salaries increased in all counties. The year-on-year growth was the fastest in Polva, Laane and Parnu counties and the slowest in Jogeva and Rapla counties.
The average monthly labor cost per employee was EUR 1,886 and the hourly cost EUR 12.5. Compared to 2018, the average monthly labor cost increased by 7.3%.
In Q4 2019, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were EUR 1,472, up by 6.3% YoY. The average hourly gross wages and salaries were EUR 8.4, up by 7%. Compared to Q3 2019, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the most in education by 15.1% and arts, entertainment and recreation by 10.5%, while decreased in accommodation and food service activities by 1% and in agriculture by 0.2%. (ERR/Business World Magazine)
