According to Statistics Estonia, in the 4th quarter of 2012, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 916 euros and the average hourly gross wages and salaries were 5.53 euros. Compared to the 4th quarter of 2011, the growth was 5.9% and 6.6%, respectively.

Compared to the 4th quarter of 2011, the irregular bonuses and premiums per employee increased 20.1% and influenced the growth of the average monthly gross wages and salaries by 0.6 percentage points. The average monthly gross wages and salaries without irregular bonuses and premiums increased 5.3%. Real wages, which take into account the influence of the change in the consumer price index, increased 2.1% in the 4th quarter of 2012. Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, real wages increased for the sixth quarter in succession.

According to the Wages and Salaries Statistics Survey, the number of employees as at the end of December had increased by 4.5% compared to the same period of 2011.

Compared to the 4th quarter of 2011, the average monthly and hourly gross wages and salaries increased the most in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (11.0% and 13.2%, respectively).

Compared to the 4th quarter of 2011, the average monthly gross wages and salaries increased the least in financial and insurance activities (2.8%) and the average hourly gross wages and salaries in accommodation and food service activities (0.9%).

The average gross wages and salaries were 907 euros in October, 887 euros in November and 957 euros in December.

In the 4th quarter of 2012, the employer’s average monthly labour costs per employee were 1,249 euros and the average hourly labour costs were 8.08 euros. Compared to the 4th quarter of 2011, the growth was 6.4% and 7.2%, respectively.

Compared to the 4th quarter of 2011, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased the most in information and communication activity (10.8%) and the average hourly labour costs in construction activity (12.9%).

Compared to the 4th quarter of 2011, the average monthly labour costs per employee increased the least in administrative and support service activities (3.0%) and the average hourly labour costs in accommodation and food service activities (1.4%).

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.

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