Estonian average wage hits magic 1000 euro mark

According to Statistics Estonia, in the second quarter of 2014, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 1,023 euros and increased 4.8% compared to the second quarter of the previous year.

Real wages, which take into account the influence of the change in the consumer price index, also increased 4.8% in the second quarter of 2014. Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, real wages increased for the twelfth quarter in a row.

However, according to the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, the median monthly income in the second quarter was only 753 euros, up from 705 euros at the same time in 2013.

The number of employees as at the end of June was also 4.7% higher than at the same time in 2013. There was a slightly more than a 10% increase in the number of employees in four economic activities in Estonia: 1) agriculture, forestry and fishing; 2) wholesale and retail trade; 3) accommodation and food service activities; and 4) administrative and support service activities.

The average hourly gross wages and salaries were 6.21 euros and increased 8.8% compared to the second quarter of 2013.