Quarter three of 2023 saw Estonia's average salary reach €1,500.
In the third quarter of 2023, average monthly gross wages and salaries in Estonia increased by 10.4% compared to the same period in 2022, according to Statistics Estonia. The average monthly wage stood at €1,812, with the median wage at €1,500, a year-on-year increase of 11.2% and 11%, respectively.
Sectors with the highest average gross wages were information and communication (€3,222), financial and insurance activities (€2,813), and energy supply (€2,376). Conversely, the lowest average wages were recorded in accommodation and food service activities (€1,197), other service activities (€1,202), and real estate activities (€1,265). Wage growth was most pronounced in education (18.2%) and human health and social work activities (14.9%).
Harju and Tartu counties reported the highest average wages (€2,040 and €1,790, respectively), while Valga and Saare counties registered the lowest (€1,336 and €1,393, respectively). The biggest year-on-year wage growth was recorded in Ida-Viru (11.8%) and Valga counties (11.5%).
Median wages were the highest in information and communication (€2,728) and financial and insurance activities (€2,353), and the lowest in real estate activities (€893) and other service activities (€962). Other service activities include membership organizations, computer and personal goods repair, and other personal services not elsewhere classified.
When considering Estonia's wages in a broader European context, they tend to be lower than the Euro Area average, reflecting Estonia's status as an emerging economy within the EU. While wage pressures are noted in neighboring EU economies, Estonia's wage growth has been consistently positive but more modest compared to some Western European countries.
For the specific gross wage figures by county and economic activity in Estonia for Q3 2023, consult official statistics from Estonia's national statistical office or economic reports.
The business sector in Estonia witnessed significant growth in the third quarter of 2023, with the financial and insurance activities industry leading in average gross wages (€2,813). Despite the moderate wage growth compared to some Western European countries, Estonia's information and communication industry showed the highest median wage (€2,728), highlighting emerging trends in the nation's finance and tech sectors.
