Average earnings growing slower28.08.2024

Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) working-day and seasonally non-adjusted data show that in Q2 2024 average gross wages and salaries (in full-time units) amounted to EUR 1 671. Over the year they have risen by EUR 146 or 9.6 %, which is smaller increase compared to 11.0 % recorded in Q1 2024. Hourly earnings before taxes went up to EUR 11.41 or by 8.9 %. Over the quarter, average gross earnings increased by 2.9 % and hourly earnings by 7.2 %.

Average monthly earnings after taxes EUR 1 213

Average net wages and salaries (calculated based on the labour taxes applicable to employers) amounted to EUR 1 213 or 72.6 % of the gross earnings and over the year grew by 8.9 %, thus overtaking the climb in the consumer prices. The real increase in the net earnings, considering the price rise, was 8.0 %.

Median monthly earnings EUR 1 350

In Q2 2024, gross median wages and salaries (in full-time units) amounted to EUR 1 350. Over the year, gross median earnings increased by EUR 135 or 11.1 % (from EUR 1 215 in Q2 2023). The net median earnings (after taxes) amounted to EUR 991 and over the year have risen by 11.6 %.

Sharper annual upturn in public sector

In public sector, annual rise in the average earnings was 4.1 percentage points higher than in private (12.4 % and 8.3 %, respectively).

In Q2 2024, average monthly earnings before taxes in public sector stood at EUR 1 743 while in private were EUR 99 lower, i.e., EUR 1 644. Average earnings in general government sector, which includes central and local government institutions as well as enterprises controlled and financed by the central and local government, went up to EUR 1 684 (by 12.9 % over the year).

Over the quarter, average earnings in public sector rose by 5.2 %, in general government sector by 4.8 %, and in private sector by 1.8 %.

Average monthly gross earnings by sector

* Excluding foundations, associations, funds, and commercial companies thereof.

Apart from the rise or decline in the renumeration of employees, average earnings are also influenced by the labour force demand and supply trends as well as labour market structural changes.

Generally, the mentioned factors cause changes in the wage and salary fund and in the number of full-time workers both of which are also used to calculate the average earnings.

In Q2 2024, compared to Q2 2023, the estimated national wage and salary fund grew by 8.5 % or EUR 290.2 million while the number of salaried workers (recalculated into full-time units) reduced by 7.5 thousand people or 1.0 %.

In terms of economic activities, the sharpest rise in average earnings was registered in education (19.6 %), significantly boosting the annual growth in the public sector. Notable increase was also registered in other service activities (which include activities of religious, political, etc. membership organisations, repair of computers and personal and household goods, washing and (dry-)cleaning of textile and fur products, hairdressing and other beauty treatment, funeral and related activities, etc. personal service activities) (15.6 %), administrative and support service activities (14.4 %), and accommodation and food service activities (11.5 %).

The sharp annual rise in average earnings in all mentioned sectors, except for accommodation and food service activities, was influenced by both higher wages and salaries and fewer workers.

Highest-paying economic activities: financial activities, information and communication

In Q2 2024, average monthly gross earnings above the national average were recorded in financial and insurance activities (EUR 2 847 ((in full-time units)), information and communication (EUR 2 661), energy sector (EUR 2 217), professional, scientific and technical activities (EUR 2 102), public administration (EUR 1 959), mining and quarrying (EUR 1 824), human health and social work activities (EUR 1 754), as well as water supply; sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities (EUR 1 747).

The lowest gross earnings were registered in accommodation and food service activities (EUR 1 094 before taxes (in full-time units)).

Steeper rise in earnings registered in Zemgale

In Q2 2024, compared to Q2 2023, the sharpest rise in the average earnings before taxes was observed in Zemgale (12.0 %), followed by Latgale (11.6 %) and Vidzeme (10.9 %).

The highest gross average earnings (in full-time units) were recorded in Riga (EUR 1 842 ) while the lowest in Latgale (EUR 1 194, which is 35 % fewer than in the capital). The gap between the average earnings in Riga and regions has slightly narrowed in all regions, except for Kurzeme. The largest drop (of 2.1 percentage points) was registered in Zemgale.

* As of 1 January 2024, the new statistical regions and the territories thereof coincide with the territories of the planning regions.

Hourly earnings EUR 11.41

In Q2 2024, gross hourly earnings amounted to EUR 11.41, and over the year they have grown by 8.9 % (from EUR 10.48 in Q2 2023).

Driven by 8.5 % increase in the total labour costs and 0.4 % drop in the hours worked, hourly labour costs (which include wages and salaries as well as other labour-related expenses of the employer) rose from EUR 13.12 to EUR 14.30 or by 9.0 % over the year.

Average earnings rising slower in all Baltic states

Since Q2 2023, annual growth of the average earnings has slowed down in all Baltic states. In Estonia, average earnings before taxes rose by 7.2 % over the year. Lithuania had the sharpest rise - 9.8 % - and Latvia slightly smaller - 9.6 %.

Methodological information

Wage and salary statistics is produced based on the results of a sample survey conducted among merchants, state and local government institutions, foundations, associations and funds, as well as administrative data.

CSB average wage calculations for a public sector include central and local government institutions and commercial companies thereof, companies with central or local government capital participation of 50 % and over, excluding foundations, associations, funds, and commercial companies thereof.

According to the European System of Accounts, the general government sector includes central and local government institutions, social security fund, enterprises controlled and financed by the central and local governments.

Information on the average wages and salaries is broken down by region based on the address of the office or main activity of an enterprise or institution.

Median is calculated based on the information available in statistical surveys and administrative data of the State Revenue Service.

Average monthly and hourly earnings and change in hourly labour costs are calculated from not rounded figures.

In line with the European Union laws and regulations, when compiling data on labour costs, wages and salaries include remuneration in kind (goods and services provided by the employer to employees free of charge or at a lower price, living quarters, mobile telephone, transport compensation, etc.) and exclude payment for the days not worked due to illness that is paid by the employer. Other labour costs include statutory social security contributions payable by the employer, employers' contractual and voluntary social security contributions (additional pension insurance contributions, health and life insurance contributions, etc.), support payments from the employer, gifts, sick pay (page A), severance pay, entrepreneurship state risk duty.

Media requests:
Communication Section
E-mail: [email protected]
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More information on data:
Lija Luste
Wage Statistics Section
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: +371 67366917

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