MINIMUM AND AVERAGE SALARY IN ESTONIA
Estonia is located in the northern part of Europe. In the east it borders with Russia, in the south with Latvia. Washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea. Since 2004 it is a member of the European Union, and in 2011 joined the euro zone. In terms of economic development and living standards, Estonia is considered the most prosperous country in the Baltics.
Estonia has a population of only 1.3 million and a labor force of over 700,000. The unemployment rate is around 5–6%. The largest city and capital of the country, Tallinn, is home to about 453 thousand people, of which about 40% are ethnic Russians. Let's find out what salaries in Estonia in 2023.
Minimum salary in Estonia
According to official data from the Estonian government, the minimum wage in Estonia in 2023 is 725 euros per month or 8,700 euros per year. The hourly rate is 4.30 euros. This is the average among the Baltic countries. In Lithuania, workers receive a minimum of 840 euros, and in Latvia 620. For example, in Poland, the minimum wage is 3,490 zlotys (745 euros).
Important. Estonian primary and secondary school teachers earn a minimum of 1,354 euros.
Compared to last year, the minimum wage in Estonia increased by 71 euros per month (9,8%). Inflation in Estonia at the end of 2022 slightly exceeded 19%, so the purchasing power of Estonian workers has decreased. Over the past 10 years, Estonia's minimum wage has increased by 405 euros, from 320 euros in 2013, to 725 euros in 2023.
Average salary in Estonia
According to official information from the Estonian Statistical Office, the average wage in Estonia in 2023 is 1,775 euros per month. The hourly rate is 10 euros. Compared to the previous year the salaries of Estonian workers have increased by 150 euros (1 625 euros in 2022). During the last 8 years the average salary in Estonia has increased by 736 euros.
The highest income for Estonian workers is in Tallinn (1,994 euros), the counties of Harju County (1,937 euros) and Tartu County (1,770 euros), and the lowest in the counties of Hiiu (1,185 euros) and Valga County (1,237 euros). The highest average wages in Estonia are in information and communication, financial and insurance activities, and the lowest in accommodation and catering services and real estate operations.
| Sector of economy | Euro per month |
| Information and communication | 3,169 |
| Financial and insurance activity | 2,717 |
| Supply of electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning | 2,352 |
| Public administration and protection | 2,334 |
| Professional and scientific-technical activity | 2,121 |
| Extraction of mineral resources | 2,092 |
| Health care and social work | 1,910 |
| Water supply and waste management | 1,777 |
| Transportation and storage | 1,723 |
| Manufacturing | 1,692 |
| Education | 1,682 |
| Construction | 1,583 |
| Wholesale and retail trade | 1,478 |
| Fishing, agriculture and forestry | 1,455 |
| Administrative and support services | 1,422 |
| Art, entertainment and leisure | 1,383 |
| Operations with real estate | 1,361 |
| Accommodation and meals | 1,116 |
| Other services | 1,395 |
Note. Information on average wages by sector is based on official data from Statistics Estonia.
In conclusion, we note that the Estonian income tax rate from the salaries of employees is 20%. As of 1 January 2018, the total tax-free amount (basic exemption) is 6,000 euros per year (500 euros per month).
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