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.
The population of Estonia is only 1.3 million people, and the labor force is about 694 thousand. 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 2022.
Minimum salary in Estonia
According to official data from the Estonian government, the minimum wage in Estonia in 2022 is 654 euros per month or 7,848 euros per year. The hourly rate is 3.86 euros. This is the average among the Baltic countries. In Lithuania, workers receive a minimum of 730 euros, and in Latvia 500. For example, in Poland, the minimum wage is 3,010 zlotys (645 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 70 euros per month or 12%. Inflation in Estonia at the end of 2021 slightly exceeded 12%, so the purchasing power of Estonian workers has decreased. Over the past 7 years, Estonia's minimum wage has increased by 264 euros, from 390 euros in 2015, to 654 euros in 2022.
Average salary in Estonia
According to official information from the Estonian Statistical Office, the average wage in Estonia in 2022 is 1,625 euros per month. The hourly rate is 9.4 euros. Compared to the previous year the salaries of Estonian workers have increased by 110 euros (1 515 euros in 2021). During the last 7 years the average salary in Estonia has increased by 586 euros.
The average gross income for men in Estonia is 1,715 euros per month, and for women 1,406 euros. Workers aged 35 to 44 have the highest average median income, 1,602 euros per month. Young people under 24 have the lowest income, earning 1,125 euros per month.
The highest income for Estonian workers is provided by Harju County (1,777 euros) and the lowest by Võru County (1,253 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 | 2,945 |
| Financial and insurance activity | 2,605 |
| Supply of electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning | 2,084 |
| Public administration and protection | 2,061 |
| Extraction of mineral resources | 1,908 |
| Health care and social work | 1,877 |
| Professional and scientific-technical activity | 1,830 |
| Water supply and waste management | 1,560 |
| Education | 1,545 |
| Construction | 1,526 |
| Transportation and storage | 1,494 |
| Manufacturing | 1,491 |
| Wholesale and retail trade | 1,396 |
| Administrative and support services | 1,357 |
| Fishing, agriculture and forestry | 1,354 |
| Art, entertainment and leisure | 1,315 |
| Operations with real estate | 1,153 |
| Accommodation and meals | 953 |
| Other services | 1,301 |
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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