In the 2nd quarter of 2021, the average monthly gross wage in the country for full-time work was 1,237 euros, according to the data of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB). Compared to the 2nd quarter of 2020, the average monthly salary increased by 115 euros or 10.2%, but the salary for one hour worked before taxes – by 4.6% (from 8.20 to 8.57 euros).
In the 2nd quarter of 2021, compared to the 1st quarter, the average monthly gross wage increased by 2.6%, while the hourly wage – by 8.4%.
The average monthly salary after taxes – 914 euros
The average net salary (calculated using labor taxes applicable at the workplace) was 914 euros or 73.9% of the gross salary. During the year, it increased by 10.4%. The real increase in net wages and salaries, taking into account the rise in consumer prices, was 7.9%.
The median monthly salary is 960 euros
The median gross wage for full-time work in the 2nd quarter of 2021 was 960 euros. Compared to the 2nd quarter of 2020 (882 euros), it increased by 8.9%. The median wage after taxes (net) in the second quarter of this year was 713 euros, and it increased by 8.3% during the year.
The median is calculated using available information from statistical surveys and State Revenue Service data.
The median is the average in the middle of the ascending or descending order of wages, ie half of the wages are higher than the median and the other half are lower. As the median compared to the arithmetic average wage is not affected by the values of the extreme wage, it better describes the typical wage.
In the public sector, annual growth is faster
In the 2nd quarter of 2021, the average monthly gross wage in the private sector was 1215 euros, and during the year it increased by 9.0%. In the public sector, the average wage was 75 euros higher (1291 euros) than in the private sector, and its annual growth rate was faster (13.4%). In the general government sector, which includes state and local government institutions, as well as state and local government controlled and financed capital companies, the average wage increased to 1,268 euros or by 14.8%.
Compared with the first quarter, average wages and salaries in the private sector increased by 0.7%, but in the public and general government sectors – by 6.6% and 7.4%, respectively.
Changes in average wages and salaries are affected not only by an increase or decrease in employees’ wages, but also by structural changes in the labor market – companies that started and closed down during the year, changes in the number of employees and workloads. The impact of these factors is generally reflected in changes in the wage bill and the number of full-time employees used to calculate average wages.
With the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic decreasing, the number of full-time employees in the country increased by 28.6 thousand or 4.1% in the 2nd quarter of 2021 compared to the 2nd quarter of the previous year. The decrease was observed only in the transport and storage sector (-1.9%), education (-1.7%), energy (-1.0%), finance and insurance (-0.9%), as well as arts entertainment and recreation (-0.2%).
In turn, the wage bill increased during the year in all sectors, which in the country as a whole caused its growth by 14.7% or 349.7 million euros.
–
Source: Central Statistical Bureau (CSB)
In seven industries, the average monthly wage is above the national average
In the 2nd quarter of 2021, in seven sectors, the average monthly wage for full-time work was higher than the national average – in the financial and insurance sector, information and communication services, energy, health and social care, public administration, professional, scientific and technical services, as well as in the mining and quarrying sector.
During the year, the average salary has grown the fastest in the health and social care sector – from 1158 to 1564 euros or by 35.1%, in education – by 12.4% and in trade – by 11.7%.
The lowest average wages and salaries in the second quarter of 2021 were in the accommodation and food service sector (738 euros), in the other services sector (956) and in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector (982 euros).
–
Source: Central Statistical Bureau (CSB)
In Latgale, the average monthly salary is 36% lower than in Riga
In the 2nd quarter of 2021, compared to the 2nd quarter of 2020, the average monthly gross wage grew the fastest in Latgale – by 12.9%. The lowest increase was in Pieriga – 9.3%. The highest average salary before taxes for full-time work was in Riga – 1382 euros, while the lowest – in Latgale (887 euros), which is 36% less than in the capital.
–
Source: Central Statistical Bureau (CSB)
Wages per hour worked – 8.57 euros
Gross wages and salaries per hour worked in the 2nd quarter of 2021 were 8.57 euros, and during the year it increased by 4.6% (in the 2nd quarter of 2020 – 8.20 euros).
Hourly labor costs, which include both wages and salaries and other labor-related costs of the employer, increased from EUR 10.31 to EUR 10.71 or by 3.8% during the year, which was influenced by the increase in total labor costs and hours worked, respectively. by 13.9% and 9.7% during the year.
The highest average wage and the fastest growth in Lithuania
In the Baltic States, in the 2nd quarter of 2021, the highest average gross wage was in Lithuania – 1566 euros for full-time work, in Estonia – 1538 euros, but in Latvia the lowest – 1237 euros.
Compared to the 2nd quarter of 2020, the average salary in Lithuania grew the fastest – by 12.0%, in Latvia – by 10.2%, while in Estonia – by 7.3%.
–
