Wages Increased, But Expenses Grew

Text Susanna Poikela
Photo Markus Kammermann / Unsplash

According to Statistics Estonia, the average gross salary of Estonians and those working in Estonia has already risen above €2000. However, the take-home portion appears significantly smaller: after taxes and contributions, employees receive an average of around €1500.

When the rising prices of consumer goods and food are added to this—along with the 24% value-added tax—many wage-earners feel little difference in their everyday life compared to previous years. On the contrary, for many, their income now stretches less than before when it comes to maintaining a good standard of living.

According to Statistics Estonia, in the second quarter of 2025, the average monthly gross salary was €2126, which is a 5.9% increase compared to the second quarter of 2024. During this period, the highest average gross salaries were recorded in Tallinn at €2479, Tartu at €2175, and Harju County at €2365.

By sector, the highest average gross salary in the second quarter was in the information and communication sector—€3704—followed by finance and insurance at €3389, and electricity, gas, steam, and air-conditioning supply at €3164. The lowest average salary was recorded in the accommodation and food service sector at €1328.

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