In Q3 2023, according to work-day and seasonally unadjusted data, the gross average wage in Latvia for full-time work was EUR 1 549, as reported by the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia (CSP).
Compared to Q3 2022, the average monthly wage in Latvia is up by EUR 164 or 11.8%. The hourly rate before taxes is up to EUR 10.45 or 14.9%.
In Q3, as compared to Q2 2023, the gross monthly wage went up by 1.5%, whereas hourly rate went down slightly – by 0.3%.
CSP reports that the average net wage (calculated using labour taxes applicable to employers) was EUR 1 126 or 72.7% of the gross wage, and went up by 11%, staying ahead of the price climb. The actual net wage growth, excluding inflation, was 5.7%.
The median gross wage for a full-time job in the third quarter of 2023 was EUR 1 250.
Compared to Q3 2022 (EUR 1 107), it’s up by EUR 144 or 13%. The pay median after taxes (net) was EUR 932 in Q3 2023, and went up by 12.4% over the course of the year.
The median was calculated using available information from statistical surveys and data from the State Revenue Service.
Over the course of the year the average wage in the public sector went up faster than in the private sector – by 13.7% and 11.1% respectively.
In Q3 2023 the average wage in the public sector before taxes was EUR 1 564. In the private sector it was by EUR 18 lower (EUR 1 546). In the general sector, which consists of the state and municipal institutions, as well as state and municipal capital companies, the average wage grew to EUR 1 517 (+13.1%).
Compared to Q2 2023, the average pay in the public sector went up by 1%. In the government sector it went up by 1.7% and in the private sector the pay climb was slightly faster – 1.8%.
Over the course of the year average pay went up the most in the energy sector – by 17.7%. In agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector it went up by 16.7% (the biggest increase was in forestry and lumber production), in state administration it went up by 15.7%. In the transport and storage sector it went up by 15.5% (the biggest increase in the air traffic sector). In real estate it went up by 14.1%. In the professional, scientific and technical services sector wages went up by 13.6%. In the art, entertainment and leisure sector wages went up by 13.5%, and in the education sector – by 13.3%.
In the third quarter, the average monthly wage for full-time work was higher than the national average for financial and insurance activities (EUR 2 627), information and communication services (EUR 2 512), professional, scientific and technical services (EUR 2 026), energy (EUR 1 965), public administration (EUR 1 855), mining and quarrying (EUR 1 753), health and social care (1,680 euros) and agriculture, forestry and fisheries (EUR 1 562).
The lowest average pay for full-time work was in the accommodation and catering services sector – EUR 1 009 before taxes.
In Q3, as compared to the same quarter of 2022, the average wage before taxes went up the most rapidly in Vidzeme (13.4%), as well as Latgale (12.6%) and Kurzeme (12.2%).
The highest average gross wage for full-time work was in Riga – EUR 1 715, while the lowest – in Latgale (EUR 1 102), which is 36% less than in the capital. The average pay gap between Riga and the regions has narrowed in all regions over the year. The largest decrease was observed in Vidzeme (1.4 percentage points).
The gross pay per hour in Q3 2023 was EUR 10.45. Over the course of the year, it went up by 14.9% (EUR 9.09 in Q3 2022).
One-hour labour costs, which include both wages and salaries and other labour-related expenses of the employer, increased from EUR 11.42 to EUR 13.07 or 14.5% over the year, affected by a 12.1% increase in total labour costs and a 2.1% decrease in hours worked over the year. CSP notes that in Q3 2023 was two work days shorter than Q3 of 2022.
In Q3, as compared to Q3 2022, the average pay before taxes went up the most rapidly in Lithuania (by 12.2%) and Latvia (by 11.8%). In Estonia the annual growth was the lowest (10.4%).
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