What is the minimum salary in Estonia

Salary levels in Estonia

The salary calculator is influenced by the territorial unit. Salary levels vary between large cities and smaller ones. Since there are 15 administrative counties on the territory of the state, the Estonian area is quite colorful and has different infrastructure.

Today, the lowest incomes of the population are observed in the counties of Põlvamaa, Saaremaa, and Jõgevamaa. In these regions, the number of people is noticeably declining, the reason for this is low wages and the highest percentage of unemployment. Residents are forced to move to larger regions to find work. The average per capita income is €800 before deductions. It is worth noting that the counties of Tartu County and Harju County are ranked first in terms of high incomes; here an Estonian earns between €1,100-1,300 before taxes.

Another indicator that affects the level of salaries is specialized specialists. Here, most large cities have a small population, approximately 100 thousand inhabitants, the most numerous of them is the capital Tallinn, there are 450 thousand people. This is where there is a high demand for specialists in various sectors. Mainly in financial and support areas. Workers are required to fill the positions of financiers, accountants, IT specialists, as well as medical workers.

Tourism is developed in cities such as Tartu, Pärnu, Lahemma, so foreigners come here to work in the hotel and restaurant business.

Estonia also has a large amount of natural resources - many lakes, forests, fertile fields, Estonians are supporters of virgin nature. Having such a heritage, the state is developing agriculture, forestry, and the fishing industry. Many industrial plants have been created to process raw materials and produce products that are exported in large volumes to European countries, the CIS, including Russia and Ukraine.

Minimum salary in Estonia

According to official data from the Estonian government, the minimum wage in Estonia in 2021 is 584 euros per month or 7,008 euros per year. The hourly rate is 3.48 euros. This is the average among the Baltic countries. In Lithuania, workers receive a minimum of 642 euros, and in Latvia 500. For example, in Poland the minimum wage is 2,800 zlotys (615 euros).

Important . Primary and secondary school teachers in Estonia earn a minimum of 1,315 euros.

Compared to last year, the minimum wage in Estonia has not changed, but compared to 2021 it has increased by 44 euros per month or 8.15%. Inflation in Estonia at the end of 2021 was negative, so the purchasing power of Estonian workers did not decrease significantly. Over the past 6 years, the minimum wage in Estonia has increased by 194 euros - from 390 euros in 2015 to 594 euros in 2021.

Average salaries in Estonia by profession

To determine whether you need to change jobs in Russia or Ukraine, evaluate the list of professions in Estonia with average salaries per month:

Average salary in Estonia

According to official information from the Estonian Statistical Office, the average salary in Estonia in 2021 is 1,515 euros per month . The hourly rate is 8.7 euros. Compared to last year, the salaries of Estonian employees increased by 43 euros (1,472 euros in 2021). Over the past 6 years, the average salary in Estonia has increased by 476 euros.

The average gross income for men in Estonia is 1,530 euros per month, and for women 1,243 euros. Workers aged 25 to 49 earn the highest average gross income, €1,544 per month. Young people under 25 have the lowest income, earning 932 euros per month.

The highest income for Estonian workers is provided by Harju County (1,541 euros), and the lowest by Ida-Viru County (1,088 euros). The highest average salaries in Estonia are in the information and communications sector, as well as in financial and insurance activities, and the lowest in the areas of accommodation and catering services, as well as real estate operations.

AVERAGE SALARY IN ESTONIA BY ECONOMIC SECTOR

Note : Information on average salaries by economic sector is based on official data from Statistics Estonia.

In conclusion, we note that the income tax rate in Estonia on wages of employees is 20%. From 1 January 2018, the total tax-free amount (basic exemption) is €6,000 per year (€500 per month).

Work for Russians without knowledge of the language

Recruitment companies are always looking for labor for Estonian entrepreneurs. They post vacancies on popular websites where they are looking for Russian and Ukrainian specialists. The country is historically connected with the Soviet Union, so it prefers to hire people from the CIS. You can find a job for a year with a contract and its extension. Seasonal work is offered in agriculture and forestry.

Most Russians do not speak either Estonian or English, but there are also offers for them. Today, general laborers are in demand abroad, as the local younger generation does not consider manual labor.

If you have at least basic English, then the sites offer jobs in the tourism sector. Young people with or without education often come to resort areas. The main requirements for them are energy, attractive appearance and sociability.

You can highlight a list of in-demand professions for Russians without knowledge of the language:

• builder and laborer;
• delivery driver;
• health worker, paramedic, nurse;
• crane operator, excavator operator;
• welder, turner, carpenter, electrician.

According to the Estonian law on employment contracts, a foreigner must find an employer and conclude a contract with him, which specifies all working conditions and remuneration. Typically, its validity extends to one calendar year, but if the employer is interested, it can easily be extended.

Salaries in Estonia in 2021 by profession

What salary in Estonia by profession is expected throughout 2019?

Below is the expected average salary before income tax by profession in the main sectors of the country's economy:

• specialists working in the field of telecommunications technologies and communications will receive an average of 2,150 euros per month - this is the highest salary in Estonia in comparison with all other leading professions in economic sectors;
• in second place in terms of salary are professionals in the field of lending and financing, their average earnings in 2019 will be just over 2,000 euros;
• an average salary of 1,500 - 1,700 euros in Estonia in 2021 is expected for specialists employed in the mining industry, as well as for electricians, gas workers and professionals servicing steam equipment and air conditioners;
• for workers in the public sector, administration and national defense in 2021, the average monthly salary will be about 1,500 euros;
• The profession of a doctor and social worker will see an increase in average earnings in 2021, so the doctor’s salary will be 1,300 euros per month;
• for craftsmen and other manufacturing workers, including carpenters and machine operators, in 2021 the average salary will be 1,200 euros per month;
• The minimum average salary in the Estonian economy is expected for such professions as administrator, cook, waiter and maid - the average monthly salary in 2021 will not exceed 800 euros.

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In 2021, the salary of a bus driver will increase to 950 euros per month, which is 20 percent higher than the previous year. Such successes were achieved thanks to the active interaction of automobile workers' unions with the state. In October 2021, trade unions took initiatives to adjust their collective agreements, including changes in the minimum and average monthly wages in 2021.

How much do teachers of schools and other public educational institutions earn in Estonia? The state government is doing its best to pursue a policy to increase the average level of wages of specialists employed in the field of education. In December, during discussions in the government cabinet, it was decided to increase the average salary of teachers to 1,500 euros per month. It is worth noting that teacher salaries in Estonia have doubled since 2013.

Earnings growth trends are also observed for the professions of police officer and rescuer; in 2021, their average salary will be 1,519 euros and 1,140 euros per month. The Ministry of Estonia sets as a priority the increase in wages for teachers of kindergartens and boarding homes in order to equalize the earnings of educators with the average monthly salary of a teacher in the country.

On the territory of Estonia, citizens from other countries are allowed to engage in official work activities on the same basis as the local population. To do this, upon arrival in Estonia, it is necessary to obtain a special work visa of category D, which will give the right to carry out work activities to a foreign citizen for a period of no more than one year.

In 2021, the income of the Estonian population by profession will also depend on the specific region of the country in which a person works. Minimum average wages in 2021 are expected in the two western island regions of the state - Hiiumaa and Saaremaa, as well as in the central and southern regions of Estonia. This is due to the minimal location of industrial enterprises, as well as the lowest indicators of the population living here.

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Taxes in Estonia

When talking about what the minimum wage in Estonia is and its average in various areas and regions, one should always take into account that we mean the gross indicator, that is, without taking into account what citizens pay into the state treasury. The following fees are deducted from the salaries of officially employed residents and non-residents of the country:

1. Income tax in Estonia. For 2021 its size is 20%. The minimum salary of 180 € is not subject to this tax.
2. Unemployment insurance amounting to 1.6% of salary.
3. Contributions to pension accumulation are 2%.

As a result, if we take the average salary for Harju County as 1,149 €, after deductions the employee is left with a net amount of 912-92 €. Most of all - 183-23 - is taken by income tax.

Watch the video about taxes and business in Estonia.

Estonian work visa

In order to engage in work in Estonia, you need to apply for a category D visa. With it you can stay in the state for a maximum of one year. This type of permit does not give the right to travel to other countries of the European Union.

A visa is issued at the embassy. The following documents must be submitted:

• international passport. Its duration must exceed the visa expiration date by at least 3 months;
• one color photo measuring 3.5x4.5 cm, made on high-quality matte paper. The background of the image is light; visa application form, which must be filled out and personally signed by the visa applicant (here);
• health insurance policy covering medical expenses in the amount of €30,000;
• a letter drawn up by the employer stating that the citizen has been hired for a certain vacancy;
• certificate of employment, if any, drawn up according to the international standard, indicating length of service, salary, position, etc. (the template in Russian can be downloaded here, in English here);
• a written explanation of the purpose of the trip;
• receipt of payment of the consular fee;
• booking transport tickets;
• hotel reservation, etc.

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Instead of a certificate of employment, students should present a document from the educational institution stating that they are currently studying. Pensioners must present a pension certificate.

When submitting documents to the Consulate, you should always take into account that they may request additional information.

It is possible to extend a Category D permit for another 90 days if necessary.