Compared to 2020, the average monthly gross wages and salaries grew by EUR 135 or 11.8 %, but gross hourly payment – by 7.1 % (from EUR 7.97 to EUR 8.54).
Average monthly net wages and salaries – EUR 939
Average net wages and salaries (calculated based on labour taxes applicable on workplace) comprised EUR 939 or 73.5 % of gross wages and salaries. During a year it increased by 11.7 %. Considering the consumer price growth, the real increase of the wages and salaries comprised 8.1 %.
Median monthly wages and salaries comprised EUR 994
In 2021 median monthly gross wages and salaries for full-time work comprised EUR 994. Compared to 2020 (EUR 893) it rose by 11.3 %. Net median wages (after taxes) constituted EUR 740 and rose by 11.4 % over the year. Median is calculated based on the information available in statistical surveys and the State Revenue Service.
The median is the average in the middle of the ascending or descending order of wages of the employees, i.e., half of the wages are higher than the median and the other half are lower. As median, compared to the mean arithmetic earnings, is not influenced by extremely high or low wages and salaries, it reflects typical earnings more precisely.
Average wages in public sector EUR 20 more than in private sector
In 2021, average monthly gross wages and salaries in private sector comprised EUR 1 273 and during a year rose by 11.9 %. In public sector average wages and salaries were EUR 20 more than in private sector (EUR 1 293), and its annual growth rate was slightly slower (11.8 %). General government sector, which includes central and local government institutions, as well as enterprises controlled and financed by the central and local government, average wages and salaries increased to EUR 1 268 or 13.1 %.
In 2021, average monthly wages for full-time work were above the national average in financial and insurance activities, information and communication services, professional, scientific and technical services, health and social work, energy, public administration, and mining and quarrying.
The lowest average pre-tax wage was in accommodation and food and beverage service activities (EUR 795).
Average monthly wages and salaries in 2021
In Latgale average monthly wages and salaries 38 % less than in Riga
The highest average monthly pre-tax wage for a full-time job in 2021 was in Riga - EUR 1 434, while the lowest was in Latgale (EUR 896), that is 38 % less than in the capital.
