Real earnings in the whole economy in 2007 increased by 17 per cent

Statistics Lithuania informs that real earnings in the whole economy, individual enterprise included, in 2007 compared to 2006 increased by 17 per cent, in the public sector – by 13 per cent, in the private sector – by 19.9 per cent.

Average gross monthly earnings in the whole economy, individual enterprise included, in 2007 made LTL 1802.4 and compared to the previous year went up by 20.5 per cent; in the public sector, they were LTL 1891.9 and against 2006 grew by 15.9 per cent, while in the private sector they equaled LTL 1755.9 and against 2006 increased by 23.8 per cent.

In 2007, the most rapid increase in gross earnings was recorded in construction – 28.9 per cent, in hotels and restaurants – 24.8 per cent, wholesale and retail trade – 23.5 per cent.

The highest gross earnings in 2007 were received by the employees working in financial intermediation – LTL 3637.5, public administration and defence; compulsory social security – LTL 2491.3, mining and quarrying – LTL 2379.5. The lowest earnings were in hotels and restaurants – LTL 1033.8, agriculture, hunting and forestry – LTL 1411.2, other community, social and personal service activities – LTL 1501.

The increase in the average gross monthly earnings, individual enterprises included, was conditioned by the rise in wages and salaries since 1 January 2007 for the employees in budgetary institutions and organisations, as well as the rise in the minimum monthly salary and minimum hourly wage since 1 July 2007.

In 2007, the highest gross earnings were paid to employees in Vilnius county – LTL 2075.6, Klaipėda county – LTL 1764.8, Telšiai county – LTL 1735.7, Kaunas county – LTL 1720.2, while the lowest – in Tauragė county (LTL 1332.5).

The most rapid increase in average gross monthly earnings, individual enterprises included, in 2007 against 2006 was in these counties: Alytus – 22.7 per cent, Kaunas – 21.8 per cent, Šiauliai – 20.9 per cent, Tauragė – 20.7 per cent, while the slowest – in Utena county (16.7 per cent).

Average monthly net earnings in the whole economy, individual enterprises included, in 2007 made LTL 1351.9 and compared to 2006 increased by 23.7 per cent; in the public sector, they made LTL 1414.5 and compared to 2006 grew by 19.4 per cent; in the private sector, they made LTL 1319.3 and compared to 2006 grew by 26.7 per cent. A more rapid increase in net earnings was influenced by the increased basic non-taxable income rate (from LTL 290 to LTL 320) and the reduced income tax rate.

The average number of employees in the whole economy, individual enterprises included, in 2007 made 1163.7 thousand, and compared to 2006 increased by 3.8 per cent; in the private sector, it made 765.8 thousand and compared to 2006 increased by 6.5 per cent; in the public sector, it was 397.8 thousand and compared to 2006 decreased by 1.2 per cent.