Average Salary in Estonia

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: October 8, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

What is the average salary in Estonia?

In 2024, the average salary in Estonia was almost €24,000 a year or €2,000 a month. More precisely, in the second quarter of 2024, the gross average salary in Estonia was €2,007 per month or €24,084 per year. This is approximately US$26,500 or £20,470. Based on the total days worked in a year, the average worker earns around €91.23 per day and about €11.40 per hour.

Compared to the rest of Europe, the Estonian average salary is below the 2023 EU average of €28,217. Eastern European countries generally have lower wages than those in Western and Northern Europe. This salary data was reported by Statistics Estonia and is the latest available from the Estonian government.

*We are using a standard of 22 working days a month and 8 working hours a day to calculate the average salaries per day and per hour.

What is the average salary in Tallinn?

The average salary in Tallinn is €2,415 a month or €28,980 a year before taxes. Based on calculations, this means that the average worker in Tallinn receives about €22,365 annually after taxes. This data comes from Statistics Estonia and reflects the situation at the end of the second quarter of 2024.

What is the average salary in Tartu County?

The average salary in Tartu County is €2,203 per month or €26,436 annually before taxes. Generally, people living and working in cities like Tallinn and Tartu tend to earn the highest salaries in Estonia and enjoy more job opportunities. The difference can be quite noticeable: for this same period, the average monthly gross salary in any other region was less than €2,000.

What is the minimum wage in Estonia?

In 2024, the minimum wage in Estonia is €820 per month. This translates to an annual salary of €9,840. Estonia’s minimum wage is competitive when compared to countries from other Eurozone regions, like Eastern Europe, but still low when compared to Nordic countries, a group Estonia is increasingly considered part of. It is important to note that while it is lower than in many Western European countries, the cost of living in Estonia is also generally more affordable than in Sweden or France, for example. Living expenses in bigger cities average around €750 per month without rent.

What is a good salary in Estonia?

As in many countries, the cost of living varies, particularly between major cities and smaller towns. According to our research, a good salary for a single person living in Estonia is around €30,000 annually. This amount exceeds the average salary and allows for a comfortable lifestyle in both urban and rural areas.

For example, the cost of living in Tallinn, the capital, is estimated to be around €1,500 per month, including rent. With a salary of €30,000, you would have about €12,000 left over for savings or other expenses after covering your basic needs. However, as some locals discuss, the rising cost of living in Tallinn, particularly with rent, means a €30,000 salary may feel tight, especially if you're renting in the city centre. People mention that with unexpected expenses or a wish for a more flexible lifestyle, a salary closer to €40,000 would mean more comfort and financial security.

Average salary after tax in Estonia

The average salary in Estonia is €24,084 per year. Applying the tax rate, which is approximately 20%, results in a net salary of around €18,642 a year. The tax deduction rate of withheld income will increase to 22% in 2025. For more info on taxes, you can visit Taxes in Estonia or use the Tax Calculator.

What are the highest-paying jobs in Estonia?

Let’s explore some common professions for expats moving to and working in Estonia, together with their average annual salaries (Source: Payscale):

• Marketing Specialist: €26,667
• HR Manager: €28,200
• Senior Data Analyst: €44,410
• UX Designer: €25,025
• Project Manager (IT): €34,400
• Customer Support Specialist: €23,000
• Business Manager: €24,000
• Software Engineer: €41,142

Average salary comparison by country