Eurostat analysis of labour costs across European Union

PAY DATA

Eurostat analysis of labour costs across European Union

Hourly labour costs averaged €23.1 across the European Union (EU27) in 2011, and €27.6 in the euro area (EA17). But these figures mask significant differences between member states, with hourly labour costs ranging from €3.5 to €39.3.

The highest hourly labour costs were estimated for Belgium (€39.3), Sweden (€39.1), Denmark (€38.6), France (€34.2), Luxembourg (€33.7), the Netherlands (€31.1) and Germany (€30.1).

The lowest hourly labour costs were estimated for Bulgaria (€3.5), Romania (€4.2), Lithuania (€5.5) and Latvia (€5.9).

While comparing labour cost estimates in euro over time, it should be noted that data for those Member States outside the euro area are influenced by exchange rate movements.

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Labour costs are made up of costs for wages and salaries, plus non-wage costs such as employer's social contributions.

These preliminary estimates for 2011, published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, cover enterprises with more than 10 employees and are based on the 2008 Labour Cost Survey and the Labour Cost Index.

Additional information on labour costs is available on the Eurostat web site here.