According to the National Statistics Institute (INE). Between January and December of last year, the average regular gross remuneration per worker – which excludes holiday and Christmas allowances, being therefore less seasonal – rose 3.1% to 1,106 euros. The average gross base remuneration grew 2% to 1,039 euros.

In 2021 as a whole, total remuneration was higher in electricity, gas, steam, hot and cold water and air conditioning activities (3,091 euros) and in financial and insurance activities (2,602 euros), as a result of increases of 0 .8% and 1.7%, respectively, compared to 2020, says the INE.

On the other hand, total remuneration was lower in agriculture, animal production, hunting, forestry and fishing (855 euros) and in accommodation, catering and similar activities (881 euros), having, however, increased by 5.3% and 6.1%, respectively, compared to the previous year.

Last year, the total remuneration varied between 885 euros (in companies with 1 to 4 employees) and 1,686 euros (in companies with 250 to 499 employees). In companies with 500 or more workers, the total remuneration was slightly lower: 1,634 Euros. The average remuneration per employee in companies with 50 to 99 employees (1,351 euros) was the closest to the total for the economy (1,361 euros).

The total remuneration of the Public Administration increased by 0.7% in 2021, from 1,898 euros in 2020 to 1,911 euros in 2021. INE states that this increase “was lower than that recorded in the previous year (2.7%) and that observed in the private sector of the economy (4.3% – from 1,193 to 1,245 euros)”.

The INE points out that “the differences in average remuneration levels between the Public Administration sector and the private sector reflect, among others, differences in the type of work performed and in the qualifications of the workers who integrate them”. Therefore, workers in the Public Administration sector have, on average, higher levels of education.

From 2014 to 2021, total remuneration increased by 16% to 1,361 euros, and in the same period, the Guaranteed Minimum Monthly Remuneration (RMMG) increased by 37.1%.

Wage increase slows

Despite the increase of more than 3% observed throughout 2021, if the analysis is only carried out in the last quarter of the year, it is observed that, despite the average salary having risen 1.9% to 1,507 euros, this evolution represents a slowdown. In addition, it translates into a loss of purchasing power: “In real terms, with reference to the variation of the Consumer Price Index, total and regular average wages per worker decreased by 0.5% and 0.1%, respectively”, says the INE.

In December, total remuneration varied between €932 in agriculture, animal production, hunting, forestry and fishing activities and €3,463 in electricity, gas, steam, hot and cold water and air conditioning activities.

In a similar way, the basic remuneration also varied between 674 euros in administrative activities and support services and 2,367 euros in the activities of electricity, gas, steam, hot and cold water and air conditioning.