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Estonia

Food, chemicals, electronics, and construction are important sectors in the Estonian economy, with oil shale mining also being an important activity. Education has traditionally been highly valued in Estonia, with the population attaining high levels of education compared with the EU average. In general, tertiary level education is valued higher than vocational education and training. Estonia is facing population decline and its employment will shrink in forthcoming years. Sectors where further employment growth is expected include ICT services, professional services and also water & waste treatment. Most new jobs will be created for teaching professionals, drivers & vehicle operators and office associate professionals. More than 9 out 10 all job openings (including replacements for vacated jobs) till 2030 will be for high- or medium-level qualifications. Similar to other central and eastern European countries, job opportunities for people with low qualifications will be scarce in Estonia.

Future employment growth (in %) in Estonia in 2016-2030 across sectors

In 2017 the employment rate in Estonia was 78.62% compared to 72.08% in EU

During the period 2012-2017 the size of employment in Estonia changed by 7.1% compared to 5.41% in EU .

Sectors with the largest share in employment in Estonia in 2017:  

  • Manufacturing 18.96%
  • Wholesale & retail trade 13.29%
  • Construction 8.65% 
  • Education 8.62%
  • Transport & storage 7.96% 

Occupations with the largest share in employment in Estonia in 2017:  

  • Technical managers 6.41%
  • Drivers & vehicle operators 6.28%
  • Office associate professionals 6.10% 
  • Teaching professionals 5.21%
  • Sales workers 4.93%

Sectors expected to have the strongest employment change over the period 2016-2030 in Estonia:

  • ICT services 34.73%
  • Professional services 16.00%
  • Water and waste treatment 15.72% 
  • Energy supply services 15.09% 
  • Arts & recreation 11.14% 

Occupations expected to have the largest numbers of job openings in Estonia over the period 2016-2030:

  • Teaching professionals 26,333
  • Drivers & vehicle operators 24,467
  • Office associate professionals 22,115
  • Care workers 18,565
  • Technical managers 17,942

Employment share of occupations (%) in Estonia in 2017

Working age population for educational level possessed in Estonia (2012-2017)

Age profile (%) of the working age population in Estonia (2012-2017)

Usual range of monthly gross income in Estonia in 2016

Future employment growth (% change) across occupations in Estonia in 2016-2030

Future needs (total job openings) by occupation in Estonia in 2016-2030

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