Hi there,

After surveying over 200 expats here in Estonia, I’ve uncovered some surprising insights into the local job market, especially around salaries. I’m excited to share these highlights with you—if you’re curious about what to expect from Estonia’s job scene, read on!

1️⃣ Gambling Industry Pays Big​
The highest salary reported? It’s from the gambling industry! One respondent, in their late 40s with over 20 years of experience and two Master’s degrees, earns €200,000 annually, including an €80,000 bonus. This shows that experienced professionals can find serious earning potential in this field.

2️⃣ Negotiation Skills Matter More than Experience​
Experience alone doesn’t always guarantee a top salary here. I found that an IT professional with just 2 years on the job earns over €60,000, while others with 10+ years in software are making under €40,000. It’s clear that knowing your worth and negotiating can make a major difference in Estonia’s job market.

3️⃣ Startups Aren’t Always High-Paying​
While Estonia’s startup scene is thriving, it doesn’t always translate to big paychecks. Respondents working in startups reported a range of salaries, proving that expectations should be based on the role and company specifics rather than the “startup” label.

4️⃣ Education Doesn’t Equal Higher Salary​
Degrees don’t necessarily mean bigger pay. For example, a respondent with a Doctorate in Education earns €33,120 with 6-10 years of experience, while someone with a Master’s in Finance earns €104,880 with similar experience. The takeaway? Industry-specific skills often have a bigger impact on salary than academic credentials.

5️⃣ Salary Transparency is Key​
One thing respondents kept bringing up was the need for open discussions around pay. Transparency helps us all know our market value, makes negotiating fair compensation easier, and prevents lowball offers. Let’s support each other by normalizing salary conversations!

These insights paint a diverse picture of Estonia’s job market, and they reinforce how important it is to know your worth—and to ask for it!

Thanks for being part of this community—I’m grateful to have you here!

Best,

Manan

P.S If you’re looking for in-depth details and more data points, my new digital product about salaries in Estonia might be just what you need to navigate the market confidently. I am currently running a limited special promotion with 70% off on the promo code SALARYESTONIA2024

The promotion only lasts until the 14th of November.