Average earnings fell by almost 15 per cent in the three years to 2011, according to a new analysis from the Central Statistics Office.

The data shows that the average worker's wage bill amounted to €40,775 last year, down 1.1 per cent from €41,226 in 2010.

The total includes costs such as PRSI, tax and the pension levy; when these are excluded, average annual earnings amounted to €35,905 last year, down 0.6 per cent on 2010.

The total wage bill excluding costs in the Republic last year was €54.9 billion, down from €56 billion in 2010 and 14.9 per cent lower than the €64.5 billion recorded in 2008 as the economy was failing.

Average earnings fell in all but five sectors last year: wholesale and retail, transportation and storage, information and communication, administrative and support services and education. The greatest increase was recorded in education, where average annual earnings rose by 1.7 per cent to €44,606.

The largest percentage decrease came in the Arts, entertainment, recreation and other service activities sector, where earnings fell by 6.5 per cent to €23,404.

The highest annual wage of €50,985 last year was in the financial, insurance and real estate sector, while the lowest of ¤16,910 was in accommodation and food services.