Average Salary in Finland: A Complete Breakdown

Did You Know? In February 2025, the total wages and salaries paid in Finland were 1.3% higher than the same month in 2024, showing continued growth in earnings across the country.

The average gross monthly salary in Finland is €4,032 (INR 3.9L), while the median is €3,564 (INR 3.4L). These figures reflect full-time employees across sectors and are updated quarterly by official government sources.

These salary figures matter whether you're working, hiring, or planning to study in Finland. They help you assess offers, set expectations, and budget realistically.

This guide explains how pay varies by role, experience, location, and industry. It also covers what impacts your take-home after taxes and expenses, offering a clearer view of the average salary in Finland.

Average Salary in Finland: Overview and Key Statistics

Wages in Finland have shown steady growth, with average earnings increasing by 1.9% year-on-year in December 2024. Wage growth is projected to remain positive, with forecasts suggesting an average increase of about 1.8% by the end of this quarter and a long-term trend of 1.7% by 2026.

To better assess your potential earnings when you work in Finland, you must consider factors such as your specific job role, experience level, and location within the country.

For those in the highest-paying jobs, net monthly pay typically ranges between €2,600 (INR 2.5L) and €2,800 (INR 2.8L) after standard deductions such as taxes and pension contributions.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most relevant salary figures you need to know.

Criteria	Details
Average Gross Monthly Salary	€4,032 (INR 3.9L)
Median Gross Monthly Salary	€3,564 (INR 3.4L)
Net Monthly Salary (Estimate)	€2,600-€2,800 (INR 2.5L-2.8L)
Projected Wage Growth (2025)	+1.8%
Long-term Wage Growth (2026)	+1.7%
Nominal Earnings Growth (2025)	+3.0% (Bank of Finland projection)
Average Annual Pay Raise	8% every 16 months (all professions)
Salary Variation Factors	Job role, experience, education, industry, and location
Highest-Paying Sectors	Tech, finance, healthcare
Salary in Helsinki	Up to 15-20% higher than national average

Looking ahead, the Bank of Finland projects that nominal earnings will rise by around 3% in 2025 and 2.6% in both 2026 and 2027. The real earnings are expected to surpass 2021 levels by the end of the forecast period as inflation remains below 2%. This data provides a broad understanding of salary trends. 

Average Salary in Finland: Based on Experience, Role, and Region

The national average salary in Finland serves as a helpful benchmark due to the country’s education system, but actual earnings vary based on profession, experience, and location. For instance, a recent graduate in a rural area might earn as little as €2,200-€2,400 (INR 2.1L - INR 2.3L) per month, while a specialized professional in Helsinki could make significantly more.

This overview breaks those differences down clearly so you can compare real-world income scenarios, not just top-line averages.

Average Salary in Finland by Experience Level (Average Monthly Gross)

Salary growth in Finland follows a clear trajectory as professionals gain experience. On average, employees from the MBA streams see their pay rise by 32% after 2-5 years in the workforce, and by 36% with 5-10 years of experience.

Understanding how pay scales from junior to senior helps you plan long-term. It also shows what’s realistic to expect early on versus after 10-15 years.

Career Stage	Average Salary (€)	Average Salary (INR)
Entry-Level	2,400 - 2,900	INR 2.3L - INR 2.8L
Mid-Career	3,400 - 4,300	INR 3.26L - INR 4.12L
Senior-Level	5,000 - 6,200+	INR 4.79L - INR 5.94L

Note: The currency conversion is calculated using the current exchange rate

Now, let’s break down how much different professions typically earn in Finland.

Average Salary in Finland by Job Role (Average Monthly Gross)

Wages in Finland differ significantly across professions, even among employees with comparable experience. For instance, senior software developer roles and responsibilities are significant, and their salary is generally around €6,000 (INR 5.7L) per month.

These differences are shaped by demand, required education, sector funding, and collective agreements. Here’s how key professions compare:

Profession	Entry-Level	Mid-Career	Senior-Level
Software Developer	€3000 to €3500 (INR 2.9L to INR 3.4L)	€4000 to €4500 (INR 3.8L to INR 4.3L)	€5000 to €6000 (INR 4.8L to INR 5.7L)
Doctor	€4200 to €5500 (INR 4.0L to INR 5.3L)	€6800 to €8000 (INR 6.5L to INR 7.7L)	€10000 to €10000 (INR 9.6L to INR 9.6L)
Teacher	€2800 to €3500 (INR 2.7L to INR 3.4L)	€3500 to €4500 (INR 3.4L to INR 4.3L)	€5000 to €6000 (INR 4.8L to INR 5.7L)
Electrician	€2400 to €2800 (INR 2.3L to INR 2.7L)	€3000 to €3500 (INR 2.9L to INR 3.4L)	€4000 to €5000 (INR 3.8L to INR 4.8L)
Retail Worker	€2200 to €2700 (INR 2.1L to INR 2.6L)	€2700 to €3100 (INR 2.6L to INR 3.0L)	€3100 to €3500 (INR 3.0L to INR 3.4L)

Salary Source: Glassdoor

ICT and healthcare roles consistently rank among the top-paying sectors, with doctors earning upwards of €10,000 (INR 9.6L) at the senior level. Meanwhile, roles like teaching in universities of Finland or retail follow collective agreements with fixed progression rates.

These figures give a role-based view, but location also plays a significant part in earnings. For example, salaries in Helsinki or Espoo often exceed those in smaller municipalities.

Average Salary in Finland by Region (Average Monthly Gross)

Where you work in Finland plays a significant role in your earnings. Urban centers like Helsinki typically offer higher wages (€4,500 to €4,800/ INR 4.3L to INR 4.6L), while rural and northern regions provide lower pay, but often with reduced living costs.

Here’s a look at regional salary differences:

Region	Average Salary/ Month (€)	Average Salary/ Month (INR)
Helsinki Metropolitan Area	€4,500 to €4,800	INR 4.3L to INR 4.6L
Tampere / Turku	€3,600 to €4,100	INR 3.4L to INR 3.9L
Northern Finland	€2,900 to €3,300	INR 2.8L to INR 3.1L
Rural Areas	€2,400 to €2,800	INR 2.3L to INR 2.7L

Note: The currency conversion is calculated using the current exchange rate

Now that you've seen how personal background and geography affect income, let’s examine entire sectors. You’ll look at industry-wide salary averages, hourly wages, and which fields saw the biggest pay jumps.

Average Salary in Finland: Industry-Wise and Hourly Wage Trends

Mid-level ICT professionals in Finland earn about €5,000 (INR 4.8L) monthly, reflecting the importance of skill development. Healthcare and finance sectors also offer competitive salaries, limited to expertise.

Hourly rates range from €30 - €50 (INR 2.8K - INR 4.8K) in ICT and healthcare, while retail and hospitality pay between €10 - €15 (INR 1K - INR 1.4K) per hour. These differences help guide salary expectations across different fields.

Average Salary in Finland: By Industry (Monthly Gross)

In 2025, tech, finance, and healthcare offer the highest pay in Finland. Cloud Architects earn about €16,791 (INR 16L)  monthly, and senior developers earn up to €7,000 (INR 6.7L) monthly. Professionals with specialized qualifications, like an MBA in Finland, often find better opportunities with highest-paying IT skills.

These sectors generally exceed the national average gross monthly wage of approximately €4,032 (INR 3.9L). Here’s a detailed breakdown by industry:

Industry	Average Monthly Salary (€)	Average Monthly Salary (INR)
Information Technology	4,500 - 6,500	INR 4.3L - INR 6.2L
Healthcare	4,000 - 5,500	INR 3.8L - INR 5.3L
Finance	4,200 - 6,200	INR 4.0L - INR 5.9L
Logistics	3,400 - 4,800	INR 3.3L - INR 4.6L
Retail	2,300 - 3,000	INR 2.2L - INR 2.9L

Note: The currency conversion is calculated using the current exchange rate

Also Read: University Admission Intakes in Finland

While monthly salaries show how industries compare overall, hourly wages reveal how income scales for part-time roles, freelancers, and contract workers.

Average Salary in Finland: Hourly Wage Trends

​Hourly wages in Finland vary across industries like IT, Healthcare, influenced by factors such as union agreements, collective bargaining, and the nature of employment (full-time vs. part-time). Here's a concise overview of average hourly wages in key sectors:​

Industry	Hourly Wage (€)	Hourly Wage (INR)
Information Technology	28 - 40	INR 2.7K - INR 3.8K
Healthcare	25 - 35	INR 2.4K - INR 3.4K
Finance	30 - 42	INR 2.9K - INR 4K
Logistics	20 - 28	INR 1.9K - INR 2.6K
Retail	15 - 20	INR 1.4K - INR 1.9K

Note: The currency conversion is calculated using the current exchange rate

The median hourly earnings for private sector employees were €17.6 (INR 1.6K), with men earning €18.3 (INR 1.7K) and women earning €15.0 (INR 1.4K) per hour.

However, it's important to note that these figures represent the median earnings for regular working hours and may vary based on occupation, experience, and location.

Average Salary in Finland: Which Industries Saw the Highest Growth?

In early 2025, finance and insurance saw the fastest salary growth in Finland, rising 7.8% year-on-year. This placed it among the highest-paying job sectors nationwide.

The working day adjusted wages and salaries sum in the finance and insurance sector increased by 9.3% in January 2025 compared to January 2024.

In contrast, the public sector, including healthcare, experienced a more moderate growth of around 3%, while the trade (retail) sector experienced a slight decline of 0.9% in the same period. Here's how salary increases compare across key industries in 2025:

Industry	Salary Growth (%)
Information Technology	9.3
Healthcare	3.0
Finance	~3.0*
Retail	-0.9

After reviewing salary data and wage trends, you should also consider how your education, experience, and location can affect your net income compared to the cost of living in Finland, especially if you're planning to study there, as Finland offers options for free education at public universities.

Average Salary in Finland: Net Salary vs Cost of Living

In Finland, progressive tax rates offset high gross salaries from 12.64% to 44.25%, plus a municipal tax of about 7.5%. For example, monthly earnings of €4,500 (INR 4.3L) leave around €3,200 - €3,300 (INR 3.1L - 3.2L) after taxes.

In Helsinki, average salaries of €4,250 - €4,800 (INR 4.1L - 4.6L) meet living costs of €1,950 to €2,500 (INR 1.9L - 2.4L) for singles, and up to €3,000 (INR 2.9L) for families. Understanding this balance is crucial for career planning, and using a cost of living calculator can help estimate financial comfort across different regions of Finland.

Deductions That Impact the Average Salary in Finland

In Finland, taxes are progressive, meaning the more you earn, the higher your tax rate. The total tax rate for someone earning an average gross salary of €3,920 (INR 3.7L) in 2025 is typically around 30-35%, covering income tax, mandatory pension, and social insurance contributions.

• Tax bands: For 2025, national income tax rates range from 12.64% to 44.25% based on income brackets. Municipal tax is added, varying by region from 4.7% to 10.9% (average about 7.5%).
• Pension contributions: Employees under 53 (and over 62) pay 7.15% of their salary toward pensions, while those aged 53 to 62 pay 8.65%.
• Social insurance: This includes a health insurance contribution (1.06%), a daily allowance contribution (0.84% if annual income is at least €16,862/ INR 16L), and unemployment insurance (0.59%).

Also Read: Finland University Fees for Students

Net Salary Estimates Based on the Average Salary in Finland

After all standard deductions, your take-home pay varies. To better understand how deductions affect your earnings, here’s a breakdown of estimated net pay across different gross salary levels in Finland.

Salary (Gross)	Net Salary Est. (€)	Net Salary Est. (INR)
€2,500	€1,700 - €1,800	INR 1.6L - INR 1.7L
€3,500	€2,250 - €2,400	INR 2.1L - INR 2.3L
€4,500	€2,800 - €3,100	INR 2.7L - INR 3.0L
€6,000	€3,600 - €3,950	INR 3.4L - INR 3.8L

Note: These estimates vary based on personal deductions, location (municipal tax rates), and other factors.

These figures offer a practical reference for assessing salary offers or planning your budget. But to understand your financial comfort, you must also weigh them against typical living costs across Finland.

How Living Costs Compare to the Average Salary in Finland

While Finland offers high-quality public services, such as healthcare, and the cost of studying in Finland remains relatively low, expenses like housing can still take up a significant portion of your income. Here's a breakdown of typical expenses:

• Housing: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Helsinki averages €1,000 to €1,500 (INR 96K to INR 1.4L) per month, depending on location. In other cities, rent typically ranges from €700 to €1,200 (INR 67K to INR 1.1L).
• Food: Monthly grocery bills usually average €250-€400 (INR 24K to INR 38K), depending on your eating habits.
• Transport: Public transportation costs about €50-€100 (INR 5K to INR 10K) per month. If you study in Helsinki, a 30-day adult pass costs around €72 (INR 6.9K).
• Healthcare: Finland’s public healthcare is subsidized, but private doctor visits generally cost €50-€150 (INR 5K to INR 15K) per visit. If you're planning to save money during study abroad, understanding and optimizing these expenses is crucial.

In addition to salary figures, you should understand the key factors that influence how much you can earn in Finland.

Factors That Influence Average Salary in Finland

Salary in Finland is shaped by education, experience, and location. For those considering MS in Finland, it’s worth noting that the master’s degree salary is about 29% more than that of those with a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s degree holders earn 24% more than those with only an upper secondary education.

Understanding these key influences can help you better plan your career options in the future and salary expectations. Here’s a closer look at the key factors shaping salary levels:

• Education Level:
  • Vocational education: Lower starting salaries, but strong job prospects in skilled trades.
  • Bachelor’s degree: Moderate salary potential, with room for growth in various sectors. Bachelor’s degree holders earn about 24% more than those with vocational diplomas.
  • Master’s degree: Higher salaries, especially for masters in management in Finland, engineering, and healthcare. Master’s graduates earn 29% more than those with a bachelor’s degree.
  • Post-graduate degrees: Unlock higher earnings, especially in specialized fields like law, medicine, and technology. PhD holders earn about 23% more than those with a master’s degree.
• Years of Experience:
  • Entry-level: Lower salaries, often near the sector’s starting average.
  • Mid-career: Steady wage growth, with salaries typically increasing by 32% after 2-5 years and another 36% after 5-10 years of experience.
  • Senior-level: Significant salary increases, with an additional 21% growth from 10-15 years of experience.
• Gender:
  • The gender pay gap in Finland is about 16%. On average, men earn more than women in similar roles and sectors, though efforts are ongoing to close this gap.
• Location:
  • Urban areas (e.g., Helsinki): Salaries are about 6-25% higher than in rural areas, due to the cost of living and higher demand for specialized roles, especially in IT, finance, and healthcare.
  • Rural areas: Lower salaries due to less demand and smaller economies.
• Skill Shortages or Saturation:
  • In-demand skills: Higher salaries in fields like IT, healthcare, and engineering due to skill shortages. Pursuing job-oriented short-term courses in these fields can significantly enhance your career prospects.
  • Oversupplied fields: Potential for stagnant wages in industries with an oversupply of workers, such as some areas of the creative arts or administrative support.

Also Read: Finland Work Visa for Indians- All You Need to Know

Beyond just salary figures, it's important to consider the full compensation package. Employee benefits and work conditions in Finland can significantly influence your overall quality of life and job satisfaction.

Employee Benefits and Work Conditions Based on the Average Salary in Finland

In Finland, employee benefits are highly regarded, contributing to the country's reputation for strong worker protections and high-quality work-life balance. Additionally, obtaining a work experience certificate can further validate your skills and expertise in the job market.

Beyond your salary, you can expect to receive various benefits that help ensure security and well-being. Here’s an overview of what employees can anticipate:

• Healthcare: Finland provides universal public healthcare, with optional private insurance often subsidized by employers.
• Paid Leave: Employees are entitled to up to 30 days of paid vacation, paid sick leave, and public holidays each year.
• Unemployment: Unemployment insurance is mandatory and offers workers financial support if they lose their job.
• Parental Benefits: Both parents are entitled to generous paid parental leave. Each parent receives 160 days (about 6.5 months) of paid leave, with some days transferable between parents.
• Public vs. Private Sector: Public sector roles often offer stability, predictable hours, and strong union representation, while private sector positions tend to provide higher wages and performance-driven benefits.
• Workweek: A standard 37.5-hour workweek, with increasing companies offering flexible hours and remote work options.
• Worker Rights: Strong labor laws protect workers, including protections against discrimination and guarantees for safe working conditions.
• Union Influence: Around 70% of Finnish workers belong to a union, which is significant in negotiating wages, working hours, and additional benefits.

Finland’s employee benefits provide substantial financial and social support, enhancing employee engagement. With comprehensive healthcare, paid leave, and strong worker rights, employees are backed by a strong system to ensure long-term well-being and work-life balance.

Conclusion

Finland's average salary is €4,032 (INR 3.9L) per month, with notable differences across sectors, experience levels, and locations. While urban areas like Helsinki offer higher wages, sectors such as ICT and healthcare continue to dominate in terms of earnings.

Despite higher tax rates, Finland's substantial social benefits and work-life balance create a financially stable environment for its residents.

Looking to build a successful career in Finland? Book a free one-on-one counselling session with UpGrad’s expert advisors to get personalized guidance on entrance exams and career planning!