Finland, Russia's closest northern neighbor, has enjoyed and continues to enjoy great popularity among Russian citizens for decades. Moreover, Russians are attracted not so much by historical and cultural sights or the beauty of nature as by the desire to make money. The average salary in Finland in 2021 is one of the highest in the EU, and the living standards of the local population are in no way inferior to those of Germany or Sweden. In addition, the Finnish economy equally needs both professional specialists and unskilled workers, providing both of them with decent monetary rewards.
Finnish labor market: what you need to know about
The economic situation in Finland today is very favorable. The economic growth rate was 3.1% compared to the end of 2021. This is the highest figure for the last 7 years. In the second quarter of 2021 alone, the country's GDP increased by 1.2%.
All this against the background of rising consumer spending, the intensification of construction, industry and shipbuilding affected the labor market in Finland: the unemployment rate in the country fell to 7%, wages rose. Several factors affect the salary in Finland:
- education and qualifications of a specialist;
- work experience;
- sector of work - public or private;
- location of the workplace. In Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, salaries are usually higher.
An employer cannot discriminate against an employee either by sex, or by age, or by nationality, or by religion, or on any other grounds.
Interesting fact. Since 1987, Finland has had a gender equality law, according to which women can hold any position - from the country's president to the train driver. Companies are required to submit salary data to government agencies and prove that the same jobs for men and women generate equal income. March 19 is celebrated in Finland as Equality Day.
The working day is 8 hours and 40 hours per week, with any overtime pay double. Working conditions, including rates, are determined by the collective agreement between the employer and the trade union of a particular industry, therefore membership in a trade union for an employee is not only desirable, but also necessary. This will help him to protect his interests as much as possible.
In order to navigate the situation, you should ask in advance what kind of earnings on Finnish sites employers offer for this specialty.
The most demanded professions in Finland
There is a labor shortage in Finland. Both highly qualified specialists and workers who have neither experience nor special education are required. Qualified specialists are especially in high demand in such industries:
- IT-sphere - computer specialists of all profiles;
- chemical industry;
- medicine - certified doctors and nursing staff of a narrow and wide profile;
- pharmacology;
- construction - all specialties from architect to electrician;
- education - teachers, educators, psychologists;
- financial sector - accountants, economists.
A prerequisite for employment is knowledge of English and Finnish.
For applicants who are not highly qualified, there is an opportunity to find vacancies in the following areas:
- social - nursing home nurses, social workers, babysitters;
- catering - waiters, cooks, dishwashers;
- trade - sellers, loaders;
- agriculture - farmers, machine operators, seasonal workers;
- wipers, etc.
Those who wish are given the opportunity to take short-term courses and receive an appropriate certificate for employment.
What is the minimum wage you can count on
There is no concept of “minimum wage” in Finland. The minimum wage is fixed in collective bargaining agreements with trade unions by occupation for each individual industry. Paying less than the agreed amount is prohibited. Additional conditions may also be reflected in the contracts: payment for food, housing, etc.
In 2016-2017. the size of the minimum wages in various industries reached 1800-2000 euros, which is one of the highest rates in comparison with other countries in the eurozone.
In the absence of a collective agreement, when determining the lower threshold for wages, one should proceed from the subsistence minimum. In 2021, it was 1189 euros for the head of the family, 805 for an adult family member and 575 for a child.
Speaking about wages in Finland and its size, it should be borne in mind that statistics operate on wages before taxes - bruttopalkka. After taxes are deducted from it, the employee will receive a net salary - nettopalkka.
The minimum wage for seasonal work also differs. When picking berries on the farm, the minimum wage per hour is 8 euros. When collecting wild berries, earnings depend on the price for 1 kg of peeled berries: lingonberries - 1.5-2.5 euros, blueberries - 2-5 euros, cloudberries - 4-15 euros.
Average salary in Finland in 2021: what the numbers say
Statistics Finland on its portal posts up-to-date information on all aspects of the country's life, including the state of the average wage. The growth of the monthly average salary in Finland is stable: 3371 euros in 2021, 3392 euros in 2021. At the end of 2021, the following situation can be observed:
Economy sector | Average overall salary (EUR / month) | Remuneration for men (EUR / month) | Women's remuneration (EUR / month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All sectors | 3418 | 3731 | 3110 |
Private sector | 3513 | 3750 | 3175 |
Local public sector | 3049 | 3391 | 2952 |
Central public sector | 3862 | 4113 | 3583 |
The Finns associate the difference in wages of men and women with the fact that men work in higher positions, have higher qualifications, longer work experience, etc.
The private sector of the economy remains more attractive for immigrants. Working in the public sector with attractive salaries requires not only high qualifications, but also perfect knowledge of the Finnish language (for programmers, a good knowledge of English will be sufficient).
With an hourly wage in Finland, the average salary is 2,765 euros per month.
Over the past three years, one hour of work at an hourly rate has been € 17, and a Finnish handyman's daily earnings on a full-time basis could be € 136.
The highest average salaries are in the metropolitan area of Uusima (3140 euros), Satakunte (2329 euros), Central Finland (2220 euros).
In five other regions the average salary level exceeds 2000 euros: South and North Karelia, Lapland, Pirkanmaa, Varsinais-Suomi.
In cities, wages are higher. The three leaders include the capital Helsinki (3800 euros), the second largest city in Finland, Turku - 2760 euros and Jyväskylä (2220 euros).
Average salaries in Finland by industry
General data on the level of the average salary in the country, of course, is important, but more revealing will be information about how income varies depending on the industry in which the immigrant is going to work:
| Industry | Professionals (euro / month) | Technical staff (euro / month) | Other (euro / month) |
|---|---|---|---|
Finance | 4868 | 4194 | 2770 |
Trade | 4785 | 3519 | 2394 |
Industrial production | 4572 | 3554 | 2806 |
| Transport | 4558 | 3460 | 2781 |
Connection | 4365 | 3631 | 2792 |
Construction | 4290 | 3520 | 2868 |
Scientific and technical sphere | 4250 | 3210 | 2468 |
Public administration | 3960 | 2942 | 2867 |
Education | 3683 | 2683 | 2194 |
Catering | 3414 | 2719 | 2220 |
Health protection | 3322 | 2802 | 2383 |
Arts, entertainment | 3322 | 2652 | 2370 |
How much do different specialists get in Finland
A comparative review of the level of income by specialty shows that large government officials have higher salaries, scientists with a degree - up to 7,000 euros, highly qualified doctors and IT workers - more than 5,000 - 6,000 euros per month. Among other specialties, the following picture can be observed:
Speciality | Monthly Income (EUR) |
|---|---|
Architect | 4000 |
| Engineer | 3500 - 4500 |
| Electrician | 3200 |
Nurse | 3000 - 3300 |
Builder | 3500 - 4000 |
Accountant | 2650 |
| Laboratory assistant | 2300 |
Lawyer | 3200 |
Teacher | 2900 - 3600 |
Kindergarten teacher | 1500 - 1900 |
Child psychologist | 3600 |
| Veterinarian | 3500 |
| Welder | 3100 |
Driver | 2150 |
Ordinary policeman | 2200 |
Cleaning lady, maid | 1800 - 2000 |
It should be borne in mind that the remuneration of representatives of various professions largely depends on the length of service, qualifications, sector of the economy, etc.
Seasonal work in Finland: new requirements
Seasonal work in Finland, primarily in the agricultural sector, forestry, holding festivals, has recently been the most in demand. The collection of strawberries and wild berries attracts thousands of citizens from the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Belarus during the season.
From January 1, 2021, new rules came into force in Finland, according to which everyone wishing to come to seasonal work (for a period not exceeding 9 months) must contact a specific farmer, apply for a certificate for seasonal work in this farm and receive a work visa at the Finnish Embassy.
In addition, you need to contact the Finnish Social Insurance Institute (KELA) to obtain a certificate of medical assistance in Finland.
Seasonal earnings can range from € 30 to € 100 per day.
It should be remembered that all seasonal work is taxed (except for the collection of wild berries, mushrooms and cones) in the amount of 35% for the source of income and 7% for the social and insurance funds.
High salaries - high taxes
The tax pressure in Finland is quite significant. In addition to the progressive rate at the state level, the employee has to pay municipal taxes on wages (an additional 16 to 23%), 1-2% of the church fee and about 7% of social contributions.
That is, an average employee with a salary of 3400 euros per month must part with 35-40% of his earnings. Foreign workers are also subject to taxation - Verotus.
Almost all seasonal workers pay taxes according to the simplified version - Lähdevero: 17 euros per day is not taxed, everything else is subject to 35% tax.
Employees who work under long-term contracts and have a Finnish tax resident status are subject to progressive taxation. In addition, social fees are withheld from salaries: to the unemployment fund (0.6%), the pension fund (5.15%), social insurance (2.04%).
For example, a seasonal worker earned 2325 euros as a construction assistant (auxiliary worker) in 51 days:
- The tax relief was € 867 (€ 17 per day).
- Social contributions of the amount - 181.11 euros (7.79%).
- 35% tax on taxable 1458 euros - 510.30 euros.
- Thus, 181.11 and 510.30 taxes should be deducted from the gross 2325, as a result we get a net salary - 1633.59 euros.
Finally
The trip of Russian citizens to Finland for the purpose of earning money is fully justified. The high living standards in this country, respectively, and high salaries, the urgent need of the Finnish economy for the intellect and working hands of migrants, combined with the geographical proximity of the country and transparent legislation, make Finland attractive for immigration of specialists of any profile and level of training.
Highly qualified specialists with extensive work experience, representatives of scarce specialties can count on a higher salary. At the same time, the professions of a security guard, seller, etc., which do not require high intelligence, are also in great demand in Finland.
Seasonal work associated with picking strawberries and wild berries is very popular with Russians.
The chances of a better job placement can significantly increase the knowledge of the Finnish language. It should be remembered that taxes in Finland are high and can “eat up” up to 40% of your salary or more.
