Average pay in Finland 2026: median, mean and the gap

Two statistics, two different average salaries

Statistics Finland's pay data comes from two main sources. The earnings structure statistics describe pay levels and distribution in detail, but they are published with a delay: in October 2026 the latest complete data cover 2024. The index of wage and salary earnings, on the other hand, shows quarterly how much earnings have risen, and a preliminary estimate of average monthly earnings is published with it.

That is why news articles can show different figures at the same time. Neither is wrong, but they should not be mixed up: the pay structure figures concern 2024, the earnings index figures the current year.

Latest figures: year 2024 and 2026 estimate

According to the pay structure statistics, the average total earnings of full-time employees were 4 070 euros and the median 3 611 euros a month in 2024 (published 24.11.2025). Statistics Finland updated the data on 8.6.2026, when employees in agriculture, forestry and fishing were for the first time comprehensively included. The updated median is 3 615 euros.

According to preliminary data from the earnings index, the average monthly earnings of full-time employees in July–September 2026 were about 4 350 euros. Nominal earnings rose 3,5 % and real earnings 1,2 % year on year (Statistics Finland 15.10.2026). The median for 2026 is not yet available.

Average 2024: €4,070/month (full-time, total earnings)
Median 2024: 3 611 €/month, updated 3 615 €/month
Average monthly earnings 7–9/2026: about €4,350/month (preliminary)
Rise in earnings in 7–9/2026: 3,5 %, real earnings 1,2 %

Why the average is higher than the median

The median is the middle salary when all salaries are put in order of size. The average is calculated by dividing the sum of salaries by the number of employees. The pay distribution is skewed: most salaries are close to each other, but a small group earns considerably more. These high salaries raise the average but have little effect on the median.

In 2024 the difference was about €460 a month. In practice, well over half of full-time earners therefore earn less than the average wage. If you want to know where you stand in the distribution, compare with the median. The average is useful, for example, for tracking payroll totals or earnings development.

Gender pay gap

In 2024 the median total earnings of full-time men were €3,884 and of women €3,373 a month. The median for women was therefore about 87% of the median for men. According to Statistics Finland, the pay gap calculated using averages was 16.5% in 2023, compared with 19.4% in 1995.

According to Statistics Finland's analysis, most of the difference is explained by women and men working in different occupations and industries, and pay levels being lower in female-dominated fields. The difference is also visible in this year's figures: in July–September 2026, men earned on average about €760 more per month than women in wellbeing services counties and about €440 more in central government.

How to put your own pay in context

The national average salary is a good overview, but a rough yardstick for assessing your own pay. For more detailed comparison guidance by occupation, industry and region, see the Salary Radar guide What is a good salary in Finland. Below is a checklist on how to use the average salary correctly.

Compare total earnings with total earnings: the statistic includes supplements and overtime pay
Convert part-time pay to full-time before comparing
Raise the 2024 figure by the rise in the earnings index if you compare it to this year's pay
Look at the median if you want to know where you stand in the distribution
Follow real earnings: a pay rise does not improve purchasing power if prices rise just as much

What pay transparency changes

According to government proposal HE 129/2026, an employee could in future request information on the average pay, broken down by sex, of people doing the same or equivalent work. The comparison would then be the figures of their own workplace and not only the national average pay. The proposal is being considered by Parliament and is intended to enter into force on 1.1.2027. In Salary Radar you can see occupational pay and the latest earnings figures in one place.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average salary in Finland?

The average total earnings of full-time employees were €4,070 and the median €3,611 per month in 2024. According to preliminary data, average monthly earnings in July–September 2026 were about €4,350.

Which describes a typical salary better, the median or the average?

Median, because high salaries do not distort it. Half of full-time employees earn more and half earn less than the median.

How big is the pay gap between women and men?

In 2024 the median earnings of women were about 87% of the median for men. Calculated using averages, the gap was 16.5% in 2023.

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Sources

The article is general information and does not replace the guidance of an authority, a lawyer or an adviser. Check up-to-date information from the sources.