Finland is a developed country with a highly skilled and educated workforce. The Finnish economy is dominated by the service sector, which employs around 75% of the labor force. Major industries include electronics, metals, engineering, telecoms, and forest industry. Finland has a comprehensive social security system and a collective bargaining framework to determine wages and working conditions. This article will explore the top jobs and sectors that are in high demand in Finland currently and expected over the next few years.
Information and Communications Technology
The information and communications technology (ICT) sector is one of the fastest growing parts of the Finnish economy. It accounts for around 6% of GDP and employs over 100,000 people. ICT specialists are in high demand, with an estimated shortage of over 10,000 skilled workers. Jobs in high demand include:
Software Developers
Software developers design, develop and maintain computer systems and applications. With the growth of cloud computing, mobile apps and the Internet of Things, demand for software developers is rapidly increasing. Average salaries are around €4500 per month. Major employers include global tech firms like Google, IBM and Microsoft, as well as Nokia, F-Secure and local startups. Knowledge of programming languages like Java, Python, JavaScript and C++ is highly sought after.
IT Project Managers
IT project managers are responsible for planning and overseeing the implementation of IT projects. They manage budgets, resources, timeframes and risks. Project management skills are valuable across many industries. The average salary is approximately €5000 per month.
User Experience Designers
UX designers focus on optimizing the interaction between users and technology. They conduct user research, create wireframes and prototypes and test products. With the growth of apps and digital services, demand for strong UX skills is rising. Salaries range from €3500-€5000 per month.
Big Data Engineers
Big data engineers design and build the infrastructure to store and analyze large datasets. They are skilled in tools like Hadoop, Spark and SQL. Major employers include tech companies, banks, insurance firms and research institutions. Salaries average around €4500-€5500 per month.
Information Security Analysts
Cybersecurity professionals help protect computer networks and systems from intrusion. With rising cyber threats, infosec skills are in high demand. Salaries range from €4000-€6000 per month.
Healthcare
Finland has an aging population, which is increasing demand for healthcare services and workers:
Nurses
Nurses provide medical care and treatment to patients. With an aging population, demand for nurses is expected to grow over 6% by 2025. Starting salaries are around €2500 per month. Specialist nurses can earn up to €4000 per month.
Doctors
Shortages exist for doctors across medical specializations like general practice, psychiatry and oncology. Salaries range from €5000-€12,000 depending on experience and specialization.
Dentists
Access to dental care remains a challenge in parts of Finland. Dentists can expect salaries starting from €4000 per month in the public sector, while private practices may pay €6000 or more.
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists help patients recover movement and mobility through exercises and physical treatments. Demand is growing due to the aging population. Average salaries are around €3000 per month.
Education
Teachers are in high demand, with an estimated shortage of over 5000 professionals. Subjects with the biggest shortages include:
Math and Science Teachers
STEM skills are crucial to Finland’s tech-driven economy. There is an undersupply of qualified math, science, IT and physics teachers. For secondary education, salaries start from €3000 per month.
Special Education Teachers
Special ed teachers work with students with special needs and disabilities. Their skills are required to foster inclusive education. Salaries start around €2500 per month.
Swedish Teachers
Swedish is an official language of Finland. There is a lack of qualified Swedish teachers, especially outside major cities. Salaries range from €2500-€3500 per month.
Vocational Education Teachers
Vocational schools that provide practical training also face teacher shortages. Salaries start around €2500-€3000 per month.
Engineering
Engineers are needed to drive industrial growth and innovation. In-demand specializations include:
Software Engineers
Software engineers create the code and operating systems for computer programs and applications. They are essential to Finland’s tech sector. Starting salaries are around €4000 per month.
Civil Engineers
Civil engineers design and manage infrastructure projects like roads, bridges and buildings. Strong mathematical skills are required. Average monthly salaries exceed €4000.
Electrical Engineers
Electrical engineers work on power generation and electrical systems. They are vital to developing smart grids and renewable energy. Salaries start from €3500 per month.
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical engineers design machinery and components like engines and tools. They are needed in manufacturing industries. Salaries average €4000 per month.
Construction
Demand for skilled construction workers outstrips supply. Shortages exist for:
Electricians
Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical systems. Starting salaries are around €3000 per month.
Welders
Welders join materials like metals permanently using heat or pressure. Average salaries exceed €3000 per month.
Plumbers
Plumbers install and repair water supply systems and drainage networks. Monthly salaries start from €2500.
Carpenters
Carpenters construct, install and repair wooden structures and fixtures. Average pay is above €3000 per month.
Hospitality and Tourism
With rising tourism, hospitality and leisure companies face recruitment challenges:
Chefs
Qualified chefs are needed as the restaurant industry expands. Salaries start around €2500 per month for entry-level roles.
Waiters
Fluent Finnish and English skills are valued, as waiters engage with local and foreign guests. Average pay is €2000-€2500 monthly.
Tour Guides
Tour guides lead groups and interpret Finland’s culture and heritage. Salaries start around €2500 per month.
Hotel Managers
Hotel managers oversee operations and staff at hospitality establishments. Salaries exceed €3500 for experienced professionals.
Transportation and Logistics
With its advanced infrastructure, Finland needs transportation specialists:
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers operate heavy goods vehicles and deliver loads across Finland and Europe. Average salaries exceed €2500 per month.
Ships’ Engineers
Marine engineers maintain ship engines and onboard systems. Salaries start from €3000 for licensed professionals.
Air Traffic Controllers
Air traffic controllers coordinate safe aircraft movement and landings. Salaries range from €2500-€5500 per month.
Logistics Managers
Logistics managers plan and oversee supply chains and freight transport. Experienced professionals earn over €5000 per month.
Sales and Marketing
Dynamic sales and marketing professionals are needed to support business expansion:
Digital Marketers
Digital marketers manage online marketing campaigns across channels like social media. Salaries range from €3000-€4000.
SEO Specialists
SEO experts optimize websites to improve search engine rankings and traffic. Average pay exceeds €3500 per month.
Sales Representatives
Sales reps sell products and services to new and existing clients. Salaries with commissions can reach up to €4000 monthly.
Account Managers
Account managers build relationships with customers and grow business accounts. Experienced account managers earn over €4500 per month.
Finance and Accounting
Specialist financial knowledge is valuable across sectors:
Auditors
Auditors examine and verify financial records and statements. Starting salaries are around €3000 per month.
Tax Accountants
Tax accountants prepare tax returns and ensure compliance with regulations. Average salaries exceed €4500 monthly.
Actuaries
Actuaries analyze risk in fields like insurance using statistical models. Well-paid professionals can earn over €5000 per month.
Financial Analysts
Financial analysts assess economic conditions and valuate assets. Salaries start from €4000 per month.
Conclusion
Finland’s competitive, tech-focused economy drives demand for skilled professionals across sectors like ICT, healthcare, education, engineering, construction and more. Jobs that require specialized technical skills or fluency in multiple languages tend to be well-compensated to attract talent. With an aging population and growing services sectors, Finland’s labor shortages in certain occupations are likely to continue growing. Workers with in-demand expertise like software development, healthcare and teaching can benefit from recruitment incentives and have excellent career prospects.