Salary disparities prompt professionals to seek work outside Helsinki in Finland

Although the best salaries are often associated with jobs in Finland’s capital region, many professionals earn better elsewhere in the country. For instance, positions such as teachers and early childhood education assistants tend to offer higher salaries outside of the metropolitan area. Even optometrists see slightly better compensation in regional areas. Conversely, in about 84% of professions, workers in the capital region receive higher salaries compared to their counterparts elsewhere in Finland. This disparity is primarily due to the higher cost of living in the capital, necessitating higher wages.

A new salary comparison tool has been developed to allow individuals to assess median salaries for their specific jobs in the metropolitan area versus other parts of Finland. The average salary across the country is €3,959 per month, while in the capital region, it is €3,637. Notably, primary school teachers earn €381 more per month outside the capital.

The article highlights three professionals who have chosen to work outside the capital.

1. Firefighter Mikko Rantala, 39, from Tampere, shares that in his profession, he earns around €165 more each month outside the capital. He emphasizes that living in smaller towns can significantly reduce living expenses.

2. Class teacher Oili Annila, 36, relocated from Kirkkonummi to Muonio over a year ago, valuing improved quality of life and family time despite pay remaining the same.

3. Sports instructor Roosa Kananen, 25, believes that despite slightly lower wages in Kajaani compared to the capital, the affordability of living there and the quality of life outweigh the financial differences, remarking that she has no desire to leave for higher pay elsewhere.