Which profession suits you?

According to the Labour Force Barometer, the worst shortages in autumn 2025 were of general practitioners, machinists, specialist physicians, welders and psychologists. In spring 2026 the shortage occupations also included, for example, nurses, practical nurses, application designers and early childhood education teachers.

The median total earnings of a full-time practical nurse were €3,222 per month in 2024 (Statistics Finland). The figure includes supplements, so basic pay alone may be lower.

In August 2026 there were 89 open software developer vacancies nationwide and 4 049 unemployed jobseekers (Ministry of Employment's job-seeking statistics). Competition for the posts is therefore tough, even though the median salary in 2024 was good, 5 020 € a month.

Many shortage occupations can be reached with a vocational qualification: welder and machinist with the qualification in mechanical and production engineering, and practical nurse with the qualification in social and health care. Programmes and application periods can be found on Opintopolku (Studyinfo).

Regional shortage and surplus occupations can be found in the Labour Barometer (tyovoimabarometri.fi). The numbers of unemployed people and open vacancies by occupation are in Statistics Finland's StatFin database, and the next employment review will be published on 20.10.2026.

In August 2026 there were about 329 600 unemployed jobseekers, 6 % more than a year earlier, and 53 900 open vacancies (KEHA Centre). According to Statistics Finland, the trend unemployment rate was 10,1 %.

A company can receive a pay subsidy of 50 or 70 % of salary costs, in Helsinki at most 1 260 € or 1 770 € a month. The subsidy is typically granted for 5 or 10 months depending on the jobseeker's background.

Since the beginning of 2025, the decision on a wage subsidy has been made by the municipality or an employment area formed by municipalities. The subsidy is applied for before the employment relationship begins, and the terms and appropriations may vary by area.

The employment subsidy is 70% of the pay costs, up to €1,770 per month and for 10 months. The person hired must have been unemployed for at least 24 months during the last 28 months (City of Helsinki).

According to the Labour Force Barometer, the hardest roles to recruit for are general practitioners and specialist physicians, machinists, welders and psychologists. In August 2026 there were more vacancies for general practitioners than unemployed jobseekers (419 vs. 266).