Labor Costs & Productivity in Finland
What does manufacturing labor really cost in Finland? It depends on the total cost of each worker — wages plus non-wage costs — and on the output each worker delivers. Industry Economics & Competitiveness reports both, monthly, for Finland's manufacturing and construction sectors.
Finland's labor costs across chemical and manufacturing sectors between 2016 and 2021 demonstrate notable increases in the final year, with supervisory roles commanding the highest hourly rates. Chemical plant supervisors reached $57.31 per hour in 2021, up $3.74 from 2020, while manufacturing labor and construction labor both exceeded $46 per hour, representing gains of $3.85 and $3.20 respectively year-over-year. Chemical plant operators, the lowest-cost category, increased from $39.78 to $39.66 between 2020 and 2021, marking a marginal decline. Across all four labor categories, 2021 marked either the highest or near-highest hourly costs observed during the six-year period.
The figures shown are illustrative and represent a historical sample. For up-to-date monthly labor cost and productivity benchmarks in Finland — along with industrial costs and manufacturing competitiveness data across 33 countries — subscribe to Intratec Industry Economics & Competitiveness.
About the Labor Benchmarks. Each monthly release reports three categories of labor data for Finland: total employer cost (wages plus non-wage costs) for manufacturing and construction sectors, output per worker for the same sectors, and role-specific wages for chemical plant operators and supervisors at typical plant staffing levels. The same methodology produces comparable benchmarks for every country in the program, with a 10-year monthly history alongside the current values.
Beyond Labor Costs
Labor cost and productivity factors are part of the Industry Economics & Competitiveness subscription — a monthly program benchmarking commodities manufacturing competitiveness across 33 countries, including Finland.
33 Key Countries
Country-by-country monthly reports covering major industrial hubs — USA, China, Germany, Japan, Brazil, India, and more.
7 Industries Covered
Industry-specific rankings across olefins, aromatics, alcohols & organic acids, polymers, fertilizers, inorganic chemicals, and metals.
Reference Datasets
Country-level cost inputs for plant projects — labor costs, utility prices, construction indexes, and location factors.
Monthly Updates
Fresh data every month, always reflecting the most recent period available, with short-term forecasts on selected series.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Finland's Manufacturing Industry
Finland's economy is known for its advanced technology, high education standards, and innovative culture. With a strong focus on sustainability and digitalization, Finland has built a robust industrial base that plays a significant role in its economy, particularly in sectors such as information technology, machinery, and forestry products.
The country's manufacturing sector is characterized by high-quality production and cutting-edge technology, with a strong emphasis on research and development. Key industries include electronics, shipbuilding, and renewable energy solutions, all of which contribute significantly to Finland's GDP and export performance.
As Finland continues to prioritize innovation and sustainable development, its manufacturing industry remains a vital component of the economy, positioning the country as a leader in both technology and green industries on the global stage.