Youth employment and economic trends in Finland

Young people in Finland face significant hurdles entering the workforce, characterized by high entry thresholds, perceived discrimination, and a mismatch between individual skills and employer requirements. Data from the 2025 Youth Barometer indicates that 70 percent of young people feel pressure regarding employment, with many expressing uncertainty and insecurity.

Subsequent data reveals growing economic and gender-based disparities within this demographic. Incomes for individuals under 35 are reportedly 10–15 percent lower than pre-financial crisis levels. A divergence in income development has emerged between men and women aged 25–34; while women in social and healthcare sectors saw wage increases, men in the same age group experienced relative declines.

Unemployment trends also show a gendered split, with the unemployment rate for men aged 25–34 rising approximately two percentage points higher than that of women. Men are estimated to account for 60–80 percent of young people unemployed for at least one year. Additionally, seasonal work data shows a gender wage gap, with a median monthly salary of approximately 1,750 euros for young men compared to 1,250 euros for young women.