Average Salary Per Year:	41,040 €
Average Salary Per Month:	3,420 €/kk
Average salary per Hour:	€21.38/hour

What is a truck driver?

A truck driver is responsible for transporting goods over longer distances at the controls of a heavy vehicle. In addition to driving, the job includes supervising loading and securing, basic vehicle inspections, and paperwork such as filling out transport documents.

The job often requires driving at irregular hours and long days on the road, which requires good time management and endurance. Safety expertise and knowledge of regulations are core skills of the job.

Salary distribution in Finland

Truck driver salaries vary widely, as the industry covers local distribution, regional routes, and international long-distance transport. The average monthly salary is usually above and below the average, depending on factors such as hourly bonuses and overtime.

The general ranges can be described as follows, but it is worth noting that the figures vary depending on the source. The lowest earnings are often around €1,400 per month and the median is close to €3,000 per month. The highest incomes can reach over €7,000 per month for specialized or long-term drivers.

Employers and average salaries

Salaries vary greatly depending on the size of the company, the industry, and the nature of the transportation. Large logistics and distribution chains often pay more competitive wages because they are able to offer fixed routes and additional benefits.

Examples of average company-specific salary levels illustrate the variation in the industry: some large players pay an average of over €5,000 per month, while other medium-sized companies are around €3,000–3,500. These figures serve as a guide, not absolute values.

What salary is affected?

Several factors shape a truck driver’s earnings. Experience and vehicle type proficiency are often the most important factors determining salary.

The complexity of the job, such as international routes or transporting hazardous materials, usually increases the salary. Geographic location and local labor demand also affect how much an employer is willing to pay.

Key factors affecting salary

• Experience and mileage
• Special training and ADR permit
• Nature of work – long night shifts or international routes
• Collective agreements and company wage policy

Benefits, working conditions and collective agreements

In most cases, a truck driver’s salary consists of a base salary and various bonuses. Evening, night and weekend bonuses, as well as mileage or daily allowances are common practices.

Collective agreements define minimum wages and bonuses, and they vary by industry. Union negotiations have a significant impact on the level at which basic wages in the industry remain.

Career development and specialization

There are many ways to advance in a truck driver’s career. As you gain experience, you can move on to more demanding tasks, such as driving heavier vehicles or planning logistics.

Specializing in hazardous materials transportation or ADR training, for example, can increase your earnings. Owning your own business and operating a closed trailer also offer the opportunity for better income, but at the same time, the risk and responsibility increase.

Experience	Estimated monthly salary
Beginner	1 400 € – 2 500 €
Experienced	2 800 € – 4 200 €
Specialized / long career	4 500 € – 7 500 €+

Well-being at work and work load

Similar salary information is provided in the article Electrical Installer’s Hourly Wage in Finland .

The job of a truck driver can be physically and mentally demanding. Long periods of solitude, irregular sleep patterns, and occasionally tight schedules require careful maintenance of well-being at work.

Employers and employee organizations have increased their focus on safety and recovery opportunities. Good ergonomics, regular breaks, and appropriate rest periods improve safety and, in the long run, productivity.

How to negotiate for a better salary?

It’s worth bringing up concrete things in negotiations: driving experience, mileage, special permits, and possible types of transportation. A clear presentation of what added value you can offer will help justify a salary increase.

External comparative information on the industry’s salary level and valid collective agreements also provide background for the discussion. Remember to consider the total salary including bonuses, holiday pay and other benefits, not just the base salary.

Future prospects and demand

The growth of logistics and e-commerce is keeping the need for transportation high, creating a permanent demand for experienced truck drivers. At the same time, technological developments, such as telematics and transport automation, are gradually changing the job description in the sector.

Experienced and specialized drivers will continue to be sought-after employees, and those who update their skills and adapt to new systems have good opportunities for income development.

Summary

The salary of a truck driver in Finland varies widely depending on experience, job duties and employer. Average earnings are usually around €3,000, but you can earn significantly more by specializing or working for large companies.

Salary is affected by many factors, such as bonuses, collective agreements, and geographic location. Career advancement and expanding your skills are key ways to improve your earnings.

Education and qualifications

Key driving licenses

A heavy equipment driver usually needs a category C or C+E driving license, which entitles them to drive a truck and trailer.

• Class C (truck)
• C+E / CE (truck and trailer)
• ADR certificate (transport of dangerous goods)
• Health check and professional qualification (ADR and driving/rest requirements)

Example calculation: monthly salary with bonuses

Typical calculation

The following example illustrates how base salary and bonuses can form total income.

• Basic salary: €2,800
• Evening and night surcharges estimated: 10% → €280
• Mileage allowances/daily allowances: approximately €300
• Overtime and bonuses: €0–200

The total gross estimate is approximately €3,680 per month, of which, depending on the tax rate, you will have an estimated €2,600–2,900 left over.

Taxation and employer costs

What does the employer pay?

The employer’s ancillary costs increase the total cost of wages and include pension, accident and unemployment insurance, as well as occupational health care.

• The share of ancillary costs is approximately 20–30% of salary costs.
• The company may offer fringe benefits such as a phone or car, which affect the overall costs.

What employees should consider

Always consider the gross salary, the stability of bonuses and tax rate, as well as any tax-free compensation before accepting the offer.