Lääkäri (erikoislääkäri)n palkka

Becoming a specialist physician in Finland takes 12–14 years: six years for the medical degree (lääketieteen lisensiaatti), then five to seven more for specialization. That training length underpins the salary level. The Doctors' Association OVL negotiates collective agreements; public sector specialists earn €6,500–8,500/month before on-call and night shift premiums.

Most specialists work in public hospitals run by hyvinvointialueet, but private chains like Terveystalo and Mehiläinen offer contract or employed positions — often at higher per-hour rates but without the same pension security. Primary care faces a severe physician shortage, with many municipalities contracting private providers to fill terveyskeskus slots. Certain specialties, particularly psychiatry, remain critically understaffed.