Labour cost index 2026, 1st quarter

Private sector cost of an hour worked increased by 3.7 per cent in January to March 2026

release

According to Statistics Finland, labour costs in the private sector increased by 3.7 per cent in January to March 2026 when compared to the respective period of the year before. In the central government sector, costs grew by 2.8 per cent and in local government by 5.3 per cent.

Key selections

  • The first quarter of 2026 had 62 working days, which is the same as in the corresponding period of 2025.
  • In the local government, the cost of an hour worked grew more than in private sector and in the central government in January to March 2026 from one year ago.
  • Among private sector industries, the biggest rise in labour costs was recorded in information and communication (J) (8.4%).
  • Costs in the private sector grew least in forest industry (C 16-17) (1.2%).

Tables

See key statistical data in the tables.

Labour costs, index points 2024Q1-2026Q1

Labour costs, annual change percentages 2024Q1-2026Q1

Data revisions

See key statistical data in the tables.

Revisions to annual changes in the original labour cost index by sector

Revisions to annual changes in the seasonally adjusted labour cost index by sector

Database tables

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Updated database tables
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Industry (TOL 2008)
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Future releases

Referencing instructions

Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Labour cost index [online publication].
Reference period: 2026, 1st quarter. ISSN=1798-3746. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [Referenced: 5.6.2026].
Access method:

Contact information

Service email
tvkindeksi@stat.fi

Inquiries primarily

Antti Saarinen
Senior Statistician
029 551 3551

Other experts

Tuomas Lahti
Senior Statistician
029 551 3299

Head of Department in charge

Harri Lehtinen
Head of Department in charge
029 551 3403