Compensation recommendation

The following compensation recommendations concern those work tasks and commissions that are not included in the academic’s job description and that are often carried out outside of the employment relationship.

The Research Professional’s compensation recommendation has been prepared based on the applicable collective agreements, as well as recommendations from sector actors and Akava. The recommendation takes into account general earnings development in the academic field.

The earnings of an academic are generated from many separate sources of income. In addition to salary, grants and other monetary compensations, an academic also earns money, e.g., from teaching, writing and different types of public presentations. For many academics, income other than wages from employment represents a significant part of the generated income.

Compensation is often open to negotiation

The basis for the compensation recommendation is that academics – including early career researchers – are, in terms of their authored work, public presentations and knowledge provision, specialised experts in their own field. This expertise should not be provided at bargain rates or without remuneration. It is good to remember that a request for proper compensation also promotes the position of other academics and those who are self-employed by various means.

It is also important to consider the party commissioning a presentation, article or other expert work when formulating the compensation request. Some organisations have highly established compensation practices, which make it more difficult to negotiate on the individual level. Furthermore, different organisations have varying levels of resources.

For example, small village associations cannot be invoiced the same way as public sector parties, companies or trade unions. Generally speaking, any tasks commissioned outside of the employment relationship and the related compensation are, however, always negotiated and agreed on separately.

As a starting point, a minimum of three hours should be set for any work carried out at an hourly rate, even though the actual engagement or similar might take less time.  This ensures that the compensation takes into consideration the preparation time required for the task.

A lecturer, educator or other similar expert shall receive kilometre and per diem allowances in accordance with the standard allowance practices confirmed by the Tax Administration. The expert shall also be assured a cancellation fee and reasonable compensation for preparation work done in such cases when the appearance is cancelled for reasons beyond the expert’s control.

The copyrights of academics are similarly a topical issue. Copyright can concern texts, appearances or text borrowing. Copyright issues arise in, for example, online teaching, lecture taping or recording and reuse.

The Research Professional’s compensation recommendation for members can be found in the members’ e-services under Materials.

If you are an employer, you can request our compensation recommendation to ensure that the fee you pay is in line with industry recommendations. Please contact us at viestinta(at)tieteentekijat.fi.