Pietari Päivärinta (18 September 1827 in Ylivieska – 26 July 1913) was a Finnish writer and Diet member.

His depictions of peasant life, quickly translated and published in Germany and Scandinavia, are among the first examples of modern Finnish literature.

On his marriage to Liisa Tuomikoski he bought a small farm, but was at first unable to make it pay and began a career as an itinerant singer.

In 1856 he obtained a post as an assistant clerk, and slowly furthered his career in the administration before entering politics.

His autobiography, My Life, dates from 1877, and was written to pass the time during forced bedrest after breaking his leg.