SALARY IN NORWAY
Huge reserves of natural resources, competent foreign and domestic policy allow the Norwegian authorities to actively develop the economy, provide the local population with a high standard of living and maintain positive dynamics in the labour market. The country is not a member of the European Union and Eurozone, but it maintains trade relations and other formats of economic cooperation with developed European countries. As a result, today salaries in Norway are among the highest in the world.
Numerous studies show that Norwegian workers are very satisfied with their working conditions and income level. Unemployment in the country does not exceed 3-4 per cent. Despite certain price fluctuations on the world commodity markets, the Norwegian oil and gas and fishing industries need experienced foreign specialists who can count on very decent financial support. Next, let's talk in detail about what salary in Norway in 2024.
CONTENTS
Minimum salary in Norway
There is currently no minimum wage law in Norway. Nationally, it is regulated by special agreements (collective bargaining agreements) between employers, local authorities and trade unions. Specific hourly minimum wage rates are set for certain sectors of the economy, which protects not only Norwegian workers but also foreign professionals working in Norway.
MINIMUM WAGE IN NORWAY (krone/euro per hour)
Construction
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Skilled workers – 238.30 kr (21 €)
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Unskilled workers with no experience – 214.90 kr (19 €)
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Unskilled workers with at least 1 year of experience – 223.80 kr (19 €)
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Workers under 18 years of age – 146.50 kr (13 €)
Maritime construction industry
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Skilled workers – 204.51 kr (18 €)
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Semi-skilled workers – 195.54 kr (17 €)
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Unskilled workers – 186.67 kr (16 €)
Agriculture and horticulture
Temporary workers
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Under 18 years of age – 124.90 kr (11 €)
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Over 18 years of age for work up to 12 weeks – 144.90 kr (13 €)
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Over 18 years old for work between 12 and 24 weeks – 150.40 kr (13 €)
Permanent workers
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Unskilled workers – 164.80 kr (14 €)
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Workers under 18 years of age – 134.40 kr (12 €)
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Supplement for skilled workers – 14 kr (1.2 €)
Fish processing companies
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Skilled workers – 220.03 kr (19 €)
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Production workers – 206.03 kr (17.8 €)
Electricians (other than oil industry)
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Skilled workers – 242.34 kr (20,9 €)
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Other workers – 213.66 kr (18,4 €)
Trucking (over 3.5 tons) – 207 kr (18 €)
Passenger transport – 202.62 kr (17.5 €)
Cleaning company employees (cleaners) – 216.04 kr (18.6 €)
Service industry (workers over 20 years old and over 18 years old with at least four months of experience) – 190.79 kr (16 €)
Note. Information on minimum wages in Norway is based on official data from the Norwegian Labour Inspectorate, which is a government agency under the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
Minimum wage rates in Norway are increased for overtime work, shift work, work on weekends or public holidays, and in some other cases in which an employee goes beyond the standard labour standards.
If no minimum wage is formally set for a profession or line of work in collective agreements, then in any case a qualified person with a degree from a Norwegian university or an accredited university in another country (recognised in Norway) must have an annual pre-tax income of at least:
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Position requires a Master's degree – 480,900 kroner (41,480 euros).
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Position requires a Bachelor's degree – 448,900 kroner (38,720 euros).
Average salary in Norway
According to official data from Statistics Norway, the average salary in Norway in 2024 is NOK 56,360 per month, equivalent to 4,860 euros. This is the pre-tax labour remuneration of Norwegian citizens in companies in the public and private sectors of the economy. Men earn on average NOK 59,460 per month (€5,130) and women NOK 52,530 (€4,530).
Immigrants in Norway earn an average monthly income of 50,270 kroner. Non-residents earn 45,820 kroner per month and other residents 58,190 kroner. In the central government, the average salary is 61,170 kroner and in the regional government 50,560 kroner.
Compared to last year, income growth in Norway is recorded at 6 per cent. The highest salaries are in the mining sector, and the lowest in accommodation and food services. Next, let's outline the official monthly average pre-tax salaries in Norway by economic sector, category and individual occupation.
Sector of Economy | Krone per month | Euros per month |
Mining and quarrying | 86,700 | 7,585 |
Financial and insurance activities | 80,040 | 7,005 |
Electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning | 76,910 | 6,730 |
Information and communications | 72,910 | 6,380 |
Professional, scientific and technical activities | 69,460 | 6,080 |
Real estate operations | 66,800 | 5,845 |
Public administration and defense | 61,030 | 5,340 |
Manufacturing | 56,410 | 4,935 |
Transportation and storage | 54,450 | 4,765 |
Education | 53,280 | 4,660 |
Construction | 52,850 | 4,625 |
Water, sewerage and waste management | 52,440 | 4,590 |
Health care and social work | 51,810 | 4,535 |
Wholesale and retail trade | 50,690 | 4,435 |
Fishing, agriculture and forestry | 49,720 | 4,350 |
Arts, entertainment and recreation | 48,900 | 4,280 |
Administrative and support services | 48,780 | 4,270 |
Accommodation and meals | 38,480 | 3,410 |
Other services | 51,750 | 4,530 |
Occupation | Krone per month | Euros per month |
Managing directors and executives | 96,820 | 8,475 |
Managers | 82,300 | 7,200 |
Professionals | 63,750 | 5,580 |
Technicians and associate professionals | 62,510 | 5,470 |
Clerical workers | 47,120 | 4,125 |
Plant and machine operators and assemblers | 47,040 | 4,115 |
Craft and related trades workers | 46,420 | 4,060 |
Skilled workers in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries | 42,720 | 3,740 |
Trade and service workers | 41,090 | 3,595 |
Unskilled workers | 39,880 | 3,490 |
Note. Information on average salaries in Norway by economic sector and occupational category is based on official data from the Norwegian Statistics Authority.
In conclusion, note that the basic rate of income tax in Norway from the salaries of employees is 22%. In addition the country provides for progressive rates depending on the annual income – from 0 (income up to 208,051 krone a year), to 17.6% (income over 1,350,000 krone a year).
Payroll taxes in Norway
Norway has a very confusing tax system. For example, for permanent residents in the country there is such a concept as tax classes, which affect the amount of deductions from wages. But in general, tax rates for residents and non-residents do not differ.
The basic income tax rate in Norway is 22%. Plus there are progressive rates depending on annual income.
Annual income | Rate |
Up to 208,051 kroner | 0 |
From 208,051 to 292,850 kroner | 1.7% |
From 292,850 to 670,000 kroner | 4% |
From 670,000 to 937,900 kroner | 13.6% |
From 937,900 to 1,350,000 kroner | 16.6% |
More than 1,350,000 kroner | 17.6% |
National insurance contribution in Norway in 2024
The lower limit for paying the contribution is 69,650 kroner
Rate on earned income – 7.9 per cent
Rate on pension income – 5.1%
The rate on business income – 11.1 per cent.
As a result, a minimum of 29.9 per cent tax is withheld from the salary of the average Norwegian employee. In addition, Norway has a so-called wealth tax. At the municipal level, income over 1,700,000 kroner per year is taxed at a rate of 0.7 per cent, while at the state level income between 1,700,000 and 20,000,000 is taxed at a rate of 0.3 per cent and over 20,000,000 kroner 0.4 per cent.
HIGHEST PAID OCCUPATIONS IN NORWAY
Surgeons
Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
Petroleum engineers
Lawyers
Bankers, financiers
Programmers
Aviation pilots
Shipping and maritime transport specialists
Geologists
Dentists
Cost of living in Norway
Surgeons
Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
Petroleum engineers
Lawyers
Bankers, financiers
Programmers
Aviation pilots
Shipping and maritime transport specialists
Geologists
Dentists
One of the main disadvantages of Norway is a very high cost of living, which is confirmed by its regular inclusion in the ranking of the most expensive countries in the world.
The main costs in Norway are:
Rent: 1,100-1,200 euros per month for a one-bedroom flat in the centre.
Utility bills: 190-200 euros per month.
Food: 300-400 euros per month per person.
Transport: 70-100 euros per month by public transport or 150-250 euros per month by car.
Internet/mobile phone: 90-100 euros per month.
Clothing and leisure activities: 500-700 euros per month.
In conclusion, all workers in Norway are entitled to 25 working days of paid holiday each year. However, Norwegian law states that holiday pay must be at least 10.2 per cent (12.5 per cent for employees over 60) of the amount the employee was paid during the previous year.
Frequently asked questions about salaries in Norway:
What is the average salary in Norway?
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Before taxes, the average salary in Norway in 2024 is 56,360 kroner per month.
What is the minimum wage in Norway?
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There is no official minimum wage in Norway.
What is the highest earning job in Norway?
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The highest paid occupations in Norway are CEOs of large companies, doctors and petroleum engineers.
What is the lowest paying job in Norway?
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Representatives of unskilled labour – cleaners, waiters, cooks' assistants, loaders, shop assistants, maids and so on – earn the least in Norway.
What is the average salary of programmers in Norway?
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The average income of programmers in Norway is estimated at 50,000-60,000 kroner per year.
What is the payroll tax in Norway?
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The income tax rate in Norway depends on annual income and ranges from 0% (income up to 208,051 kroner) to 17.6% (income over 1,350,000 kroner), plus a basic rate of 22%.
What is the average salary in Oslo?
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The average salary in Oslo in 2024 is around €4,700 per month.
What is the average salary in Norway?
- Before taxes, the average salary in Norway in 2024 is 56,360 kroner per month.
What is the minimum wage in Norway?
- There is no official minimum wage in Norway.
What is the highest earning job in Norway?
- The highest paid occupations in Norway are CEOs of large companies, doctors and petroleum engineers.
What is the lowest paying job in Norway?
- Representatives of unskilled labour – cleaners, waiters, cooks' assistants, loaders, shop assistants, maids and so on – earn the least in Norway.
What is the average salary of programmers in Norway?
- The average income of programmers in Norway is estimated at 50,000-60,000 kroner per year.
What is the payroll tax in Norway?
- The income tax rate in Norway depends on annual income and ranges from 0% (income up to 208,051 kroner) to 17.6% (income over 1,350,000 kroner), plus a basic rate of 22%.
What is the average salary in Oslo?
- The average salary in Oslo in 2024 is around €4,700 per month.