What Is A Good Salary in Norway? [2024 Average Salary Update]

When considering a move to Norway, the question “What is a good salary in Norway?” becomes more than just a number—it’s about understanding the value of your work in a place where the average salary is a testament to the quality of life. For instance, Statistics Norway reports that the average monthly earnings across all sectors stand at 47,290 NOK, with men earning an average of 50,080 NOK and women earning 43,850 NOK. These figures are not just statistics; they represent a lifestyle that balances work and well-being. But what is a good salary in Norway?

We’ll answer that in this blog post, along with the average earnings of the common jobs for expats in Norway.

From personal experience, I can tell you that a good salary in Norway allows you to embrace the Norwegian way of life, with enough left for those ski trips or quiet evenings watching the aurora borealis. Whether you’re in Oslo, where the question of “what is a good salary in Oslo?” might mean factoring in city living costs, or in the quieter countryside, your salary will be a key part of your adventure.

So, as you ponder over Norway’s average salary or actual earnings, remember that it’s not just about affording the essentials. It’s about the experiences and quality of life that this beautiful Nordic country has to offer.

Also read: Highest Paying Jobs in Norway in 2023

What Is a Good Salary in Norway?

So, you’ve got your sights set on Norway and the possible lifestyle. But with all that talk of average salaries and average monthly earnings (remember, it’s 47,290 NOK!), it’s natural to wonder: what defines a good salary in Norway? A good salary in Norway would be around 36,914 NOK per month.

However, keep in mind that a good salary in Norway depends on several factors, and the biggest one is the cost of living. Let’s take a look at the typical monthly expenses, according to various statistics – Norway :

• Housing: 12,500 NOK

• Utilities: 1,571 NOK

• Internet: 473 NOK

• Food: 6,360 NOK (groceries) + 3,840 NOK (eating out) = 10,200 NOK

• Transportation: 1,000 NOK

Adding it all up, a basic monthly budget in Norway could easily reach around 26,914 NOK. This means a good salary in Norway should comfortably cover your living costs and leave some wiggle room for savings or enjoying the finer things in life.

Related article: Food and Drink Prices in Norway: What To Expect

Good salary in Oslo and Other Nearby Cities

Is a good salary in Norway of NOK 37,000 enough throughout the entire country? The answer to this depends on different factors, such as your location and lifestyle. For instance, what is a good salary in Oslo? To live comfortably in Oslo, a good salary typically ranges between 577,000 NOK and 874,000 NOK per year. This estimate is based on the cost of living in Oslo, which includes expenses like housing, transportation, food, and other necessities.

The cost of living in Oslo is relatively high. It’s the 60th most expensive city in the world out of 227 cities surveyed, according to Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey for 2023 ranking. The cost of groceries in Oslo can be notably expensive due to imported fruits and vegetables, while accommodation is the most significant expense, especially in stylish areas like Frogner and Majorstuen.

The cost of living in Oslo, Norway, as of March 2024 is as follows:

• A family of four’s estimated monthly costs are $4,358.3 (46,244.6kr) without rent.

• A single person’s estimated monthly costs are $1,205.1 (12,787.5kr) without rent.

For the nearby cities:

• Sandvika:

  • A family of four’s estimated monthly costs are $4,309.6 (45,728.3kr) without rent.

  • A single person’s estimated monthly costs are $1,206.3 (12,799.2kr) without rent.

• Bergen:

  • Average cost for 1 person: NOK 10,746

  • Average cost for a 4-person family: NOK 38,837

• Trondheim:

  • Average cost for 1 person: NOK 10,884

  • Average cost for a 4-person family: NOK 39,474

But in comparison to New York City, Oslo is 31% cheaper in terms of overall cost of living.

Average Monthly Salaries in Norway [2024 Jobs for Expats Update]

After getting the idea of what is a good salary in Norway, the next thing you need to know is the Norway average salary or monthly earnings.

Understanding average monthly earnings (currently around 47,290 NOK, or €4,622.68) in Norway is important, but it doesn’t paint the whole picture. Salaries can vary significantly depending on your sector, job title, experience, and even gender (the national average shows a gap between men’s 50,080 NOK and women’s 43,850 NOK).

Average Salaries of Popular Job Titles in Norway

Now, let’s get specific! Here’s a 2024 detailed breakdown of the average salary in Norway by sector and some popular job titles within each:

• Average earnings of IT Professionals:

  • Average Salary in Norway: NOK 50,000 – 60,000 average monthly salary

  • Norway average salary in Euro: 4,300 EUR – 5,160 EUR Norway salary per month

  • Job Opportunities: Developers, project managers, CEOs across various sectors

• Salary averages of Nursing and Healthcare Professionals:

  • Average Salary in Norway: Salaries range between NOK 17,600 to 60,750 average monthly salary(highly variable)

  • Norway average salary in Euro: 18,146 EUR – 62,694 EUR annually

  • Job Opportunities: High demand for nurses, with potential benefits like housing and transportation support.

• Average salaries of Engineering Professionals:

  • Average Salary in Norway: (NOK 66,000 – NOK 97,000 average monthly salary

  • Norway average salary in Euro: 6,800 – 9,900 EUR Norway salary per month, according to statistics – Norway

  • Job Opportunities: Openings in diverse engineering fields with competitive salaries.

• Monthly Earnings of Teachers or Professors:

  • Norway Average Salary: NOK 50,000 – NOK 94,000 average monthly salary

  • Norway average salary in Euro: 4,100 – 7,800 EUR Norway salary per month, according to statistics – Norway

  • Job Opportunities: Openness to international educators, particularly those with English proficiency. Teachers of upper secondary education tend to get higher salaries, than teachers of other education level.

• Average salaries of workers in the Hotel and Restaurant Field:

  • Food/Hospitality/Tourism/Catering Norway Average Salary: Around 35,167 average monthly salary

  • Norway average salary in Euro: 3,271 EUR Norway salary per month

  • Waiter/Waitress: Ranges from NOK 87,300 to 302,000 annually, according to statistics – Norway

  • Job Opportunities: Diverse roles with a focus on English fluency and customer service.

• Finance and Accounting Professionals Norway Average Salary:

  • Average Salary: NOK 41,667 – 83,333 (varies by position and experience)

  • Norway average salary in Euro: 3,875 – 7,750 EURR, according to statistics – Norway

  • Job Opportunities: Opportunities in banking, finance, and accounting for skilled professionals.

• Monthly Earnings of Sales and Marketing Specialists:

  • Norway Average Salary: 33,000 NOK – 66,000 NOK average monthly salary

  • Norway average salary in Euro: 3,300 – 6,600 EUR, according to statistics – Norway

  • Job Opportunities: There is a demand for experts across industries to drive business growth. Retail trade experts can earn higher salaries, especially if they have completed education in this sector.

• Average Monthly Salary for Human Resources Managers:

  • Average Salary: 50,000 NOK – 75,000 NOK average monthly salary

  • Norway average salary in Euro: 5,000 EUR 7,500 EUR average monthly salary, according to statistics – Norway

  • Job Opportunities: HR roles in recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development, with a focus on diversity and inclusion.

• Average Monthly Salary for Consultants:

  • Average Salary: NOK 41,667 – NOK 100,000 average monthly salary (depending on field)

  • Norway average salary in Euro: 4,167 EUR – 10,000 EUR average monthly salary in Norway

  • Job Opportunities: Consulting roles in areas like management, IT, and strategy, with opportunities for international professionals. They have higher salary than most workers with associate professionals.

• Average Monthly Salary for Research Scientists:

  • Average Salary: NOK 41,667 – NOK 66,667 average monthly salary

  • Norway average salary in Euro: 4,167 EUR – 6,667 EUR, according to statistics – Norway

  • Job Opportunities: Research positions in universities, research institutions, and private companies across various scientific fields.

To know more about this, check this article: Top In-Demand Jobs in Norway in 2023

The Minimum Salary in Norway

Unlike many countries, Norway doesn’t have a single, national minimum wage mandated by law. This might sound surprising, especially considering the average norwegian salary (around 47,290 NOK monthly) positions Norway as a high-income country. However, strong worker protections and collective bargaining agreements ensure fair compensation across various sectors.

Here’s a breakdown of how minimum wages are determined in Norway:

• Collective Bargaining Agreements: Labor unions and employer associations negotiate minimum wages for specific industries. These agreements are legally binding and ensure a baseline income for workers within those sectors. For instance, minimum wage variations exist within construction, hospitality, and agriculture.

• Varying Minimums: The average earnings can differ significantly across Norway, with higher costs of living in major cities like Oslo often reflected in higher minimum wages for specific sectors.

Examples of Minimum Wages by Sector:

• Construction: Minimum wages vary based on experience, with unskilled workers starting at 214.90 NOK per hour, while skilled workers can earn up to 238.30 NOK per hour (as of June 15, 2023).

• Hospitality: Minimum wages in hotels and restaurants are typically negotiated through collective bargaining agreements. The minimum wage for employees in this sector is 137.84 NOK per hour, or 14 EUR.

Taxation and Your Income

Norway has a progressive tax system, meaning the more you earn, the higher percentage of your income goes towards taxes. This system helps to fund Norway’s strong social safety net, providing benefits like universal healthcare and education.

Understanding the Progressive Tax System:

• Tax Brackets: Income tax rates are divided into brackets, with each bracket incurring a higher tax percentage. In contrast, the specifics may change year-to-year, generally, those earning less pay a lower percentage of their income in taxes.

• Impact on Different Income Levels: This system helps ensure a fairer distribution of wealth and supports a high standard of living for all Norwegians.

Resources like the Norwegian Tax Administration website can offer valuable information on tax calculations for your specific situation.

While there’s no single minimum wage in Norway, strong worker protections and collective bargaining agreements ensure fair compensation across most sectors. Understanding the progressive tax system is also crucial when considering your overall income in Norway.

Are you planning to stay in this country? Read this: House Prices in Norway [2023 Guide]

Expats Opinions About The Salary in Norway

• I definitely agree Norway has high salaries, especially in some industries like tech and oil & gas. My salary here allows for a very comfortable lifestyle, something I couldn’t achieve back home with my experience in [insert your field]. However, you have to factor in the higher cost of living. Groceries, rent, and even going out for a beer are all more expensive here. In the end, it depends on your priorities. – John

• Coming from a country with a strong focus on experience over “secondary education” or a “bachelor’s degree,” Norway is a breath of fresh air. My skills and years in the field are valued here, and my salary reflects that. That being said, I wouldn’t recommend it for recent graduates unless they have a very specific and in-demand skillset. – Marie

• I have a lower secondary education and found the job market a bit tougher here. The high salaries seem to be concentrated in positions requiring “tertiary education” or a lot of experience. While the living is great, I wouldn’t say the salary makes up for the initial struggle of finding a good fit. – David

• Salaries can vary greatly depending on your field. Those in tech, finance, and certain engineering sectors definitely seem to command the highest salaries. If you’re in a more general field like education or social work, the pay might be decent but not mind-blowing, especially considering the higher cost of living. – Sarah

• Even though the “highest salary” might not be in my particular category, the work-life balance here is fantastic. The shorter workweeks and generous vacation time allow me to spend more time with my family and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. That, in itself, is worth something! – Peter

Related article: Living in Norway vs Sweden: Which Is Better?

Final Thoughts About The Good Salary in Norway

In conclusion, determining a good salary in Norway depends on various factors, including the cost of living, industry, job title, and location. While the average monthly earnings in Norway are around 47,290 NOK, a good salary that covers basic expenses and allows for a comfortable lifestyle could be around 36,914 NOK per month.

Norway’s strong social safety net, progressive tax system, and collective bargaining agreements ensure fair compensation for workers, although there is no single, national minimum wage. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering working or moving to Norway.

Looking ahead, Norway’s job market is expected to continue evolving, with certain sectors like IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance offering competitive salaries. As the economy grows and new industries emerge, job seekers can anticipate changes in salary trends and opportunities.

We hope this overview has provided valuable insights into salaries and living in Norway. If you have any questions or experiences to share, please do so in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more updates and information on working and living in Norway.