Land of the Vikings and the Northern Lights, Norway has attracted more and more expatriates over the years. And for good reason, many positions are to be filled in the energy sectors, particularly gas and oil. The quality of life and security make it an extraordinary place to live. Find out what Norway can offer you, as well as the average salary you can expect to earn in this country.
The average salary in Norway
Currently, according to the site Numbeothe average salary in Norway is 35,781.21 kreither €3,055.49. However, this average salary of course fluctuates depending on the city. The most densely populated thus offer higher salaries.
| City | Average Salary |
| Alesund | €3,443.30 |
| Arendal | €2,751.81 |
| Bergen | €2,710.55 |
| Bodo | €2,775.29 |
| Drammen | €2,863.89 |
| Farsund | €2,134.84 |
| Fredrikstad | €2,561.81 |
| Halden | €2,817.99 |
| Hamar | €2,903.38 |
| Jessheim | €3,757.32 |
| Kongsberg | €2,711.81 |
| Kristiansand | €2,595.97 |
| Larvik | €2,647.20 |
| Longyearbyen | €2,027.73 |
| Molde | €2,732.60 |
| Moss | €2,561.81 |
| Oslo | €3,485.38 |
| Stavanger | €3,248.61 |
| Tonsberg | €3,596.53 |
| Trondheim | €3,294.13 |
Norway is, with Iceland, the only Nordic country not part of the European Union. Thus, the currency of Norway is the Norwegian Krone and €1 equals to 11.71 kr.
The cost of living in Norway
The cost of living in Norway is 35% higher than in France. To get an idea, here is the average cost of renting a studio in the city center in different cities in Norway.
| City | Average rent |
| Alesund | €811.24 |
| Arendal | €811.24 |
| Bergen | €977.76 |
| Bodo | €928.66 |
| Drammen | €789.89 |
| Farsund | €426.97 |
| Fredrikstad | €999.11 |
| Halden | €626.22 |
| Hamar | €1,024.72 |
| Horten | €768.54 |
| Kongsberg | €839.70 |
| Kristiansand | €821.91 |
| Larvik | €896.63 |
| Longyearbyen | €720.44 |
| Molde | €640.45 |
| Moss | €982.03 |
| Oslo | €1,270.50 |
| Stavanger | €1,024.72 |
| Tonsberg | €811.24 |
| Trondheim | €992.07 |
Sectors recruiting in Norway
The Norwegian economy, characterized by its dynamism and diversification, offers numerous employment opportunities in various sectors. Here is an overview of key areas experiencing high demand in the Norwegian job market:
Offshore Sector: Oil and Gas
Norway is one of the world’s leading exporters thanks to the exploitation of oil and gas deposits in the Norwegian Sea, the Barents Sea and the North Sea. As the world’s third largest exporter of natural gas, the country benefits from the dominant presence of the oil company Equinor, 67% owned by the Norwegian state. This industry represents almost a third of national investments.
Mining, Steel and Metallurgy
The metal industry is among the largest in Norway, taking advantage of the country’s vast geological resources, particularly in the Nordic region. Mineral and metal deposits offer significant growth prospects, consolidating the sector’s position as a major contributor to the Norwegian economy.
Aquaculture and Fisheries
Seafood products occupy a major place in Norwegian exports, generating more than 10 billion euros in revenue, just after oil. Norway is the world’s second largest exporter of fish and seafood. The government’s sustained commitment to sustainable production and the protection of marine ecosystems creates an environment conducive to innovation. Technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, big data and echo technology, are driving the growth of this sector.
Construction
On the mainland, the construction sector is the main employer, bringing together more than 246,000 workers in some 56,000 companies in 2018. This industry plays a central role in the country’s development, supported by infrastructure projects ambitious and a constant demand for qualified labor.
Thus, Norway offers a diversity of promising sectors, ranging from the offshore industry to construction, offering varied professional opportunities for workers seeking to flourish in a dynamic and constantly evolving job market.
What is the minimum wage in Norway?
Unlike some countries, Norway has not established a legal minimum wage. Norwegian unions play a key role in negotiating sectoral wages to ensure fair compensation for workers, tailored to the specifics of each area.
This approach results in significant variation in salary levels from one sector to another. Despite the lack of a formal minimum wage, Norway remains attractive due to its quality living and working conditions, as well as exciting professional opportunities. Ranked eighth among the happiest countries, Norway offers a unique experience. So, ready to consider this destination without minimum wage?
