What Are Salaries in Norway?
What Are Salaries in Norway?
For over a dozen years, Norway has been one of the destinations chosen by foreigners who decide to emigrate for work. This group includes a large number of Poles who want to improve their financial situation or choose to live in the beautiful land of fjords for other reasons. Is coming to Norway to work here a good idea? What pay can we expect? How much does the situation differ for women and men? How can I start life in Norway without knowing anyone? Read on to find the answers to these questions.
Average salaries in Norway
In Norway, in 2021, we could typically expect:
- over 609 thousand kroner gross per year on an employment contract,
- monthly, after conversion, this works out at around 37 thousand kr net,
- after currency conversion, we get around 16.5 thousand zloty per month
It should be remembered that these are average rates and some people earn less, while others earn more. The differences result mainly from the profession we work in, our full-time equivalent, or the benefits we receive.
Our earnings are also affected by our gender.
And that is the case in most countries. The situation in Norway is similar: women can expect around 12% lower pay than men. Why is this?
Primarily because of factors such as a smaller full-time equivalent, meaning fewer hours worked, the profession performed, but also matters and benefits related to pregnancy and parenthood. Norway tries to support women as much as possible in various situations, so we can also count on benefits related to maternity leave and time off work due to pregnancy. As an interesting fact, some women (depending on the child’s age and their full-time equivalent) may be entitled to one paid hour a day off for breastfeeding.
Employees’ pay in individual sectors
Based on data from various sources, we can determine the statistical earnings for individual positions in Norway. It should be remembered that rates often depend on experience, education, or duties and responsibilities, so in some professions the pay may vary widely despite theoretically being the same job. In addition, these amounts are not binding; they are only statistics.
Position
Monthly gross pay in NOK
Director
83.000
Hotel or restaurant owner
46.500
Engineer
72.500
Specialist doctor
91.000
Nurse
50.000
Veterinarian
57.000
Dentist
68.000
Pharmacist
56.000
University lecturer
54.000
Primary school teacher
49.000
Kindergarten teacher
44.000
Business analyst, auditor or financial adviser
67.500
Advertising industry worker
61.000
IT specialist
65.000
Lawyer, solicitor
74.000
Language translator
44.000
Civil engineer
60.000
Construction worker
41.500
Sales broker
113.000
Financial broker
104.000
Estate agent
75.000
Office worker
41.000
Hotel receptionist
32.000
Cook
36.000
Waiter or bartender
31.000
Hairdresser
34.000
Beautician
36.000
Cleaner
37.000
Shop worker
35.000
Gardener
35.000
Driver
40.500
Can newcomers expect the same pay?
As a rule, not really. It may be lower or higher, depending on which country we come from. So:
- people emigrating from western countries (Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, etc.) and northern countries (Sweden, Denmark, etc.) can expect on average 10% more than the average for Norway as a whole.
- people emigrating from eastern countries (including Poland) and Asian countries can expect on average 20% less than the average for Norway as a whole.
Even so, this is only statistics, so in your case the earnings may be completely different.
How to find a job in Norway?
You can look for work in Norway in various ways. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and they also differ in terms of requirements and the time involved.
- Looking for work on the Norwegian equivalent of OLX, namely finn.no – this is definitely the best option for people who speak Norwegian or English. Looking for work this way means we are completely independent and unrestricted, so we do not have to spend any money on it. We can do it entirely online, even while still in Poland. In addition, we can find work matching our education or requirements – just enter the relevant word in the “Jobb” tab.
- Looking for work through an agency – this is the easiest option and will be best for people who know neither Norwegian nor English. Such agencies often also provide accommodation and/or transport. However, a commission or an upfront fee is charged. Using an agency when looking for work, we may also meet other people from Poland who are going to Norway to work with us.
- Looking for work on the spot in Norway – something for the more daring. If your profession is unusual, you would like to fulfil yourself in it, but you cannot find any advert related to it, you can try local companies, which may sometimes be looking for permanent staff or replacements. This is the least certain form of job hunting, but it also has its fans.
Which sectors should you look in for work without employment?
The most popular jobs for Poles who know neither Norwegian nor English are primarily construction work or warehouse work. These are also jobs where there is often demand for workers. In addition, work in these professions usually does not require any additional qualifications – almost anyone can do it. They are also the most commonly chosen jobs by Poles working in Norway temporarily, so we can expect to have someone to talk to. The pay is also not low, and compared with Polish wages we will certainly save a lot.