Higher salary is the most important factor for Norwegians when considering a future job, followed by increased opportunities for professional development and more challenging work tasks. This is shown in a survey from ManpowerGroup.
An engineer working in the private sector earns an average salary of NOK 990,360 per year, according to the latest available figures from NHO (2024). These numbers exclude the oil and gas industry.
If you are technically oriented, it may be worthwhile not to stop after three years of study, as having a master’s degree typically gives you around 20 percent higher salary than a bachelor’s degree. As an engineer with a master’s degree, you can earn more than NOK 20,000 extra per month compared with someone with only a bachelor’s degree.
Good salary growth for technologists and science professionals.
What do engineers earn?
If you are satisfied with a bachelor’s degree, here is an overview of how much you can expect to earn in different engineering roles over the course of a year.
The figures are based on data for the private sector from Statistics Norway (SSB). In the municipal and government sectors, you can expect slightly lower salary levels regardless of education.
What does a biomedical laboratory scientist earn?
A biomedical laboratory scientist earns an average salary of NOK 682,920 per year in the private sector. If you choose to take a master’s degree in biology, you can earn 24 percent more per year. A master’s‑educated engineer earns an average of NOK 849,840 per year.
What does a civil engineer (construction) earn?
A construction engineer earns an average of NOK 847,800 per year in the private sector. Taking an additional two years of study pays off: a master’s‑educated engineer in construction earns an average of NOK 951,720, an increase of 12 percent.
What does an electrical power engineer earn?
An electrical power engineer earns an average of NOK 869,520 per year in the private sector. Those with a master’s degree earn 19 percent more, with an average annual salary of NOK 1,040,520.
What does an electronics engineer earn?
An electronics engineer earns an average of NOK 856,200 per year in the private sector. With two extra years of study, you typically earn 19 percent more, reaching an average annual salary of NOK 1,020,000.
What does a mechanical engineer earn?
A mechanical engineer earns an average of NOK 794,040 per year in the private sector. With a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, however, you can expect a salary of NOK 1,028,520 per year — 29 percent more.
What does a chemical engineer earn?
A chemical engineer has an average annual salary of NOK 833,640 in the private sector. With a master’s degree in chemistry, you earn 22 percent more, averaging NOK 1,018,440 per year.
What do engineers in petroleum, mining and metallurgy earn?
Engineers in petroleum, mining and metallurgy earn an average of NOK 1,086,360 per year in the private sector. Even here, a five-year degree pays off: a master’s‑educated engineer earns NOK 1,205,880 per year on average — an 11 percent increase.
Important to have interesting professional challenges
“For Tekna members, it is important to have interesting professional challenges, a strong professional environment and good opportunities for development. Our members often experience rapid growth in both competence and responsibility throughout their careers,” says Tekna’s senior adviser on working life, Katrine Olsson.
“These are among the most important drivers of salary growth. The master’s degree that Tekna members carry is highly sought after in the labour market. It gives our members career opportunities that meet their needs — both in terms of salary and professional development,” she says.
