This year’s Norwegian collective wage settlement introduces several changes that will have a direct impact on employers with employees working in Norway. With a general wage increase, additional supplements for low-paid employees, new rules on advance payment of sick pay, and stricter information requirements related to occupational pensions, it is important to be well prepared. Here are the key points you should be aware of.
General wage increase of 4.4%
This year’s negotiations have resulted in a total financial framework of 4.4 percent, which is an estimate of the average wage growth.
In addition, Fellesforbundet and Norsk Industri have agreed on a general wage supplement of NOK 6.50 per hour, which will be relevant for companies that follow the Industrial Agreement (Industrioverenskomsten) or use it as a reference.
Wages and guaranteed minimum earnings have been updated with new rates:
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For beginners, the hourly wage is NOK 236.41, while the rate after one year of employment is NOK 240.11 per hour.
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For skilled workers, the supplement is set at NOK 16.50 per hour.
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Holiday substitutes aged 18 to 23 have an hourly wage of NOK 198.18.
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For apprentices, the rate in the third year is NOK 101.16 per hour, and in the fourth year NOK 151.75 per hour.
- Young workers have an hourly wage of NOK 166.76.
Additional increase for low-paid employees in TEKO
For employees covered by the TEKO section of the Industrial Agreement, an additional supplement of NOK 4.00 per hour has been agreed.
This means that the lowest-paid employees will receive a total increase of at least NOK 10.50 per hour, which should be incorporated into salary budgets and cost forecasts.
NHO Tourism
Employees in this sector will receive a general wage increase from June 1st 2026, of NOK 6.50 per hour, plus an additional increase of NOK 4.00 per hour.
The minimum wage rates for certified chefs and other employees with a trade certificate have been further adjusted by NOK 5.00.
NHO service and trade
Wage guarantee effective from 1 May 2026:
An increase of NOK 0.25 per hour applies to all basic wage rates.
The following pay scale applies from this date:
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Under 18 years: 185.55
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0–2 years of service: 236.79
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2–4 years of service: 240.16
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4–10 years of service: 246.89
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Over 10 years of service: 259.74
Pay scale from 1 June 2026
An additional increase of NOK 10.50 per hour applies to all basic wage rates.
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Under 18 years: 196.05
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0–2 years of service: 247.29
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2–4 years of service: 250.66
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4–10 years of service: 257.39
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Over 10 years of service: 261.24
The wage supplement for skilled workers increases by NOK 1, bringing the new supplement to NOK 15.50 per hour.
Pay table for apprentices
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1st year of apprenticeship in a company: 133.08
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2nd year of apprenticeship in a company: 133.08
Norwegian car dealer association
A general wage increase of NOK 6.50 per hour is granted from 1 May 2026.
Minimum rates are as follows:
Skilled workers:
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Newly qualified: 249
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After 1 year of experience: 257
Unskilled workers:
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After turning 18: 223.50
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After 1 year of experience: 228
Petrol station attendants:
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Over 18 years: 220
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After 1 year of experience: 227.50
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Young workers (17 years): 188.50
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Young workers (16 years): 180
New rules on advance payment of sick pay from 2027
From 1 January 2027, employers must advance sick pay, parental benefits, and care benefits for at least four months, including the employer period of 16 days.
The company must then handle the reimbursement process with NAV itself. This may affect both liquidity and internal procedures.
Greater transparency regarding occupational pensions
Employers must also ensure that employees are informed about the company’s occupational pension provider, and how they can monitor contributions and the basis for calculations.
This places higher demands on internal communication and documentation.
If you have employees working in Norway—what should you do now?
We recommend that companies already assess how these changes will affect the company and the employees, review:
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salary levels and budgets
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employees covered by the TEKO supplement
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reimbursement procedures with NAV
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employee information regarding occupational pensions
If you have any questions about how the upcoming wage changes may affect your business, or if you would like assistance in ensuring correct implementation, we would be happy to help.
