According to the latest data from Statistics Norway, the total number of jobs in the Norwegian economy stood at 3.1M in February 2024, around 34 000 more than in February 2023. From January to February the number of jobs declined by 20 000, after having increased by 36 000 the month before. However, looking at the period from December 2023 to February 2024 combined, the number of jobs increased by 16 000.
Job gains in most industries
Over the past 12 months, the majority of industries have seen a positive job growth. The largest gains over the past year were electricity, water supply, swerage and waste management. As for the total number of jobs, the health services industry tops the list, followed by wholesale and retail trade, education, and construction.
Positive job growth in most counties
The number of jobs increased in all counties from Q4 2022 to Q4 2023, except for The biggest increase Rogaland, followed by Møre og Romsdal and Vestfold og Telemark.
At the municipality level there was more mixed picture, with around 60% of municipalities seeing job growth.
Non-resident employment close to pre-pandemic levels
As for non-resident employment, the number of jobs held by non-residents in Norway decreased significantly during the pandemic. However, with the easing of cross-border mobility restrictions and an increasing demand for labor, non-resident employment levels have increased but are still a way off pre-pandemic levels.
About the data
Data on jobs are from Statistic Norway “Number of employments and earnings“. Seasonally adjusted number of jobs is published monthly, while data on jobs by county and municipality, as well as by immigration category is published every quarter.