Is there a minimum wage in Norway?
There is no general statutory minimum wage in Norway. Pay is agreed between the parties, and in sectors with a collective agreement it is the agreement that sets the lowest pay. But in about nine exposed sectors, parts of the collective agreement are "generally applied", so a specific minimum wage is binding for all — whether or not the employer has a collective agreement. This covers, among others, construction, cleaning, hotels and restaurants, freight transport, passenger transport, electrical work, agriculture, the fish-processing industry and shipyards. The rates are set by the Tariff Board and updated regularly. Outside these sectors there is no statutory pay floor.
📋 The rules
- No general statutory minimum wage in Norway
- Pay is agreed between employer and employee / in a collective agreement
- About 9 sectors have a generally applied minimum wage
- Covers construction, cleaning, hotels, transport, agriculture and more
- The rates are set by the Tariff Board
🔓 Exceptions
- Outside the generally applied sectors there is no pay floor
- Generally applied rates apply whether or not the employer has a collective agreement
- Rates are updated regularly — check the current amount for your sector
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Paying below a generally applied minimum wage is illegal. The Labour Inspection supervises and can issue orders, coercive fines and sanction charges. Clients can have joint liability that subcontractors pay correctly.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Is there a statutory minimum wage in Norway?
No, no general minimum wage. Pay is agreed, but in about nine sectors a binding minimum wage is generally applied.
Which sectors have a minimum wage?
Among others construction, cleaning, hotels and restaurants, transport, electrical work, agriculture, fish processing and shipyards.
Who sets the generally applied rates?
The Tariff Board sets the rates, which are updated regularly.
Does the minimum wage apply without a collective agreement?
Yes. A generally applied minimum wage applies to all employers in the sector, even those without an agreement.
What applies outside these sectors?
There is no statutory pay floor, and the pay is what you agree.
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