As Norway addresses ongoing skill shortages across key sectors, the demand for international talent is rising. In 2024, the country sourced professionals in industries like information technology, healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades. Projections for 2025 show an even greater need, with Norway’s top recruitment agencies actively sourcing skilled workers globally to help fill workforce gaps. This guide details the most in-demand jobs, salary expectations, and essential steps for those seeking to advance their careers in Norway.
Why Norway is a Prime Destination for Skilled Workers
Norway is renowned for its high quality of life, competitive salaries, and strong job security. These factors make it an attractive choice for professionals worldwide looking to build a fulfilling career abroad.
Key Sectors with Talent Shortages in 2025
Here’s an overview of the sectors experiencing the highest demand for talent in 2025:
- Information Technology (IT): Norway’s digital transformation fuels demand for software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and cloud experts.
- Healthcare: With an aging population, Norway requires doctors, nurses, and elderly care specialists to support its expanding healthcare system.
- Engineering and Infrastructure: Roles in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering are essential for Norway’s infrastructure projects and renewable energy efforts.
- Construction and Skilled Trades: Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and heavy equipment operators are needed as Norway’s housing and commercial construction demands grow.
- Renewable Energy: Technicians skilled in solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy will play a key role in supporting Norway’s sustainability goals.
- Education: Teachers, particularly in STEM fields, are in high demand to support Norway’s educational needs and knowledge-based economy.
- Hospitality and Tourism: As tourism increases, there’s a demand for skilled hospitality staff, including chefs, hotel managers, and support staff.
These sectors are expected to experience continuous demand in 2025, according to studies from the Oslo Business Region, Regjeringen, and European reports.
Projected Salaries for High-Demand Roles in 2025
Professionals in these fields can anticipate competitive salaries, as outlined below:
- IT professionals: NOK 600,000 – NOK 900,000 per year
- Healthcare specialists: NOK 500,000 – NOK 850,000 per year
- Engineers: NOK 600,000 – NOK 900,000 per year
- Skilled tradespeople: NOK 450,000 – NOK 650,000 per year
- Renewable energy technicians: NOK 500,000 – NOK 800,000 per year
Top Recruitment Agencies for International Workers in Norway
For those interested in moving to Norway, these recruitment agencies specialize in sourcing international talent for high-demand roles:
- Adecco Norway: Specialized in IT, healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades, Adecco supports candidates with work visa assistance. Visit Adecco
- Manpower Norway: Recruits in sectors like IT, finance, and construction and offers visa sponsorship for eligible roles. Visit Manpower
- Kelly Services Norway: Known for healthcare, education, and IT staffing, Kelly Services helps candidates secure visas. Visit Kelly Services
- Randstad Norway: Focuses on engineering, IT, and construction, connecting candidates with top employers. Visit Randstad
- Top Temp: Covers healthcare, engineering, and administrative roles, providing extensive visa guidance. Visit Top Temp
- Experis Norway: Specializes in IT, engineering, and finance roles, with visa support for international candidates. Visit Experis
- Nordic Career: Works with healthcare and skilled trade sectors, offering assistance for foreign applicants. Visit Nordic Career
- NAV: Provides government-backed job listings and resources for international workers. Visit NAV
- Jobb Norge: Focuses on public sector recruitment, particularly in healthcare and education. Visit Jobb Norge
- Personalhuset: Recruits across hospitality, construction, and IT, assisting with work visa requirements. Visit Personalhuset
Steps to Secure a Skill Shortage Job in Norway
- Identify Key Agencies: Start by selecting agencies specializing in your field. Reaching out to multiple agencies can increase your access to unique job postings.
- Tailor Your Resume: Adapt your resume to Norwegian standards, emphasizing clear descriptions of your relevant experience and qualifications.
- Contact Agencies: Express interest in skill shortage roles and attach your tailored resume. Inquire about available positions and visa support options.
- Register with Agency Websites: Creating profiles on sites like Manpower and Adecco allows recruiters to match you with suitable roles.
- Prepare for Interviews: Research Norwegian workplace culture and prepare for virtual or in-person interviews as needed.
- Submit Documentation for Visa Sponsorship: Once you have a job offer, the agency will help guide you through the work visa application, including required documentation.
- Apply for a Work Visa: Follow your agency’s instructions to complete your work visa application, ensuring all necessary documents are prepared for any immigration interviews.
- Plan Your Move: With your visa approved, work with your agency or employer to coordinate relocation and settling-in support, which may include housing assistance.
For skilled professionals, Norway offers a promising career pathway in 2025, with demand across a range of critical sectors. By partnering with reputable recruitment agencies, you can take the first steps toward securing a job in Norway’s dynamic labor market.
