💰 Salaries by profession and net income: how to estimate without surprises

Money loves clarity — especially when you're moving to the fjords and want to plan your budget sensibly. In this analysis, we explain in simple terms the difference between gross and net, how holiday pay (feriepenger) and overtime pay work, and provide clear ‘guidelines by profession’. We use the latest statistics and official rules as a basis: you will see approximately how much a developer, healthcare worker, and hotel/restaurant employee take home, as well as how part-time work affects their pay. Sources include government services and current industry data, with links in the text.

👨‍💻 How much does a developer/medical worker/hotelier* earn after taxes?

Software Developer. The average annual gross salary according to statistics is about 920,400 NOK (2024), which is ≈ 76,700 NOK/month. For this income, the newly arrived PAYE (fixed 25%) is usually not available, as in 2025 the threshold for PAYE is 697,150 NOK/year. This means that a general progressive system applies: expect a net income of ~48–52 thousand per month with standard deductions (without specific benefits/mortgage, etc.). Income figures are from SSB; PAYE limits and logic are from Skatteetaten.

Medical worker (Sykepleier). Average gross — about 662,400 NOK/year (≈ 55,200/month). In the first year and with an income below the limit, you can be in PAYE: then the benchmark is net ≈ 41–42 thousand/month (minus a fixed 25%). Under the general system, due to deductions, the real rate is often close to 39–41 thousand/month (estimated). The basis is SSB and PAYE rules on the tax website.

Hotels/restaurants (front desk, service, etc.). The industry has an ‘allmenngjort’ minimum wage: basic hourly rates are set by the labour inspectorate; actual salaries for many roles amount to ~30–35 thousand NOK/month gross (according to trade union reports and reviews). PAYE provides a simple guideline of ~22–26 thousand per month; under the general system, it will be comparable, but depends on shifts, evening/weekend bonuses and deductions. Minimum wage rates and the general wage bill are available from Arbeidstilsynet and FriFagbevegelse.

*‘Hotelier’ is a general term for typical front-of-house/service positions.

🌴 How are holiday pay and overtime calculated?

Holiday pay (feriepenger). This is paid instead of regular salary, most often in June. It is calculated based on the previous year's work: minimum 10.2% of the base salary; where there are 5 weeks of holiday, it is usually 12% (for those aged 60+ — 12.5/14.3%). Holiday pay is taxable income, but often not deducted upon payment because the tax authorities spread the deductions over the remaining months of the year. Rules and rates are available from Arbeidstilsynet and Skatteetaten.

Overtime (overtid). Anything in excess of the normal working week (usually 40 hours) is paid at a rate of at least 40% above the hourly rate (i.e. a minimum of 140% of the normal hourly rate). The surcharge is always paid, even if the overtime hours are later taken as time off in lieu. The basic limits per hour and the minimum of 40% are set by the labour inspectorate.

Quick example. If your hourly rate is 220 NOK and you have worked 10 hours overtime, your gross overtime pay is ≥ 220 × 1.4 × 10 = 3,080 NOK. (Actual rates may be higher under a collective agreement.)

⏳ What changes with a part-time rate?

For part-time work, hours beyond your contract but within the full-time rate are considered merarbeid (additional hours) and are paid at the normal hourly rate — without the ‘+40%’. Overtime and the overtime allowance only start after you exceed the normal full working hours (e.g. more than 9 hours per day/40 hours per week, unless other hours have been agreed). This is a key detail that is often overlooked. Examples and definitions can be found at the labour inspectorate; the rights of part-time workers to an increased rate for regular merarbeid are set out in a separate memo.

📌 Mini cheat sheet for estimates

• PAYE for beginners: if your income is below the limit (in 2025 — 697,150 NOK/year), multiply your gross monthly salary by 0.75 to get your take-home pay. For higher incomes, the general system and progression apply.
• Holiday pay: take 10.2–12% of last year's gross income; remember that this is taxable (the withholding mechanism is special).
• Overtime: minimum +40% of hourly rate; evenings/holidays often pay more according to the contract.
• Part-time: ‘additional’ hours up to full time — no overtime pay; bonus — only for ‘over full time’.

Financial life here is predictable if you keep three things in mind:

1) industry benchmarks (real gross ranges),

2) rules for holidays and overtime,

3) the PAYE threshold and tax progression.

This will help you avoid disappointment and plan your spending, holidays and ‘safety net’. If you already work for a fjord company, share in the comments how your ‘gross-net’ works out, what bonuses help and what holiday hacks have worked for you.