In Norway, collective bargaining agreements are revised either through main negotiations or interim settlements. This spring, the 2025 interim settlement (mellomoppgjøret) between LO (The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions) and NHO (The Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise) concluded with new salary adjustments that are important for employers bound by or who mirror a collective agreement under the LO-NHO framework.
It is expected that other collective agreements will generally follow the same pattern of salary increases. However, exceptions may apply, as each agreement is subject to its own negotiation process. Some sectors or organizations may agree to different wage adjustments based on their specific economic conditions, labor market needs, or strategic considerations.
General wage increase in Norway 2025
All employees covered by LO-NHO agreements will receive a general salary increase of NOK 5.00 per hour, effective from April 1, 2025.
Additional increases for specific sectors
Certain sectors covered by LO-NHO agreements will receive higher adjustments:
- NOK 7.00 per hour for agreements such as:
- Retail (Butikkoverenskomsten - HK)
- Hotel and Restaurant (Riksavtalen)
- Printing and graphic industries
- Construction (Byggeindustrien)
- Transportation (e.g., taxi companies, freight companies)
- Furniture, agriculture, and daycare sectors, among others.
- NOK 9.00 per hour for agreements including:
- Cleaning services (Renholdsoverenskomsten)
- Security services (Vekteroverenskomsten)
- Laundry and textile services (Vaskerier og Renserier)
- Industrial textiles (Industrioverenskomsten LO - Teko)
- Leisure and activity services.
The full list of sectors and corresponding increases can be found in the protocol from the settlement.
General minimum wage levels in Norway
In addition to changes under collective agreements, it is important to note that Norway also has sector-specific minimum wage regulations that apply regardless of whether a company is formally bound by a collective agreement.
The minimum salary levels apply to industries in the following sectors:
- Construction
- Cleaning workers
- Hotel, restaurant, and catering
- The maritime construction industry
- Agriculture and horticulture
- Fish processing enterprises
- Electricians
- Freight transport by road
- Passenger transport by tour bus
These minimum wage rates are reviewed regularly by the Norwegian government. Following the spring wage settlement and expected inflation trends, the authorities are likely to adjust and increase the mandatory minimum salary rates during May or June 2025.
Employers operating in Norway must monitor these adjustments carefully to ensure compliance, as these changes apply regardless of whether the company is formally bound by a collective agreement.
If you have questions about how these wage changes may affect your organization, or when the adjustments will take effect, please feel free to contact us for tailored advice.