Employment rate in Norway 2011-2021, by gender

Over the past decade, the employment rate in Norway was consistently higher for men than for women. In 2021, 71.4 percent of men and 66.4 percent of women in working age were employed. The employment rate in Norway increased slightly from 2011 to 2020, but then increased again in 2021.

The income gap

Not only do women face lower employment than men, but a significant gender pay gap also persists in Norway. Based on the average monthly salary in both the public and private sectors, men generally earn a higher wage than women. In 2020, the difference amounted to around seven thousand Norwegian kroner for employees in the private sector as well as in the central government. Compared to other European countries, Norway's gender pay gap was just below the average in the European Union.

Female top managers

Gender discrimination is also measurable by looking at those holding higher positions. While men continue to dominate leadership positions, the number of women in top manager positions increased slightly over the past years. Among the 200 largest companies in Norway, health industry companies had the highest share of female managers in 2020. The materials sector, on the other hand, had the lowest share.