Employment rate in Norway 2011-2021

The employment rate in Norway decreased gradually from 2011 to 2020, before increasing slightly again in 2021. That year, the employment rate stood at 68.9 percent, which was lower than the previous year. Men continuously accounted for the highest share of the workforce during this period. In 2020, the employment rate for men stood at 69.7 percent, whereas it was at 64.5 percent for women.

Increasing number of employees

Although the employment rate decreased until 2020, the number of employed people grew. Over the past year, the number of employed people remained relatively stable. Considering the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the pandemic had little effect on the number of employees in Norway. In 2021, there were 2.73 million people employed in Norway.

Large private sector

Most employees are employed in the private sector in Norway. In the third quarter of 2021, over 1.8 million people were employed in private companies or public enterprises. By comparison, most employees in the public sector worked in the local government.