How much a doctor can earn in Norway? (2024)
Doctors have started to consider Norway as their next country to practice. Norway is in demand for new doctors in exchange of high salary, family benefits and personal paid leaves, business opportunities etc.
Being in Europe, it can be a golden chance for doctors to kickstart their careers in one of the best country.
Norway Doctor Salary
On average, Doctors and Physicians in Norway can earn an annual salary of 3,430,000 NOK. This figure ranges from a lowest average of 1,550,000 NOK to a highest average of 5,830,000 NOK, with salaries increasing based on experience.
| Role | Median Salary ($) |
|---|---|
| Medical Doctor | $229,652 |
| Medical Officer | $116,619 |
| Physician | $262,587 |
| Resident Physician | $72,933 |
Typically, those with 2 – 5 years of experience earn an average of 32% more than new employees, and those with more than 5 years of experience earn an average of 36% more than those with less than 5 years of experience.
This salary includes housing, transport, and additional benefits, making this career path an appealing option in Norway.
Norway is also very popular among Pharmacists to work and get citizenship. If you know someone in your friends don’t forget to recommend them.
Norwegian Surgeon Salary
A summary of the benefits & salary of a Norwegian Surgeon.
| Factor | Details | Salary (NOK) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | Overall average salary for surgeons | 2,913,761 NOK |
| Hourly Rate | Average hourly rate | 1,401 NOK |
| Experience | Entry-level (1-3 years) | 2,045,769 NOK |
| Senior (8+ years) | 4,337,670 NOK | |
| Location | Average in Oslo (8% higher than national average) | 3,142,092 NOK |
| Sector | Public sector surgeons | Generally higher |
| Overtime & Bonuses | Additional compensation through overtime and bonuses | Varies |
How many hours does a typical Norwegian doctor work in a hospital?
In Norway, the standard working time for any occupation is 37.5 hours. Any duration surpassing this should be temporary, aligning with legal guidelines.
Although unexpected temporary situations can occur, the recent agreement between the doctors’ association and the state-local hospitals stipulates the following:
- Shifts should not exceed 19 hours each.
- Weekly working hours should not exceed 60 hours.
- Every week should guarantee a minimum of 28 consecutive hours off.
- A minimum of 8 hours off should be observed between two consecutive shifts.
Norwegian Doctor Compensation and Tenure Factors
In Norway, the compensation(salary) for doctors is heavily influenced by their tenure. A foundation doctor’s base salary ranges from 526,300 to 529,300kr, contingent on the hospital of employment.
On the other hand, an attending physician receives between 793,500 and 855,986kr, and a specialist earns from 736,000 to 740,000kr.
Typically, you’ll experience a pay increase each year, and these figures represent the minimum entitlement.
In Stavanger, there is a standard annual increment of 16,000kr for any educated role within the public sector. Personally, working in the public sector, I receive an additional 10,000kr annually (not in a medical capacity).
Essentially, if you plan to work there for a decade, you can anticipate an approximate increase of 100,000 to 200,000kr atop the minimum pay.
Things to consider before moving to Norway
- Tax System: Conduct thorough research before arriving, covering topics such as taxes (Norway’s administrative system), cost of living, basic necessities expenses, trends in the NOK currency, and more. It’s a necessity.
- D Number: Please submit your application to UDI at least 1 year before relocating to Norway (candidates might have to wait for a year for a decision or a D-number). Learn More.
- Funds: Ensure you have sufficient funds to sustain yourself for at least one and a half to two years. This buffer is crucial because you may find yourself in limbo without a bank ID and social number.
- Language: If your goal is to secure skilled or higher-wage employment, start learning Norwegian now – it’s a necessity. There are some courses free online Futurelearn, Duolingo, YouTube.
- Regulations: No exceptions are made; Norway is quite strict if regulations are involved, and your emotions won’t affect authorities.
