PhD, Postdoc, and Professor Salaries in Norway in 2024

In Norway, academic salaries are determined through collective agreements between academic unions and state authorities. The salary scale specifies a range for each academic position, and a candidate's experience determines their placement within that range. Salaries can vary slightly between universities, but the general range is specified in job postings. All salaries in this article are pre-tax, and Norwegian taxes typically range around 40%.

PhD Candidate

PhD candidates in Norway are employees, and most PhD programs are fully funded. Applicants need a Master’s degree to enroll in a PhD program, which typically takes three years to complete. The starting salary for PhD candidates in 2024 is 501,200 NOK to 544,400 NOK annually, depending on experience and institution​ (NTNU Studentorganisasjoner) ​(nViews Career).

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Postdoctoral positions allow researchers to further specialize in their field and usually last two to four years. These positions may also involve teaching responsibilities. In 2024, postdoc salaries range from 544,400 NOK to 626,300 NOK per year​ (nViews Career).

Universitetslektor (Assistant Professor)

In Norway, the title universitetslektor is equivalent to an assistant professor, though it does not always require a PhD. These positions are less common, as many candidates apply directly for higher roles. Salaries for universitetslektor typically range from 534,900 NOK to 636,700 NOK per year, depending on the institution and qualifications​ (nViews Career).

Førsteamanuensis (Associate Professor)

The førsteamanuensis role is equivalent to an associate professor and is a permanent position in Norway, which can be attained without necessarily having completed a postdoc. Salaries for førsteamanuensis in 2024 range between 648,700 NOK and 746,900 NOK per year​ (nViews Career) ​(NTNU Studentorganisasjoner).

Professor

Professorships in Norway are permanent, prestigious positions that require an extensive record of research and teaching. Promotion to professor follows an evaluation process called "professor competence." The salary range for professors in 2024 is 679,700 NOK to 821,100 NOK annually​ (nViews Career).