The public sector in Norway saw the highest employment growth in 2025, with a 1.8% increase equating to 5,900 new jobs, predominantly in hospitals and defense.
In 2025, the Norwegian public sector experienced significant job growth, making it the leading sector in terms of employment increase, with a reported 1.8% rise resulting in 5,900 additional workers. The statistics, released by Statistisk sentralbyrå, highlight that much of this growth occurred within hospitals and the defense sector, underlining the crucial role of government-related employment in the current economic climate.
Notably, one-third of the workforce in Norway is employed in the public sector, showcasing its importance in the labor market. The northern regions of Norway exhibit the highest concentration of public sector workers, with Troms county leading at 43.4%, while Oslo has the lowest proportion of public employment at 25.2%. This regional disparity points to the varying economic conditions and job availability in different parts of the country, with rural areas relying more heavily on public sector jobs.
Christoffer Berge, a senior advisor at Statistisk sentralbyrå, commented on the broader trends, indicating that while overall employment growth across industries has stagnated in recent years, the public sector continues to expand. This trend raises questions about the sustainability of job growth in the public sector, especially in the context of economic challenges and potential changes in government policy, suggesting that reliance on public employment could shape the future of Norway's labor market.
