Norway Jobseekers at 1-Year Low

The number of people registered as out of work in Norway edged down to a seasonally adjusted 62.1 thousand in May 2026 from 62.2 thousand in the previous month. It marks the lowest level since April 2025, corresponding to 2.1% of the workforce. Unemployment was broadly stable across most occupational groups, with the lowest rates recorded among academic professions and health, nursing and care occupations, both at 0.8%, while unemployment remained highest in tourism and transport at 2.8%. Regionally, Troms recorded the lowest jobless rate at 1.3%, while it was highest in Oslo, where 2.6% was registered as fully unemployed. Meanwhile, labor demand remained strong, with 49 thousand vacancies advertised in May, equivalent to 2,300 openings per working day, which represented a 33% increase compared to a year ago and the highest level since April 2022. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, the number of fully unemployed people declined to 58.3 thousand in May from 62.4 thousand in April.

The number of people registered as out of work in Norway fell to a seasonally adjusted 61.9 thousand in April 2026 from 62.3 thousand in the previous month. This marks the lowest level since April 2025, corresponding to 2.1% of the workforce. Unemployment declined in most occupational groups, with the lowest rate among academic professions (0.8% of the workforce), and the highest in tourism and transport (3.1%). Regionally, Troms and Nordland recorded the lowest jobless rate at 1.3% and 1.6%, respectively, while Østfold was the highest at 2.7%. Meanwhile, 52,200 vacancies were advertised in April, equivalent to 2,000 per working day, which is 10% lower than a year ago. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, the number of fully unemployed people decreased to 62.4 thousand in April from 65.4 thousand in March.

The number of people registered as out of work in Norway rose to a seasonally adjusted 62.31 thousand in March 2026 from an upwardly revised 62.28 thousand in the previous month. This marks the first increase in unemployment after three consecutive months of decline, and corresponds to 2.1% of the workforce. Unemployment showed only minor changes across most occupations, with the highest rate in construction (3.5% of the workforce), and the lowest among teaching, academic professions and brokers and consultants (3%). Regionally, Østfold recorded the lowest jobless rate at 2.9%, while Troms and Nordland were the lowest at 1.3% and 1.7%, respectively. Meanwhile, 54,300 vacancies were advertised in March, equivalent to 2,100 per working day, which is 22% higher than a year ago. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, the number of fully unemployed people decreased to 65.3 thousand in March from 66.8 thousand in February.