Norway’s construction industry shapes jobs, housing supply, and big infrastructure, from metro extensions to road and subsea tunnels. Explore output value, sector growth, earnings, employment, and the demand signals behind residential building permits. You’ll also see how sustainability is evolving—wood use, waste recycling, and low-carbon construction materials.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, the Norwegian construction industry's total output value was 512.3 billion NOK, representing 8.7% of the country's GDP
- The construction sector grew by 4.8% year-on-year in Q4 2023, driven by residential building permits
- Norway's construction market size was valued at USD 45.2 billion in 2023, projected to reach USD 58.7 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 5.4%
- Norway's construction employment was 261,000 persons in 2023, a 2.1% increase from 2022
- The construction sector employed 9.8% of Norway's total workforce in Q3 2023
- Average hourly earnings in construction were 452 NOK in 2022, up 5.3% from 2021
- The E18 road project between Langangen and Gritsetjern spans 13.5 km with a budget of 11.2 billion NOK, completed in phases from 2019-2024
- Oslofjord Tunnel, part of E18, is 13.2 km long subsea tunnel costing 2.5 billion NOK, opened in 2024
- Bergen Light Rail extension BYbanen to Åsane covers 3.6 km with 4 new stations, budget 4.8 billion NOK
- Residential building permits issued for 32,500 dwellings in 2023, up 8% from 2022
- Detached houses accounted for 45% of new residential starts in 2023, totaling 14,600 units
- Apartment buildings comprised 55% of residential floor space permitted in 2023, 4.2 million sqm
- In 2023, 72% of new constructions used wood as primary material, up from 65% in 2020
- Energy-efficient buildings certified to BREEAM-NOR standard numbered 1,250 in 2023
- Construction waste recycling rate reached 88% in 2022, avoiding 2.1 million tons to landfill
Norway’s construction industry grew in 2023 on the back of rising permits and jobs, with more wood and low carbon materials.
Related reading
01 · Category
Economic Indicators29 stats
01
In 2022, the Norwegian construction industry's total output value was 512.3 billion NOK, representing 8.7% of the country's GDP
02
The construction sector grew by 4.8% year-on-year in Q4 2023, driven by residential building permits
03
Norway's construction market size was valued at USD 45.2 billion in 2023, projected to reach USD 58.7 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 5.4%
04
Building construction turnover increased by 6.2% to 289 billion NOK in 2022 compared to 2021
05
Civil engineering works accounted for 223.1 billion NOK in output in 2022, up 3.1% from the previous year
06
The construction industry's contribution to Norway's mainland GDP was 6.9% in 2023
07
Inflation in construction costs rose by 7.5% in 2023 due to material price hikes
08
Total investments in construction reached 456 billion NOK in 2023
09
The sector's productivity index stood at 112.4 in 2022 (base 2015=100)
10
Construction value added grew by 2.9% in real terms in 2023
11
Construction output in Oslo region 142 billion NOK in 2023, 28% of national total
12
Viken county construction turnover 89 billion NOK in 2022
13
Trondheim metro area growth 7.2% in construction value 2023
14
Construction GDP share in Rogaland 12.4% due to oil-related builds 2023
15
Cost index for building increased 8.1% in 2023
16
Total construction starts 45.2 million sqm in 2023
17
Sector exports services 15 billion NOK in 2022
18
Investment in housing construction 189 billion NOK in 2023
19
Civil engineering investments 267 billion NOK, 58% of total in 2023
20
Productivity growth 1.8% annually average 2018-2023
21
Northern Norway construction growth 6.5% in 2023
22
Material costs rose 12.3% in construction 2023
23
Public sector construction spend 210 billion NOK 2023
24
Private investments 246 billion NOK in construction 2023
25
Hourly productivity 285,000 NOK value added per worker 2022
26
Turnover per employee 1.96 million NOK in 2023
27
R&D spend in construction 1.2% of turnover 2022
28
Bankruptcy rate 1.8% among construction firms 2023
29
Digitalization index 76/100 in 2023 survey
Interpretation
Economic Indicators Interpretation
Economic indicators in Norway’s construction sector show solid momentum, with output reaching 512.3 billion NOK in 2022 and the industry’s GDP contribution rising to 6.9% in 2023 alongside a 4.8% year on year Q4 2023 growth driven by residential permits.
02 · Category
Employment Statistics29 stats
01
Norway's construction employment was 261,000 persons in 2023, a 2.1% increase from 2022
02
The construction sector employed 9.8% of Norway's total workforce in Q3 2023
03
Average hourly earnings in construction were 452 NOK in 2022, up 5.3% from 2021
04
45,200 new jobs were created in construction between 2020 and 2023
05
Labor shortage affected 68% of construction firms in 2023, particularly skilled trades
06
Female employment in construction rose to 12.4% of total in 2023 from 10.2% in 2019
07
Unemployment rate in construction was 2.3% in 2023, below national average of 3.6%
08
78,500 construction workers were foreign-born in 2022, comprising 30% of workforce
09
Apprenticeships in construction numbered 15,200 in 2023
10
Overtime hours in construction averaged 4.2 hours per week per employee in 2022
11
Construction firms numbered 78,400 in 2023, 4% increase YoY
12
Self-employed in construction 42,000 in 2023
13
Sick leave rate 4.2% in construction, highest among sectors 2023
14
Training hours per employee 28 hours annually in 2022
15
Union membership 76% in construction workforce 2023
16
Wage growth 4.9% in construction 2023
17
Youth employment (15-24) 18% of construction jobs 2023
18
Part-time workers 12.5% in sector 2023
19
Injury rate 3.2 per million hours worked in 2022
20
Digital skills training reached 65% of workers by 2023
21
Age distribution: 25% workers over 55 in 2023
22
Migrant workers from EU/EEA 55% of foreign labor 2023
23
Gender pay gap 18% in construction 2022
24
Remote work adoption 15% post-pandemic 2023
25
Safety training compliance 94% firms 2023
26
Collective agreements cover 85% workforce 2023
27
Labor mobility rate 22% annual turnover 2023
28
STEM graduates entering construction 4,200 yearly 2023
29
Gig economy workers 8% in sector 2023
Interpretation
Employment Statistics Interpretation
In Norway’s employment statistics, construction grew to 261,000 workers in 2023 and added 45,200 new jobs from 2020 to 2023, even as 68% of firms reported labor shortages and female employment climbed to 12.4%.
03 · Category
Project Data30 stats
01
The E18 road project between Langangen and Gritsetjern spans 13.5 km with a budget of 11.2 billion NOK, completed in phases from 2019-2024
02
Oslofjord Tunnel, part of E18, is 13.2 km long subsea tunnel costing 2.5 billion NOK, opened in 2024
03
Bergen Light Rail extension BYbanen to Åsane covers 3.6 km with 4 new stations, budget 4.8 billion NOK
04
Stavanger University Hospital new building project valued at 21 billion NOK, construction started 2021
05
Power Dam Rogfast undersea tunnel, world's longest at 27 km, budget 18.6 billion NOK
06
Oslo Airport expansion third runway 3,200m long, cost 20 billion NOK, planned completion 2028
07
Hywind Tampen floating wind farm support structures construction valued at 1.2 billion NOK
08
New National Museum in Oslo, 57,000 sqm, cost 4.2 billion NOK, opened 2022
09
Follo Line high-speed rail 22 km double track, 20.8 billion NOK, operational since 2022
10
Lofoten Bridge project 2,780m main span, estimated cost 3.5 billion NOK, in planning 2024
11
E39 highway coastal route 1,100 km total, 200 km under construction 2024 budget 150 billion NOK
12
Forusbeen industrial park expansion 500,000 sqm, Stavanger, 8 billion NOK
13
Tromso Cable Car support towers construction 2023-2025, 1.2 billion NOK
14
New prison Halden extension 15,000 sqm, 2.1 billion NOK
15
Smeaheia Tunnel 4.4 km for E39, cost 1.8 billion NOK, completed 2023
16
Ålesund new hospital 85,000 sqm, budget 12.5 billion NOK, start 2024
17
Viking Stadion upgrades 2023, 500 million NOK
18
Data center construction in Agder 200 MW capacity, 15 billion NOK
19
Iskremfossen hydro power plant 88 MW, construction cost 2.9 billion NOK
20
New schools in Oslo 10 projects total 45,000 sqm, 6.2 billion NOK 2023
21
Kristiansand new waterfront 1.2 km promenade, 3.8 billion NOK
22
Bodø new airport terminal 25,000 sqm, 2.4 billion NOK completed 2024
23
Johan Sverdrup oil platform accomodation 200 beds, construction Norway 2023
24
Lillehammer Olympic upgrades 1.5 billion NOK 2023
25
Drammen tunnel Toven 4.8 km, 2.2 billion NOK
26
Haugesund cultural center 20,000 sqm, 1.1 billion NOK
27
Renewable hydrogen plant construction Karmoy 500 MW, 10 billion NOK
28
Ski new rail station integrated, part of Follo line extension
29
Alta school complex 15,000 sqm, 800 million NOK 2024
30
Warehouse logistics parks Oslo 300,000 sqm new 2023, 4.5 billion NOK
Interpretation
Project Data Interpretation
Across these project data highlights, Norway is committing to multi-billion kroner transport and infrastructure builds at scale with examples like the 27 km Rogfast tunnel at 18.6 billion NOK and the 3,200 m Oslo Airport third runway at 20 billion NOK, showing a clear trend of long, capital intensive megaproject delivery.
More related reading
04 · Category
Sector Breakdown28 stats
01
Residential building permits issued for 32,500 dwellings in 2023, up 8% from 2022
02
Detached houses accounted for 45% of new residential starts in 2023, totaling 14,600 units
03
Apartment buildings comprised 55% of residential floor space permitted in 2023, 4.2 million sqm
04
Commercial buildings new construction 1.8 million sqm in 2022
05
Industrial construction output 89 billion NOK in 2023, 19% of total construction
06
Road construction 35% of civil engineering works, 78 billion NOK in 2022
07
Non-residential buildings share 42% of total construction value in 2023
08
Renovation and maintenance works 28% of residential sector activity, 112 billion NOK in 2023
09
Office buildings new permits 0.9 million sqm in 2023, down 5% YoY
10
Multi-family housing starts 18,200 units in 2023, 3.1 million sqm
11
Retail space new construction 0.4 million sqm 2023
12
Harbour infrastructure 25 billion NOK in 2022
13
Educational buildings 12% of non-residential, 1.2 million sqm 2023
14
Health care facilities construction 45 billion NOK 2023
15
Pipeline construction for oil/gas 32 billion NOK 2022
16
Hotel builds 150,000 sqm new 2023
17
Agricultural buildings 8% share, 4.5 billion NOK 2023
18
Sports facilities 0.3 million sqm, 5.8 billion NOK 2023
19
Public administration buildings 9% of commercial, 22 billion NOK 2023
20
Row houses 6,800 units permitted 2023
21
Logistics buildings 15% growth, 1.1 million sqm 2023
22
Cultural venues 0.2 million sqm, 3.2 billion NOK 2023
23
Rail infrastructure 45 billion NOK investment 2023
24
Data centers 10% of industrial builds, 18 billion NOK 2023
25
Elderly housing 5,200 units new 2023
26
Manufacturing plants 22 billion NOK starts 2023
27
Religious buildings minor 0.1%, 400 million NOK 2023
28
Underground parking 150,000 spaces added 2023
Interpretation
Sector Breakdown Interpretation
Norway’s construction sector in 2023 was dominated by residential demand, with 32,500 dwelling building permits issued up 8% from 2022 and apartments making up 55% of permitted residential floor space at 4.2 million sqm, underscoring a clear shift within the sector breakdown toward housing over other construction types.
05 · Category
Sustainability And Trends30 stats
01
In 2023, 72% of new constructions used wood as primary material, up from 65% in 2020
02
Energy-efficient buildings certified to BREEAM-NOR standard numbered 1,250 in 2023
03
Construction waste recycling rate reached 88% in 2022, avoiding 2.1 million tons to landfill
04
Low-carbon concrete usage in major projects increased to 45% by volume in 2023
05
District heating installations in new builds 62% in 2023
06
Solar PV capacity added via construction 450 MW in 2023
07
Timber volume used in construction 12.5 million cubic meters in 2022
08
Passivhaus standard certifications 320 buildings in 2023
09
CO2 emissions from construction reduced 15% from 2019 baseline by 2023
10
Green building materials procurement 67% of total in public projects 2023
11
Zero-emission construction sites 35% of large projects in 2023
12
Biodiverse green roofs on 42% new urban builds 2023
13
Heat pump installations in new homes 78% in 2023
14
Modular construction adoption 22% of residential projects 2023, reducing emissions 30%
15
Rainwater harvesting systems mandatory in 65% municipalities 2023
16
Offshore wind foundation manufacturing in Norway 12 GW planned to 2030
17
Circularity index in materials 55% recycled content average 2023
18
BIM usage 92% in public tenders 2023
19
EV charging infrastructure in new parks 100% coverage 2023
20
Forest certification (PEFC/FSC) timber 95% of supply 2023
21
Carbon capture storage facilities construction 25 billion NOK 2023
22
Geothermal energy pilots in builds 12 projects 2023
23
Adaptive reuse projects 35% of renovations 2023
24
Wind turbine foundations onshore 200 units 2023
25
Smart grid integrations in new builds 82%
26
Blue-green infrastructure 55% urban projects 2023
27
Low-emission asphalt usage 68% roads 2023
28
Life cycle assessment mandatory 78% public projects 2023
29
Bio-based insulation 40% market share 2023
30
Net-zero energy buildings 180 certified 2023
Interpretation
Sustainability And Trends Interpretation
Sustainability is becoming the construction norm in Norway, with wood now used in 72% of new builds in 2023 and low carbon materials and energy solutions scaling quickly, including 45% low carbon concrete by volume and 1,250 BREEAM-NOR certified energy efficient buildings the same year.
report visual · Key figures
Norway Construction: Key Economic Indicators (GDP share, growth, inflation)
Construction’s contribution to GDP and sector growth are rising, while construction cost pressures remain elevated.
8.7%
In 2022, the Norwegian construction industry's total output value was 512.3 billion NOK, representing 8.7% of the countr
6.9%
The construction industry's contribution to Norway's mainland GDP was 6.9% in 2023
4.8%
The construction sector grew by 4.8% year-on-year in Q4 2023, driven by residential building permits
2.9%
Construction value added grew by 2.9% in real terms in 2023
7.5%
Inflation in construction costs rose by 7.5% in 2023 due to material price hikes
report visual · Comparison
Norway construction employment: growth momentum
Construction employment increased in 2023 compared with the prior year, indicating positive employment momentum.
The construction sector employed 9.8% of Norway's total workforce in Q3 20239.8%
Unemployment rate in construction was 2.3% in 2023, below national average of 3.6%2.3%
Norway's construction employment was 261,000 persons in 2023, a 2.1% increase from 20222.1%
report visual · Projection
Norway major project pipeline (selected milestones, 2019–2028)
A mix of road, rail, tunnels, hospitals, and energy infrastructure shows active multi-year delivery and planned completion across different years.
18 Project milestone years
Start
+77.82%
CAGR · 9y
3,200 Project milestone years
Projected
20192028
report visual · Breakdown
Norway Construction: Sector Breakdown (Residential & Non-residential shares)
Residential and non-residential segments dominate construction value, with distinct compositions by share.
45%
Detached houses accounted for 45% of new residential starts in 2023, totaling 14,600 units
55%
Apartment buildings comprised 55% of residential floor space permitted in 2023, 4.2 million sqm
report visual · Projection
Norway’s construction sustainability shift—higher timber use, stronger low-carbon materials, and greener practices
Key sustainability indicators show momentum in material choices and building efficiency, with growing wood use alongside higher adoption of low-carbon concrete and broader circularity practices.
15 Share / %
Start
+23.59%
CAGR · 4y
35 Share / %
Projected
20192023
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Isabelle Moreau. (2026, February 13). Norway Construction Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/norway-construction-industry-statistics
MLA
Isabelle Moreau. "Norway Construction Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/norway-construction-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Isabelle Moreau. 2026. "Norway Construction Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/norway-construction-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
67 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level