Construction employment in Norway edged up to 261,000 workers in 2023, yet labor shortages still hit 68% of firms, right alongside rising material costs. From Oslo holding 28% of construction output to public sector spending reaching 210 billion NOK, the sector’s growth is clear but the pressure points are just as sharp. In this post, we map the full set of Norway construction industry statistics, including costs, productivity, permits, and regional shifts, to show what is driving build activity and what is holding it back.
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
In 2023, Norway’s construction sector stayed strong despite higher costs, with record output growth and major investment.
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
Norway's construction industry is laying quite the substantial foundation, building not just structures but a formidable 8.7% slice of the national economy, all while deftly navigating a persistent storm of inflation and material costs to project a future of robust, 5.4% annual growth.
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
Despite the industry's robust growth and near-record employment, Norway's construction sector is building on a paradox of prosperity, where a booming demand fueled by rising wages and new jobs is being held together by a fragile scaffolding of overtime, high sick leave, and a critical reliance on an increasingly diverse but strained workforce.
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
Norway's construction industry appears to be the national pastime, where we casually spend billions turning rock, water, and political will into infrastructure while wondering if there's any flat land left for a simple garden shed.
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 builders are clearly hedging their bets, putting up cozy, single-family fortresses against the world on one lot while stacking efficient, communal apartment blocks right next door, a duality reflected across an industry that’s equally busy pouring concrete for roads, data centers, and even the occasional dignified shed for spiritual contemplation.
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
Norway's construction industry, having apparently heard that "saving the planet" was this year's must-have accessory, is now decked out head-to-toe in certified wood, recycled materials, and heat pumps, building its way toward a greener future with the quiet, determined efficiency of a Scandinavian thriller.
Reference
Cite This Report
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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