Norway Faces 34,000 Worker Shortage, Health Sector Most Affected

According to the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration's 2026 Survey, Norway has a shortfall of 34,000 workers, with responses from 13,119 businesses collected between late January and mid-March. Acting Director of Labour and Welfare Eve Vangsnes Bergli reported an urgent need for workers, especially in health and care services.

The survey identified nine occupations with the steepest shortages, including health professionals (3,650 short), nurses (1,850 short), and other health professions (1,350 short). The health sector alone has an estimated shortfall of 9,200 workers, despite a decrease of 1,700 from the previous year.

Industrial work and construction follow with shortages of 5,750 and 4,750 workers, respectively. Regionally, Vestland has the highest demand for workers at 6,300, followed by Rogaland and Nordland.

Overall, 18% of businesses reported difficulties in recruiting workers, with nearly 11% unable to hire anyone.