Working in Norway in Construction: How Are Working Hours and Overtime Calculated?
Working in Norway in Construction: How Are Working Hours, Overtime and Salary During Rotation Calculated?
In the Norwegian construction sector, salary calculation may differ from what workers are used to in Lithuania. Before leaving for work, it is very important to understand what basic working hours are, when overtime starts, and why part of the salary may be paid during the rotation break.
Why is a 37.5-hour working week often mentioned in Norway?
Under Norwegian working time rules, the standard limits are up to 9 hours within 24 hours and up to 40 hours within 7 days. However, in practice, many companies and sectors, especially where collective agreements or sector-specific rules apply, often use a 37.5-hour working week.
This is especially relevant in the construction sector, because work schedules, overtime and rotation arrangements must be clearly agreed before the worker leaves for the project.
37.5 hours per week × 4 weeks = 150 hours per month. Therefore, in some job offers in Norway, the base salary may be calculated based on 150 hours.
Basic Hours
Often calculated according to a 37.5-hour working week, which equals 150 hours over 4 weeks.
Overtime
Hours above the agreed norm may be paid as overtime with an additional supplement.
Rotation
When working on rotation, salary payment may be divided according to work and rest periods.
When is overtime calculated in Norway?
Overtime in Norway must be paid with an additional supplement. The minimum overtime supplement under Norwegian rules is at least 40% of the agreed hourly rate. In some projects or under specific agreements, a higher supplement may apply, for example +50%.
Therefore, before accepting a job offer, it is important to clarify exactly from how many hours overtime starts in the specific project and what overtime rate applies.
Example Salary Calculation in a Norwegian Construction Project
Below is an example calculation that helps explain how salary may be calculated when working in the construction sector in Norway. This is not a universal calculation that applies to all projects — the final amount always depends on the specific contract, project, schedule and actual hours worked.
Let’s assume that the worker’s base hourly rate is:
Basic monthly calculation:
If during the same period the worker actually works around 200 hours, the additional 50 hours may be calculated as overtime.
Total Example Amount
38,250 NOK + 19,125 NOK =
This amount is provided as an example when around 200 hours are worked during the period.
Why can part of the salary be paid during the rotation break?
When working on rotation, some companies may divide salary payments according to work and rest periods. For example, after 4 worked weeks, the worker may be paid the base salary part for 150 hours, while the overtime part may be paid when the worker begins the rotation break.
the amount paid during the rotation break is not an additional payment for time off. It may be payment for overtime hours that were actually worked earlier and are paid in a later payment period according to the employer’s payment system.
What should a candidate clarify before leaving?
Before accepting a job offer in Norway, we recommend that candidates clearly clarify the following points:
- What is the base hourly rate — gross or net?
- How many hours are included in the basic monthly calculation?
- From how many hours does overtime start?
- What overtime rate applies in the specific project?
- When is the base salary part paid?
- When is the overtime part paid?
- Is the rotation break a rest period, or are previously earned amounts paid during this time?
- What is the exact work schedule and rotation system?
Does a your country employment contract change the rules applicable in Norway?
If a worker is posted or sent to work in Norway, in many cases the basic working conditions applicable in Norway must be followed. This includes working time, overtime payment, a safe working environment, holiday rules and other mandatory requirements.
In other words, even if the employment contract is concluded in Lithuania, when the work is actually performed in Norway, Norwegian working time and overtime rules must be taken into account.
Conclusion
Work in the Norwegian construction sector can be financially attractive, but it is important to understand salary calculation before leaving. It is not enough for a candidate to know only the hourly rate — it is necessary to know how many hours make up the base, when overtime starts and how salary is paid during rotation.
If the base rate is 255 NOK/hour gross and a +50% supplement applies to overtime, an example calculation may look like this:
This is only an example calculation. The actual salary always depends on the project, work schedule, contract, actual hours worked and the employer’s payment system.
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View Job Offers in NorwayUseful Official Sources
- Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority on working hours: Arbeidstilsynet – Working hours
- Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority on overtime: Arbeidstilsynet – Overtime
- Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority on posted workers: Arbeidstilsynet – Posted workers
- Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority on minimum rates of pay in certain sectors: Arbeidstilsynet – Minimum wage
How much can you earn in the Netherlands in 2026?
JOBS IN THE NETHERLANDS 2026
How much can you earn in the Netherlands in 2026?
In 2026, real earnings in the Netherlands depend on the hourly rate, number of working hours, the applicable CAO collective agreement, shift bonuses and deductions for accommodation, health insurance or transport. In this article, we explain how much you can expect to earn while working in the Netherlands and what is important to check before leaving.
Minimum wage in the Netherlands in 2026
The official minimum wage in the Netherlands from 1 January 2026 for employees aged 21 and over is €14.71 gross per hour. From 1 July 2026, it increases to €14.99 gross per hour.
This means that the monthly gross salary depends on how many hours per week the employee works. In the Netherlands, there is no single fixed monthly minimum for everyone — salary is calculated based on the hourly rate and the actual number of hours worked.
| Working hours | Gross/hour | Gross/month | Realistic net amount* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 hours/week | €14.71 | approx. €2,420 | approx. €1,950–€2,150 |
| 40 hours/week | €14.71 | approx. €2,550 | approx. €2,050–€2,250 |
| 45 hours/week | €14.71 + overtime | approx. €2,900–€3,200 | approx. €2,300–€2,600 |
| Skilled jobs | €16–€20 gross/hour | approx. €2,770–€3,460 | approx. €2,250–€2,850 |
| Well-paid technical positions | €20–€25 gross/hour | approx. €3,460–€4,330 | approx. €2,750–€3,400 |
How much can you realistically earn depending on the type of work?
Candidates often ask how much they can earn in warehouses, production, agriculture, technical jobs or construction. The actual salary depends on the position, experience, hourly rate and whether there is an opportunity to work more hours.
| Work sector | Common rate / earnings | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Unskilled jobs | €14.71–€16.50 gross/hour | Usually around €1,950–€2,400 net per month. |
| Production, warehouses, agriculture, packing | approx. €2,000–€2,500 net | The final amount depends on working hours and deductions. |
| Meat, metal, forklift and technical positions | approx. €2,300–€3,000 net | Experience, English language skills or specific abilities are usually required. |
| Overtime and shifts | approx. €2,600–€3,200 net | It is possible to earn more, but this depends on the employer and workload. |
Why are gross and net salaries different?
In the Netherlands, job advertisements usually show the gross hourly wage. This is not the final amount the employee receives in hand. Taxes, social contributions and pension contributions may be calculated from the gross salary, and deductions may also apply for accommodation, health insurance or transport.
In 2026, the Netherlands applies a progressive personal income tax system and labour tax credits. Therefore, the net salary is not simply “gross minus one percentage”. For this reason, two employees with the same hourly rate may receive different net amounts if their working hours, deductions or employment conditions differ.
What has the biggest impact on the final salary?
Before accepting a job offer in the Netherlands, it is important to look not only at the hourly rate but also at all working conditions. The final salary is mostly affected by:
- gross hourly rate;
- number of working hours per week;
- whether overtime and shift bonuses are available;
- CAO collective agreement conditions;
- type of work and physical workload;
- employee experience and qualifications;
- English language level;
- whether a driving licence or car is required;
- whether accommodation is provided;
- whether accommodation, insurance and transport are deducted from salary.
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How much can you save while working in the Netherlands?
The amount you can save depends on salary, working hours, living expenses and personal habits. If an employee earns around €2,000–€2,400 net per month, and accommodation and health insurance are already deducted from the salary, it is realistic to set aside part of the income every month.
By working more hours, having a better hourly rate or working in a skilled position, it is possible to save more. However, before leaving, it is important to know exactly how much accommodation, insurance and transport will cost and whether enough working hours will be available.
What should you check before leaving?
To keep salary expectations realistic, before accepting a job offer it is recommended to clarify the following points in advance:
- the exact gross hourly wage;
- how many working hours per week are planned;
- whether overtime is paid at an increased rate;
- whether shift bonuses apply;
- the accommodation cost and whether it is deducted from salary;
- the cost of health insurance;
- whether transport to work is provided free of charge;
- when salary is paid;
- whether there is a probation period;
- whether English language skills, a driving licence or experience are required.
Frequently asked questions
How much can you earn in the Netherlands in 2026?
In unskilled jobs, you can often expect around €1,950–€2,400 net per month. In skilled or technical positions, salary may reach around €2,300–€3,000 net, and with overtime or shift work it may be even higher.
What is the minimum wage in the Netherlands from 2026?
From 1 January 2026, the minimum wage for employees aged 21 and over is €14.71 gross per hour. From 1 July 2026, it increases to €14.99 gross per hour.
Is gross salary the amount I will receive net?
No. Gross salary is the amount before taxes and deductions. The net amount depends on taxes, working hours, accommodation, insurance, transport and other conditions.
Can I earn more with overtime?
Yes, if the employer provides overtime and it is paid at an increased rate. However, overtime is not guaranteed in every position.
Is accommodation provided in the Netherlands?
In many job offers for foreigners, accommodation is provided or organised. The accommodation cost is usually deducted from salary.
Sources
Minimum wage: Rijksoverheid.nl – Minimum wage amounts 2026
Information about personal income taxes in the Netherlands: PwC Tax Summaries – Netherlands Individual Taxes
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