Are you considering a career in IT and programming? Then you might also be wondering what you can actually expect to earn as a developer. The answer is: quite a lot.
Developers in Norway are among the highest-paid professionals. According to Kode24's 2024 salary survey, the average annual salary now stands at NOK 898,000 – over NOK 30,000 more than the previous year.
The demand for skilled developers is high, and salaries have followed suit.
🔍 What Do Different Types of Developers Earn?
Salary varies depending on your area of specialization. Here's the average salary for three common roles:
| Role | Average Salary (2024) |
|---|---|
| Backend Developer | NOK 902,513 |
| Fullstack Developer | NOK 834,462 |
| Frontend Developer | NOK 773,991 |
Backend developers top the salary list, while fullstack developers – who work across both frontend and backend – land in the middle.
What Can You Expect to Earn as a Newly Graduated Developer?
The starting salary for newly graduated developers is around NOK 645,000, according to Tekna. This is a solid foundation for a career in IT, especially if you hold a bachelor's or master's degree.
As you gain experience, your salary grows with you. Developers with several years of experience – especially those who specialize, change jobs, or take on more responsibility – can see rapid salary increases.
According to Kode24, the average salary for a senior developer with over ten years of experience is a substantial NOK 987,000. Many reach the million mark even earlier – particularly in the consulting sector or in tech-heavy environments.
Does Education Matter?
Yes! Education plays a significant role in salary development. Many developers with a master's degree reach the million mark after 6–7 years in the workforce. However, a bachelor's degree also offers excellent prospects – especially if you work in consulting or for major technology companies.
At Noroff, you can pursue both vocational college and university-level education in programming and IT 🎓
Why Do Developers Earn So Well?
Simply put, it’s all about demand. Companies across all industries need developers – from healthcare and education to banking and entertainment. The skillset is technical, but the job also requires creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork 🧠
IT developers in Norway enjoy strong salary conditions and rapid growth opportunities. Salary levels are influenced by factors such as specialization (frontend, backend, fullstack), education, experience, sector, and geographic location.
Related reading: What’s the difference between Backend and Frontend?
Whether you're considering a career in IT, or you're already a developer curious about what others earn – the numbers show that the industry remains a secure and lucrative choice.
Want to Learn Development?
At Noroff, you can choose from several programs, including:
- Frontend Development – create user-friendly websites and digital experiences
- Backend Development (1-year or 2-year) – build data systems, servers, and functionality behind the scenes
Our programs are offered both on campus and as flexible online studies – adapted to fit your everyday life.