What does a construction machine operator earn in 2025?

Salary for construction machine operators in 2025

Construction machine operator is a profession in high demand, with varied tasks in the construction of roads, tunnels, earthworks, and other construction work. As construction machinery becomes more advanced, and construction activity increases, the salary growth for operators follows suit.

Updated statistics for 2025

The Norwegian Central Bureau of Statistics (SSB) reports that the average monthly salary for the group of machine and crane operators in construction is around 46,500 kroner gross in 2025. This corresponds to an annual salary of about 558,000 kroner before tax. SSB also reports variations within the profession, where experienced operators often earn a bit more. (Source: SSB – Salary Statistics)

Factors influencing salaries for construction machine operators

• Experience and seniority: Salary usually increases with more experience – recent graduates often earn a bit less than average, while those with ten years or more often exceed 50,000 kroner gross per month.
• Workplace and region: Large projects or work in areas with much development, like Oslo and city centers, can pay better. Northern Norway also has specific supplements related to polar areas and rotational schemes.
• Collective agreements: Many operators work for companies associated with collective agreements, providing predictable conditions and often additional pay for overtime, inconvenient working hours, and shifts.
• Skills: Certifications and specialization in different types of machinery (such as excavators, wheel loaders, dumpers) can lead to higher pay.

Salary development in recent years

There has been steady salary growth for construction machine operators over the past five years. In 2020, the average was around 42,000 kroner, while in 2025 it is well over 46,000. This reflects both increased demand and rising operating costs for contractors. Inflation and wage settlements provide a boost, especially for those covered by collective agreements and organize themselves in unions like Fellesforbundet.

Examples of salary levels and supplements

• Recent graduate/unskilled: 39,000 – 43,000 kr/month
• With a few years of experience: 45,000 – 48,000 kr/month
• Long experience/specialization: 50,000 kr/month or more
• Overtime, shifts, and polar supplements can total 10-25 % extra

If you work shifts, nights, weekends or have shift arrangements, you will receive additional pay, often determined by collective agreements.

How to find relevant positions and salary examples

It pays to know the value of your skills if you're considering a job change. On Lønna.no, you can find an overview of available positions with specified salary levels – both for machine operators and related skilled workers. This gives you a good basis for comparison between positions and regions.

Additionally, you can use services like CV builder and application tracking directly on the website, making it easier to document experience and follow your applications efficiently.

How salaries are affected by the labor market in 2025

The demand for skilled operators is high in 2025, especially in connection with large public and private construction projects across the country. The competition for labor keeps salary levels up, and rationalization and increased use of technology heighten the need for updated skills. If you are negotiating salary, it’s important to highlight both experience, certifications, and willingness to work shifts or take on extra responsibility on site.

Useful resources and the way forward

Would you like to compare salary levels in different positions, or see more detailed examples? Check the updated salary tables at SSB Statbank: Table 11419 or SSB Salary Statistics.

If you're considering taking the next step as an operator, or want more benefits in the labor market, you can also find advice on applications, careers, and updated salary information at Lønna.no. Here you can also build a tailored CV and a clear job seeker profile to make yourself more attractive to employers.