What does a guard earn in 2025?

What does it mean to be a guard in 2025?

Guards are soldiers who serve their conscription duty and usually serve in His Majesty the King's Guard (HMKG). They are responsible for guarding the Royal Palace, Akershus Fortress and participate in ceremonies and high-profile events. The service combines strict routines, physical training, and culture, where the guards play a unique role in Norwegian defense tradition.

Basic salary for guards in 2025

In 2025, the salary for guards follows the central regulatory rates for conscript soldiers. According to Statistics Norway and the Armed Forces, all conscript soldiers receive a basic salary, also called soldier's salary, which is adjusted annually. For 2025, this salary amounts to approximately 6,700 crowns per month before tax.

Allowances and compensations

Guards can receive various allowances:

• Duty and on-call allowance: Certain shifts incur extra paid time, especially during standby or night work.
• Deployment or exercises: For extended operations or demanding missions, specific rates are often paid.
• Food and lodging: All conscripts have their food and lodging covered while in service.
• Travel and family compensation: Guards from other parts of the country have their travel expenses covered to and from the camp.

Total economic support

If one includes the value of food, housing, basic salary, and duty allowances, a guard often has a total support value of between 9,000 and 11,000 crowns per month. The sum can be higher with extra duty and service allowances.

How is the salary determined – who decides?

The salary for conscripts, including guards, is determined by the Ministry of Defense and adjusted through central negotiations. The rates are generally adjusted annually based on price growth and budgetary priorities. Conscripts have no negotiating rights regarding salary levels. For the latest updated figures, feel free to check SSB.

Compared to other defense occupations

It is important to distinguish between conscripts (guards, soldiers) and enlisted, non-commissioned officers, and officers. The latter groups have entirely different salary levels, starting from around 28,000 crowns for privates/corporal to well over 50,000 crowns per month (2025) for officers, depending on rank and seniority.

What happens after conscription?

Some guards often seek further careers in the Armed Forces as privates or non-commissioned officers. Many also use their experience as a guard as a springboard to civilian jobs, especially in security, police, or emergency preparedness. Lønna.no makes it easy to find relevant and well-paid jobs in security and emergency preparedness or the police, and the service provides verified salary data for over 400 occupations in the public and private sectors.

Education opportunities for guards

The service of the guards provides experience points and leadership training that can be beneficial for further education or jobs. After completing their initial military service, you have advantages if you wish to pursue education through the Armed Forces, and some educational offers, such as officer school, provide extra pay during the training. This makes the path forward more secure for those wanting a secure career path.

Benefits beyond salary

Guards receive, in addition to salary:

• Food and lodging
• Travel expenses covered to and from home during leave
• Insurance and health services through the Armed Forces
• Access to support schemes related to sports, courses, and personal development

How to apply and what opportunities does it provide?

Becoming a guard requires good physical fitness, motivation, and perseverance. If you are considering a further paid career in the Armed Forces, you should check the job listings on SSB or use the overview on Lønna.no where you can access job positions, salary overview, and create a professional CV or application directly.

In summary: Salary and benefits for guards in 2025

• Basic salary: approx. 6,700 crowns per month before tax
• Food and lodging: always covered by the Armed Forces
• Extra allowances: possible with additional shifts and exercises
• Total: with allowances and accommodation value often about 9,000–11,000 crowns each month

Being a guard is not just a matter of salary but about experience, network, and opportunities – both within the Armed Forces and civil later on. Visit Lønna.no to compare jobs and salary levels, or to find the best opportunities for a further career in security, emergency preparedness, or the public sector.

Sources: SSB Work and Wages