What a university lecturer earns in 2025

How much does a university lecturer earn in 2025?

The position of university lecturer is popular among many with higher education and an interest in teaching, research, and professional development. But what can you really expect in salary if you work as a university lecturer in 2025?

Average salary for university lecturers

According to the latest statistics from SSB, university lecturers in Norway earned an average of around 670,000 kroner a year in 2024. A normal salary growth of 3.5% is expected in 2025, resulting in an average salary of about 693,500 kroner per year, or around 57,800 kroner a month before tax.

This salary applies to full-time employees and includes fixed supplements, but not overtime or extra fees.

Factors affecting salary

• Seniority: Newly graduated university lecturers typically start lower on the salary scale. Salary steps increase with experience and competence.
• Workplace: There are variations between different universities and colleges. The large state universities often have slightly higher base salaries than small private or regional colleges.
• Geography: The salary level in the Oslo area may be somewhat higher than in the rest of the country due to higher living costs.
• Additional qualifications: If you have a doctorate, pedagogical additional education, or work experience, this may serve as a basis for higher pay.

Job frameworks and working conditions

A university lecturer is primarily responsible for teaching, supervision, exam work, and developing academic programs at the university and college level. The position differs from that of associate professor and professor mainly in that there is no requirement for a doctorate. Many university lecturers pursue a doctorate concurrently to qualify for higher positions.

In addition to salary, total compensation often consists of good pension schemes and flexible working conditions. Many positions also include scholarship opportunities and professional development, which can enhance career advancement.

Comparison with other academic positions

Compared to an associate professor (average salary: around 790,000 kr/year in 2025) and professor (around 930,000 kr/year), university lecturers have somewhat lower wages. However, the lecturer role offers several advantages, such as great freedom to develop teaching, opportunities for research, and often more contact with students.

See more about academic salaries at Statistics Norway (SSB) and The Researchers' Association.

Salary negotiations and career opportunities

As a university lecturer, you can annually participate in local salary negotiations, often through a union or with support from colleagues. Here, it pays off to document results, take initiative for extra roles, and participate in development projects to justify salary requests. Many university lecturers pursue further education or advance to positions such as associate professor and professor.

Useful resources for university lecturers

• Salary for employees in the university and college sector (SSB)
• NOKUT – National body for quality in education
• The Norwegian Association of Higher Education Institutions (UHR)
• The Researchers' Association

How to find available university lecturer positions

Are you looking for a job as a university lecturer? On Lønna.no, you can easily search among available positions in higher education, compare salary levels, and get an overview of the requirements and expectations for the role. The platform also helps you create a CV, write applications, and keep track of the application process. This contributes to giving you a good start on an exciting academic career.

Summary: What should you remember?

• University lecturers earn on average around 690,000 kroner in 2025, but salary levels vary.
• Factors such as seniority, institution, education, and geographic location affect salary.
• Use Lønna.no to find updated positions, salary figures, and useful tools for the application process.

Whether you are considering becoming a university lecturer or already working in the profession, Lønna.no provides you with valuable insights and tools for success in academia.