Earnings in oil and gas production and mining, 1 October 2003

The average annual earnings are estimated by information from wage statistics from at least two years and the quarterly wage index as well as information from wage negotiations. The annual earnings measure the average earnings for a calendar year. Figures for 2002 are final whereas figures for 2003 are preliminary until wage statistics for 2004 have been established.

Full-time employees in oil and gas extraction had estimated annual earnings of NOK 516 800 in 2003, an increase of NOK 13 900 or 2.8 per cent from 2002. Annual earnings for full-time employees in mining were NOK 325 400 - an increase of NOK 13 800 or 4.4 per cent from the same time the previous year.

Average monthly earnings

Per 1 October 2003, full-time employees in oil and gas extraction and mining had average monthly earnings of NOK 41 400. This was NOK 1 000 or 2.5 per cent more than in 2002.

The increase in monthly earnings differs somewhat from the increase in annual earnings. Monthly earnings are compared at a specific date each year, while the change in annual earning is from one calendar year to the next.

2.3 per cent wage increase in oil and gas extraction

Average monthly earnings for full-time employees in oil and gas extraction were NOK 43 500 - an increase of NOK 1000 or 2.3 per cent from October 2002.

Associate professionals had average monthly earnings of NOK 48 800, an increase of NOK 1 900 or 4 per cent. By comparison average monthly earnings for clerks were NOK 29 700, an increase of NOK 600 or 1.9 per cent.

The largest group of all employees in oil and gas extraction is craft and related workers, machine operators and drivers. This occupational group obtained monthly earnings of NOK 37 400 - an increase of NOK 600 or 1.7 per cent from the previous year.

The additional allowances have decreased somewhat from 2002 to 2003 for craft and related workers and machine operators and drivers. For craft workers the decrease was about NOK 1 400 per month and for machine operators about NOK 600. This relates especially to the offshore crew, due to changes in their working hours.

2.4 per cent wage increase in mining

Average monthly earnings for full-time employees in mining were NOK 27 100 - an increase of NOK 600 or 2.4 per cent from October 2002.

One half of all full-time employees in mining are machine operators and drivers. This occupational group obtained monthly earnings of NOK 24 700, an increase of NOK 600 or 2.4 per cent from the previous year.

About the statistical basis

The statistics are based on information from a sample of enterprises in the section that cover a total of 25 219 full-time. According to preliminary figures from the national accounts from the third quarter 2003, the statistics cover about 27 500 employees in oil and gas extraction and mining.

Average monthly earnings are the main term in Statistics Norway's wage statistics. Monthly earnings cover basic paid salaries, variable additional allowances and bonuses, commissions and the like. Payment for overtime work is not included.

A number of employees in the statistics for 2003 are, according to changes in the agreement on working hours, registered with 28 to 33 working hours per week.

Tables:

• Table 1 Full-time employees in oil and gas extraction and mining. Average monthly earnings, by sex and occupational group per 1 October 2003. NOK
• Table 2 Full-time employees in oil and gas extraction and mining. Average monthly earnings, by division and occupational group per 1 October 2003. NOK
• Table 3 Full-time employees in oil and gas extraction and mining. Average annual earnings, by division. 1999-2003. NOK and annual percentage change
• Table 4 Full-time employees in oil and gas extraction and mining. Average monthly earnings , by sex and educational level per 1 October 2003. NOK
• Table 5 Full-time employees in oil and gas extraction and mining. Average monthly earnings, by sex and age per 1 October 2003. NOK