A new analysis from Statistics Norway (SSB) shows that 40 percent of immigrants with higher education in Norway were employed in occupations requiring a lower level of education in 2025. The share has remained relatively stable over the past decade, fluctuating between 38 and 43 percent. In total, around 93 000 immigrants were classified as overqualified for their jobs in 2025.
The study covers residents aged 20 to 66, who have completed higher education and are employed. Immigrants who have lived in Norway for less than two years are not included in these figures.
Ukrainian refugees contribute to rising overqualification
The number of overqualified immigrants rose by 23 percent between 2022 and 2025. SSB links much of the increase to the arrival of Ukrainian refugees.
At the same time, the share of overqualified workers among immigrants from Asia, Africa and other non-EU countries with less than ten years of residence in Norway climbed from 50 to 58 percent, representing nearly 29,000 employees.
Large wage gap between overqualified and other immigrants
The report also highlights a clear pay gap. In 2025, overqualified immigrants had a median monthly salary of NOK 43,840, compared with NOK 66,150 among those working in jobs that matched their qualifications. That is a difference of around NOK 22,000 per month.
The pay gap has widened in recent years. SSB links the trend in part to the growing number of recently arrived Ukrainians, many of whom have found work quickly, but not in jobs that match their education.
Wages are similar when skills match the job
While wage differences are significant among overqualified workers, SSB found only minor differences between immigrants and the rest of the population when highly educated workers were employed in occupations matching their qualifications. In 2025, immigrants who were not overqualified had a median monthly salary of NOK 66,150, compared with NOK 65,250 for the rest of the population. SSB found that the biggest pay differences were among those working in jobs below their qualifications.
Retail, hospitality and restaurants employ the largest numbers
The largest number of overqualified immigrants were employed in retail trade, accommodation and food service activities. Around 31,000 overqualified immigrants worked in these sectors in 2025. These industries include many occupations that do not require higher education and are generally associated with lower wage levels.
Not all highly educated immigrants in health and social care worked below their qualifications. While 21,000 were overqualified, around 34,000 held jobs that matched their educational background.
Education and jobs still don’t match
Although the number of overqualified immigrants has increased, the overall share has remained relatively stable over the past ten years. The findings point to a continued mismatch between educational qualifications and employment among many immigrants in Norway, particularly among those who have arrived more recently. The report also highlights the economic consequences of overqualification, including lower earnings for highly educated immigrants working in jobs that require less formal education.
Publicerad
28 Sep 2026
