Wage index, Q4 2008, preliminary figures

National level

The index is released on a quarterly basis, no more than 60 days after the end of the quarter

Eurostat

IMF

Statistics Norway maintains computer files where the raw wage data from all sources are compiled.

The purpose of the index is to show changes in average monthly earnings and basic salaries throughout the year.

From 1st quarter 2009 Statistics Norway has introduced a new version of Norwegian industry classification (SIC2007). This new classification provides a more suitable and updated description of the activity concerning both the private and public sectors, with more focus on service industries.

The early time series of wage index for the period from 1st quarter 2000 to 4th quarter 2008 is recalculated based on SIC2007. Time serie in accordance with SIC2002 will not be published as of January/first quarter of 2009, but will be available in StatBank  (table 03633).

From the 1st quarter of 2009 the reference value is based on the average of the quarters in 2005, so that 2005=100.

The statistics are used in Statistics Norway's national accounts and in monitoring the economy. It is also used in other indices produced by Statistics Norway. The wage indices are furthermore used by business and industry to adjust contracts and in wage negotiations. Other major users or applications are employee and employer organizations, the media, Eurostat and the IMF.

No external users have access to the statistics and analyses before they are published and accessible simultaneously for all users on ssb.no at 8 am. Prior to this, a minimum of three months' advance notice is given inthe Statistics Release Calendar. This is one of Statistics Norway’s key principles for ensuring that all users are treated equally.

The quarterly wage index is closely tied with annual statistics on wages. The structural statistics on wages are in keeping with Council regulation (EU) no. 530/1999 of 9 March 1999 concerning statistics on wages and labour costs. The wage concepts on which the two index series are based (basic salaries and average monthly earnings) are identical with wage concepts used in annual statistics on wages. Changes in basic salaries are directly comparable between the two statistics. Changes in monthly earnings are, however, not directly comparable. The reason for this is that irregular payments and bonuses are estimated as an average over the year in the annual statistics while in the quarterly wage index the average of the aggregates is estimated for only the current quarter. Thus the timing of disbursement influences the index and might therefore be subject to greater fluctuations between the quarters.

The index values are comparable only within the same version of Standard Industrial Classification.

Preliminary indexes are final when the annual statistics for each industry is released.

Statistics Act

Council Regulation 530/1999 of 9 March 1999

The wage index covers changes in wages of full-time employees in sections from B to S (except K and O) in accordance with the new version of Norwegian industry classification (SIC2007) which is implemented from the 1st quarter of 2009. .

Until 2015:

Data are collected electronic from companies covered by the quarterly sample. Information is obtained on basic salaries, bonuses, irregular payments and working hours of individual employees of the company. Overtime payment is not included in the statistics.

The index is compiled on the basis of reports from a representative sample of enterprises grouped according to employment and industry. The sample of the quarterly statistics is drawn among enterprises that are included in the annual wage statistics. Enterprises with less than 3 to 10 employees, depending on the industry, are not included in the sample. Each year around 25 per cent of the small and medium-sized enterprises are replaced with new ones.

From 2015:

The statistics is based on data from a-meldingen. More about a-meldingen:https://www.altinn.no/en/a-ordningen/

In the construction sector, sampling is made according to specific divisions by industry to ensure information for the building cost index and consumer price index. In the transport and communications section extra units are sampled to ensure their use in the lorry cost index, cost index for passenger land transport and cost index for domestic sea transport.

Until 2015:

The data for the wage indices are collected quarterly. The census dates are 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December each year.

The statistical material collected from the sample represents the average wage level in the population, and the material must therefore be weighted. Weighting in the wage statistics is based on inverse sampling probability during post stratification according to industry and employment at the time of the census. The weights are adjusted for any bias as a result of non-response. The primary objective of the weighting is to achieve a grossing up of the sample so that the units in the sample receive relative significance in keeping with what is reflected in the population.

From 2015:

The statistics is based on monthly data on wages and salaries from a-meldingen. The sencus dates are February, May, August and November for basic salaries. Variable irregular payments and bonuses are computed as an average for the current quarter.

Quality control and editing of the quarterly statistics takes place in several stages, with most of the operations automatic both with respect to the actual control and consequent correction. When the reported data are received essential variables are controlled. Quality control of the wage data continues before and after registration.

The index for basic salaries measure changes in basic salaries by the the quarters. The index does not take into account when the wage settlement is valid from, but measure changes in wage as it has been reported during the census date.

The index for average monthly earnings includes basic salaries, irregular payments and bonuses. Variable irregular payments and bonuses are computed as an average for the current quarter, thus the timing of disbursement influences the index and might therefore be subject to greater fluctuations between the quarters.

The two wage indices should not be used directly to estimated annual earnings, since it often need to be supplemented with other information about the wage development.

Structural changes in the sections affect the wage indices. How many people and whom steps in and out of the employment market, changes in employment situation between sectors and changes in working time will affect the development of wages. 

Not relevant

According to Statistics Act Section 2-6, figures shall not be published in such a way that they may be traced to a particular respondent.

The statistics are comparable back to first quarter 2000.