Wages and remuneration up 2.3 per cent

Of the 3 150 000 persons who received wages and remuneration in 2016, a total of 2 900 000 were registered as residents of Norway and aged 17 and older. People residing in Norway at the end of the year received NOK 1 189 billion of the wages and remuneration paid in 2016, with an average of NOK 407 500.

• See more figures in the statistics Tax statistics for personal tax payers

Fewer people received unemployment benefits, but received more

Residents of Norway received NOK 15 billion in unemployment benefits in 2016. This is 12 per cent more than the previous year. The number of recipients over the course of the year, on the other hand, dropped by 7 per cent, and the average benefits received increased from NOK 75 000 in 2015 to NOK 91 000 in 2016. This is partly caused by staff reductions in the oil industry, where salaries are relatively high.

5.9 per cent increase in old age pensions

Approximately 850 000 people residing in Norway received almost NOK 193 billion in old age pensions from the Folketrygd in 2016. This is NOK 11 billion or 5.9 per cent more than the previous year. Additionally, 75 000 non-residents who submitted a tax return in Norway received a total of NOK 7 billion in old age pensions. This includes people residing abroad and people who passed away during the year.