Timelønn

Timelønn, or hourly wage, is a pay arrangement in which an employee receives compensation based on the number of hours worked, multiplied by an agreed hourly rate. The rate and the rules for calculating pay are typically set in the employment contract or in sector-specific collective agreements. Timelønn is common for part-time, casual, seasonal, and shift-based work.

Calculation and payment are usually straightforward: hours worked are recorded on a timesheet or digital system, and pay equals hourly rate times hours worked. In addition to the regular hours, many agreements provide higher rates for overtime, night work, or work on Sundays and holidays. Overtime rules and normal working hours are defined by the Working Environment Act and by applicable collective agreements, which may vary by sector.

Legal and economic context: In Norway there is no general statutory minimum wage; many wage levels are determined through sectoral collective agreements. Timelønn is often used in industries such as hospitality, retail, care services, construction, and seasonal work, where hours fluctuate. The arrangement can offer flexibility for employers and the potential for higher earnings for workers with more hours, but it can also lead to variable monthly income.

Compared with a monthly salary, timelønn ties earnings directly to actual hours worked and may require regular timesheets, while a monthly lump-sum payment provides more predictability regardless of hours (within the bounds of overtime and leave rules). Timelønn thus reflects both the flexibility and variability of work intensity and scheduling.