Norway is a popular destination for Filipinos seeking work opportunities abroad. The country boasts a high standard of living, a robust social welfare system, and excellent working conditions, making it an attractive option for those looking to improve their quality of life. One profession that is particularly in demand is that of a cleaner, with many Filipinos seeking employment in this field.
In this article, we’ll explore the salary of a vlogger who works as a cleaner in Norway, as well as some of the benefits that come with living and working in this Nordic country.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
Working as a Cleaner in Norway: How Much Can You Earn?
The information presented in this article comes from a YouTube channel named “Bicolano sa Norway.” In this video, the vlogger provides insights into the work and earnings of a cleaner in Norway. He explains his job duties and the standards that must be met in his role. He also discusses the wages he receives and the benefits he is entitled to as a worker in Norway. If you want to watch the full video, you can click on the link below:
In 2016, the vlogger ventured to Norway with the hope of building a new life in a foreign land. Initially, he encountered difficulties finding employment opportunities due to his unfamiliarity with the local job market and lack of social connections. However, in the following year, his situation improved significantly as he made new friends who were able to suggest job opportunities and inform him of where to find them.
Over the course of his time in Norway, the vlogger has worked for two companies. The first company provided him with a fixed schedule of work hours from 4pm to 9pm in the evening. In contrast, the other company only called him when work was available, providing him with an on-call arrangement. However, despite the second job being on-call, he often receives more work hours with this company since he is able to work from 8 am to 3 pm.
Although the vlogger’s first job provides a sense of stability due to its permanent arrangement, the flexibility of his on-call job enables him to work more hours and potentially earn more income. Nonetheless, both jobs have provided him with valuable work experience and financial stability, which has allowed him to build a new life in Norway.
Salary of a Janitor or Cleaner in Norway
To summarize, here are the key points made by the vlogger about the salary of a cleaner in Norway:
- Cleaners in Norway are paid an hourly wage of 192 kroner (approximately 1094 Philippine pesos).
- The maximum working hours for cleaners are 40 hours per week or 160 hours per month, but they can also work extra hours or overtime.
- Overtime hours are paid at 50 percent more than the standard hourly rate.
- Salary deductions in Norway are not specified or broken down, unlike in the Philippines where workers can see which portion goes to government insurance, taxes, etc.
- The vlogger only talks about the wages of cleaners in Norway, and he has no information about the earnings of other professions such as nurses and engineers.
As per the vlogger’s experience, cleaners in Norway are paid on an hourly basis, and their hourly wage is 192 kroner. When converted to Philippine pesos, this amounts to around 1094 per hour. However, it’s important to note that the vlogger is only discussing the earnings of cleaners, and he has no information regarding the wages of nurses, engineers, or other professions.
In Norway, the labor code stipulates that cleaners can work for a maximum of 40 hours per week, which equates to 160 hours per month. However, workers can also opt to work extra hours or overtime, which provides additional earning opportunities. If an individual works for more than nine hours in a day, the extra hours are considered overtime, and they earn 50 percent more than their standard rate per hour.
Unlike in the Philippines, Norway’s salary deductions are not specified or broken down. The vlogger mentioned that in the Philippines, deductions are itemized, and workers are aware of which portion goes to government insurance, taxes, etc. In Norway, deductions are automatically processed, and workers are not provided with a detailed breakdown. For instance, if a worker’s deduction amounts to 34-36 percent, this amount is automatically deducted without further explanation.
The vlogger’s insights offer a glimpse into the working conditions and wage structures of cleaners in Norway. While their hourly wage may seem high when converted to Philippine pesos, it’s important to consider the cost of living in Norway and the various deductions that are taken out of a worker’s paycheck.
Benefits
To summarize, here are the key points made by the vlogger about the Benefits of a cleaner in Norway:
- Norway provides free healthcare to its citizens.
- Norway’s “Ferie penger” system is a unique benefit that pays employees an amount equivalent to 11 percent of their annual income in June as vacation pay.
- The “Til gode” system in Norway is a reimbursement system for overpaid taxes.
- Norway provides a comprehensive social security system that includes unemployment benefits, child allowances, and pensions to ensure that everyone has access to basic needs and can live a dignified life.
- The benefits system in Norway is designed to provide support to its citizens and promote a healthy work-life balance.
One of the great things about living in Norway is that certain benefits are available to its citizens, such as free healthcare. Additionally, the country has a unique benefit called “Ferie penger” or “Holiday money.” This is essentially a payment made to employees in June, which is equivalent to 11 percent of their annual income. It serves as a form of vacation pay and is intended to help workers enjoy their holidays without worrying about their finances.
Another benefit of living in Norway is the “Til gode” system, which is a reimbursement system for overpaid taxes. If an individual has paid more taxes than what is required, they can claim a reimbursement for the excess amount. However, the system works both ways, and if someone has underpaid their taxes, they will have to pay the outstanding amount.
In Norway, the government aims to provide its citizens with a high standard of living, and these benefits serve as a way to support its people. These initiatives not only help with finances but also promote work-life balance, which is important for overall well-being.
Furthermore, the country also provides a comprehensive social security system to its citizens, which includes unemployment benefits, child allowances, and pensions. This ensures that everyone has access to basic needs and can live a dignified life.
Norway’s benefits system is designed to provide support to its citizens and promote a healthy work-life balance. From holiday pay to tax reimbursements, these initiatives help improve the quality of life for those living in Norway.
Aside from the above-mentioned benefits, here are a few more related to living in Norway:
- Generous parental leave – New parents in Norway are entitled to 49 weeks of parental leave with 100 percent pay or 59 weeks with 80 percent pay. This benefit allows parents to take time off work to care for their newborns without sacrificing their income.
- Free education – Education is free in Norway, from primary school to university. This ensures that everyone has access to quality education regardless of their financial status.
- Strong workers’ rights – Norwegian workers have strong legal protections, including a minimum wage, a 37.5-hour workweek, paid sick leave, and five weeks of paid vacation per year. Additionally, unions are prevalent and powerful in Norway, which helps ensure fair treatment and compensation for workers.
- Safe and clean environment – Norway is known for its clean and beautiful environment, with strict regulations on pollution and waste management. The country has also made significant progress in reducing its carbon footprint and investing in renewable energy sources.
- High standard of living – Norway consistently ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, with high scores in areas such as healthcare, education, and income equality.
- Low crime rates – Norway has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, making it a safe place to live and raise a family.
- Strong social support system – In addition to the social security system mentioned earlier, Norway has a strong social support network that includes free counseling services, rehabilitation programs, and support for people with disabilities. This ensures that everyone has access to the help they need to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
Deductions
- The vlogger in Norway earns a net income of 27,500 kroner every month.
- When converted to Philippine currency, this amounts to 156,750 pesos.
- The same amount of 27,500 kroner is spent on his monthly expenses.
- Expenses include kindergarten expenses for his child, a monthly allowance of 5,000 kroner for his family in the Philippines for maintenance and electricity payments, 1,300 kroner for his cellphone and load, and 5,000 kroner for food.
- The remaining 16,300 kroner is allocated for savings for his and his family’s future plans and expenses.
- Norway provides various benefits and allowances to its citizens, such as free healthcare and education.
- These benefits, coupled with high salaries, make Norway one of the best countries to live in for many individuals.
The vlogger earns 27,500 kroner every month, which is already net income after taxes. When converted to Philippine currency, this amounts to 156,750 pesos. He spends the same amount for his monthly expenses, which include kindergarten expenses for his child, a monthly allowance of 5,000 kroner for his family in the Philippines for maintenance and electricity payments, 1,300 kroner for his cellphone and load, and 5,000 kroner for food.
The remaining 16,300 kroner is allocated for savings for his and his family’s future plans and expenses. With his salary, the vlogger can afford to send his child to kindergarten, support his family in the Philippines, pay for his personal expenses, and still have a considerable amount left for savings.
Aside from the vlogger’s personal expenses, Norway also provides various benefits and allowances to its citizens, such as free healthcare and education. These benefits, coupled with high salaries, make Norway one of the best countries to live in for many individuals.
Roles of a Cleaner in Norway
Cleaners play an essential role in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of various spaces in Norway. From hospitals to schools, hotels to offices, cleaners ensure that these places are kept in top condition. Here are some of the roles of a cleaner in Norway:
- Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness – The primary role of a cleaner is to maintain a clean and hygienic environment in the spaces they are responsible for. This includes cleaning floors, walls, windows, and surfaces, as well as sanitizing areas to prevent the spread of germs and infections.
- Stocking and replenishing supplies – Cleaners are responsible for stocking and replenishing supplies such as soap, paper towels, and toilet paper in restrooms and other areas.
- Waste management – Cleaners are responsible for collecting and disposing of waste materials in a safe and hygienic manner. This includes separating recyclable and non-recyclable materials and disposing of hazardous waste materials in compliance with safety regulations.
- Maintaining equipment – Cleaners are responsible for maintaining and cleaning the equipment they use, such as vacuums, mops, and cleaning tools, to ensure they are in good working condition.
- Ensuring safety – Cleaners are responsible for ensuring the safety of themselves and others in the spaces they work in. This includes following safety protocols, using safety equipment, and reporting any potential hazards to their supervisor.
Indeed, working as a cleaner in Norway can be a lucrative opportunity for Filipinos seeking employment opportunities overseas. While the work can be physically demanding, the salary is quite generous, and the benefits that come with it, such as free healthcare and holiday pay, make it an attractive option. It’s important to note that the cost of living in Norway is relatively high, and there are cultural differences that may take some getting used to, but with hard work and determination, many Filipinos have found success in this field.