27.11.2025
After two years of historically high salary increases, it was expected that the development would return to a more normal pace. That is exactly what we see in this year’s results: an average salary increase of 4.2 % among our private-sector members. This remains solid growth, especially given the general economic climate and the extraordinary starting point from previous years.
Life Science remains a strong sector
It has been questioned whether the Life Science industry is entering a more uncertain phase. This is partly due to a challenging year for Novo Nordisk and an unusually high number of mass layoffs across the sector in 2025. It might lead some to assume that the industry as a whole would be negatively affected.
Pharmadanmark’s salary statistics show a more nuanced picture - and a sector that remains healthy and robust.
Even though Novo Nordisk is the industry’s largest player, the rest of the sector continues to move in a positive direction, with strong demand for skilled employees. The overall average salary increase of 4.2 % clearly demonstrates that the Life Science industry remains strong - and is not in crisis.
Pharmadanmark’s salary statistics show a sector that remains healthy and robust.
The ‘Novo factor’
From time to time, we hear that Novo Nordisk dictates salary developments across the industry. But the numbers tell a different story. During the historically high salary growth in 2023 and 2024, the increases were not driven by Novo alone - the average increase was the same for Novo employees and for the rest of the sector.
This year, despite a challenging period for Novo Nordisk, we have again compared the numbers with and without Novo included. For the remaining private-sector members, the salary increase is 4.8%. This is a strong development and underlines that Life Science remains one of Denmark’s most powerful growth engines - and that our members continue to have excellent opportunities in the sector.
The 2025 statistics
This year’s progress is visible across job categories, educational backgrounds, and specializations. Salary development is driven by sector growth, a shortage of qualified talent, and companies’ need to attract and retain competencies in an internationally competitive market.
Pharmadanmark’s salary statistics are an essential tool for both members and employers. They provide a solid overview and a strong foundation for salary negotiations and career decisions. We encourage all members to use the statistics and our salary calculator when preparing for negotiations - both the annual and when changing jobs.
We have shared the numbers straight from the fresh, raw data. We are working to update our systems and set up the tables, so it’ll be easy and accessible for you as a member to get a clear overview. The figures for pharmacies, the state, and the regions and municipalities will be released over the coming weeks leading up to Christmas.