The In-Demand Jobs in Denmark in 2024 for Expats
Are you looking for jobs in Denmark? If so, you are not alone. Denmark is one of the most popular destinations for expats who want to work and live in Europe. According to the OECD, Denmark has the highest employment rate among its members, with 75.4% of the working-age population having a job. The current in-demand jobs in Denmark are the following:
IT specialists
Healthcare professionals
Engineers
Educators
Business analysts
But how easy is it to find a job in Denmark, and what are the requirements?
Denmark is facing skills shortages in several sectors, such as engineering, IT, health, and education. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities for qualified professionals who can fill these gaps.
However, finding a job in Denmark is not as simple as sending your CV and waiting for a reply. You need to have a valid work permit, which usually requires a job offer from a Danish employer. Moreover, you need to meet the requirements of the positive list, which is a list of occupations that are in high demand in Denmark.
In this blog post, I will share some insights about jobs in Denmark based on my experience as an expat. I will also give you an overview of the different types of jobs available, the educational background needed, and the eligibility criteria set by the Danish government.
Two years ago, I moved to Denmark after getting a job offer from a software company in Copenhagen. I had a master’s degree in computer science and several years of experience in the field. I applied for the job through an online platform that connects expats with Danish employers. It was a smooth and fast process, and I got my work permit within a few weeks. I love working and living in Denmark, as it offers a high quality of life, a strong social security system, and a friendly and open culture.
Curious about what your salary will look like in Denmark? Read this article.
In-Demand Jobs in Denmark for Expats and International Students
Denmark is a small but prosperous country in Northern Europe, known for its high quality of life, social welfare, and innovation. It is also a popular destination for expats and international students who want to work and study in a diverse and dynamic environment.
But what are the best jobs for foreigners in Denmark? How can you find them and apply for them? What are the benefits of working in Denmark? In this section, we will answer these questions by giving you a list of five in-demand jobs in Denmark for expats and international students, along with their descriptions, qualifications, and benefits.
Before you seek a job in Denmark, read this article on reasons why you shouldn’t move there.
1. Information Technology Specialist
The IT sector in Denmark offers competitive salaries, opportunities for innovation, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology. The country is one of the most digitized economies in the EU, with an excellent IT infrastructure and a tech-savvy population. Denmark is also home to some of the most exciting tech startups, and the country seems to have a few aces up its sleeve. Danish software companies are expected to drive revenue of $5 billion in 2024, as estimated by Statista.
Required qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree:
Most IT roles require a bachelor’s degree.
Study areas: Computer Science, Information Technology, Management, or Computer Engineering.
Certifications:
Varied certifications depending on career goals.
Common ones include Certified Data Professional (CDP) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Career Advancement:
Master’s Degree:
Helpful for senior IT positions like Director of Information Technology.
Recognition of Foreign Qualifications:
Ensure foreign qualifications are recognized by Danish employers.
Average Salary
According to Salary Expert, the average salary for an Information Technology Support Specialist in Copenhagen, Denmark, is 583,353 DKK per year or an equivalent hourly rate of 280 DKK.
Potential Benefits: The IT sector in Denmark offers competitive salaries, opportunities for innovation, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
Are you planning to work in Copenhagen? Check this first! What Is A Good Salary in Copenhagen, Denmark? [2024]
2. Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals in Denmark, including doctors, nurses, and medical researchers, play a vital role in the country’s renowned healthcare system. Denmark often lists several healthcare positions on its “positive list” for expatriates, which can make it easier for foreign healthcare professionals to obtain work permits
The number of individuals employed in the health and social care sector in Denmark increased by 27 thousand employees (+4.52 percent).
Required Qualifications:
Detailed Transcript:
Includes admission, duration, theoretical, and clinical details.
Work Experience:
Mandatory for those trained over 6 years ago.
12 months of full-time nursing work documentation.
Educational Institution Form/Certificate:
Direct submission to Danish Patient Safety Authority.
Certifications for International Applicants:
Danish Authorisation:
Essential for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals in Danish healthcare.
Certificate of Current Professional Status:
Required for recent work or residence, confirming authorization without issues.
Average Salary:
The base salary for jobs in Health and Medical in Denmark ranges from 12,700 DKK to 38,800 DKK, with an average salary of 60,600 DKK per year. The median income in the field of Health and Medical is 55,000 DKK
Potential Benefits: Working in a world-class healthcare system, competitive salaries, and opportunities for research and development.
3. Engineers
Engineers in Denmark play a crucial role in various sectors, including renewable energy, construction, and manufacturing, contributing to the country’s innovative business landscape. Denmark is one of the most digitized economies in the EU, with an excellent IT infrastructure and a tech-savvy population. The country has a strong focus on research, and engineers are encouraged to continue learning throughout their careers.
According to the job search results, there are numerous job opportunities for engineers, particularly in the field of data engineering, in Denmark. Glassdoor lists 95 statistics jobs and 444 data engineer jobs in Denmark.
Required Qualifications:
Education:
Engineering degree from a recognized institution.
Work Experience:
Relevant work experience is typically required.
Language Proficiency:
Proficiency in English, possibly Danish.
Documents:
Diploma or Certificate:
Copy of your engineering diploma or certificate.
Detailed Transcript:
Transcript detailing your study program.
Curriculum Vitae (CV):
Chronological list of qualifications and work experience.
Proof of Language Proficiency:
Demonstrates proficiency in English and possibly Danish.
Certifications:
Recognition of Professional Qualifications:
Some foreign qualifications require approval by the Working Environment Authority or assurance by the employer.
Danish Authorisation:
Mandatory for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals intending to work in the Danish engineering sector.
Average Salary:
Salary Expert states that the average engineer gross salary in Copenhagen, Denmark, is 707,076 DKK per year, with an equivalent hourly rate of 340 DKK. It also provides specific salary estimates for entry-level and senior-level engineers.
Potential Benefits: Opportunities to work in a leading country in sustainable and green technologies, competitive salaries, and a collaborative work environment.
4. Educators
Teachers and academic staff play a pivotal role in shaping the education system in Denmark. This includes positions in schools, universities, and educational institutions. Denmark has a well-established education system that emphasizes problem-solving and challenges the established way of doing things.
According to Statistics Denmark, around 31,600 foreigners immigrated to Denmark for work purposes in 2022, representing a 24% increase compared to the previous year and the highest number since 1997. Denmark is ranked as the third-best country globally for English language proficiency.
Required Qualifications:
Educational Requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field is generally required.
Example: BSc in General Engineering at DTU has specific admission requirements like Mathematics A-level, English B-level, and Physics B-level.
Language Proficiency:
Proficiency in English is crucial, as many engineering programs in Denmark are offered in English.
Applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Average Salary:
The average salary for a Teacher in Denmark is 230,00 DKK per year.
The average salary for a Primary School Teacher in Denmark is approximately 436,667 to 449,715 DKK per year, with an equivalent hourly rate of 210 to 216
DKK.
Potential benefits: Denmark offers a world-class education system with a strong emphasis on work-life balance, free healthcare for teachers, and low pollution and crime rates. Despite higher living costs and taxes, Danish schools provide competitive salaries to offset these expenses.
5. Business Analysts
Business analysts in Denmark help companies improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability through data analysis and business strategy development. Denmark is one of the most digitized economies in the EU, with an excellent IT infrastructure and a tech-savvy population. The country has a strong focus on research, and business analysts are encouraged to continue learning throughout their careers.
In January 2024, there are several job opportunities for Business Analysts in Denmark. According to Glassdoor, there are 141 open Business Analyst positions in Denmark, and 111 of these positions are in Copenhagen, the capital region.
Related article: How To Move To The UK From The US Without A Job?
Required Qualifications
Education:
A bachelor’s degree in business or related fields is typically required.
Courses in statistics, financial modeling, programming, and data science are beneficial.
An MBA can be advantageous for senior analyst positions.
Experience:
Entry-level roles and internships during or after your degree help build skills and connections.
Certifications:
Optional, but the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis from IIBA can showcase qualifications.
Master’s Degree Option:
DTU offers a Master’s in Business Analytics, focusing on advanced methods for solving business challenges.
Average Salary
Salary Expert reports that the average business analyst gross salary in Copenhagen, Denmark is 976,921 DKK per year.
Entry-level business analysts in Copenhagen earn an average salary of 686,144
DKK per year.
Senior-level business analysts in Copenhagen earn an average salary of 1,211,427 DKK per year.
Potential Benefits: Opportunities to work in diverse industries, competitive salaries, and a chance to contribute to the strategic growth of businesses.
Looking for other job opportunities? Check this article: What Is A Good Salary in Finland? [2024 Guide]
Other Notable Jobs for Expats in Denmark
Denmark, a country known for its high standard of living and world-class education, offers a wide range of job opportunities for expats. These jobs can be broadly categorized into university degree jobs, skilled labor, and unskilled labor. Each category has its own unique career paths, key skills required, and potential growth opportunities.
University Degree Jobs
University degree jobs are positions that typically require a higher level of education. These jobs are often found in the business, service, and education sectors. Here are some examples:
Academia: Universities in Denmark are always on the search for talented professors and researchers from around the world. Positions in this field offer a clear career path with opportunities for growth and development.
Business and Finance: Many multinational corporations have offices in Denmark, offering a variety of positions for those with a business or finance degree.
Skilled Labor
Skilled labor refers to jobs that require specific training or skills but not necessarily a university degree. Examples include:
Craftsmen: Skilled craftsmen such as carpenters, electricians, and plumbers are always in demand.
IT Professionals: Denmark’s tech industry is booming, and skilled IT professionals are highly sought after.
Chefs and Bakers: With a thriving food scene, skilled chefs and bakers can find numerous opportunities in Denmark.
Unskilled Labor
Unskilled labor jobs do not require a specific set of skills or a university degree. These jobs are often entry-level positions that provide training on the job. Examples include:
Retail Employees: Many expats start their career in Denmark in retail, as it often doesn’t require proficiency in Danish.
Warehouse Workers: With the rise of e-commerce, there’s a growing demand for warehouse workers.
Cleaning Services: Cleaning jobs are plentiful and often don’t require previous experience or language skills.
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Final Thoughts About Jobs in Denmark
In conclusion, Denmark offers a wealth of job opportunities across various sectors, making it an attractive destination for expats and international students. Whether you’re an IT specialist, healthcare professional, engineer, educator, business analyst, or skilled/unskilled laborer, Denmark’s thriving economy and high quality of life provide a conducive environment for personal and professional growth. Explore the diverse job market, adhere to qualification requirements, and seize the chance to contribute to Denmark’s innovative landscape.
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