Denmark’s labour market continues to defy economic challenges in 2024, with employment reaching record levels.

Despite high inflation, rising interest rates, and economic uncertainty, the number of employed workers in the country has steadily grown throughout the year.

According to a recent report from Statistics Denmark (DST), total employment increased by approximately 1,600 people in June, bringing the total to a record-breaking 3,025,200.

This consistent growth is becoming the norm, and many industries are in need of labour, which means that the competition for workers is at a high.

A battle for skilled workers

Erik Bjørsted, the chief economist at trade union Dansk Metal, recently told newswire Ritzau that this fierce competition will persist, especially as the country faces a looming shortage of skilled workers.

With 176,000 skilled workers expected to retire by 2035 and stagnant interest in vocational education, Denmark’s labour market will continue to be a battleground for talent for some time to come.

In this context of strong demand and fierce competition, several industries are currently leading the way in hiring.

Several industries with labour shortages

The Danish job market is currently “very lucrative for job seekers,” Pernille Lund Thomsen, a recruitment consultant and Eures adviser at Work In Denmark, told The Local.

For international job seekers considering a move to Denmark, Thomsen emphasised that now is an ideal time to make the leap.

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“If international jobseekers are considering coming to Denmark, now is definitely a great time to do so,” she said.

She noted that there is an exceptionally high demand for “engineers, healthcare professionals, IT specialists, and skilled labour.”

Thomsen also highlighted the Danish government’s significant investments in green energy and digitisation, sectors poised for substantial growth in the coming years.

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Hot job markets: IT, healthcare, engineering, life sciences…

“The Danish job market is robust and dynamic, with a strong emphasis on innovation, technology, and sustainability,” Søren Hjorth Lee, Nordic Market Director at the recruitment company Nigel Wright Group, told The Local.

Lee noted that the current labour market is characterised by high employment levels and a balanced work environment.

“Over the past 6-12 months, there has been significant movement and reorganisation within companies, although job vacancies due to expansion have been relatively low,” he said.

Despite these changes, several industries continue to see high demand for skilled professionals, according to Lee.

The technology and IT sector is particularly active.

“There is a strong need for data analysis, cybersecurity, and IT consulting roles,” he said, adding that the healthcare is also experiencing a shortage of workers, driven by Denmark’s “ageing population.”

“We see a need for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and medical researchers,” Lee said.

Engineering remains another area of strong demand, especially in construction and mechanical engineering.

“At the same time, Denmark’s leading role in renewable energy, particularly wind energy, continues to create opportunities in this sector,” the Nigel Wright Group expert said.

“Life sciences, led by major players like Novo Nordisk, are also expanding,” Lee added, noting that they require “skilled professionals across various functions and levels.”

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Lastly, the Danish consumer industry is growing rapidly, particularly in retail and consumer goods.

“As companies adapt to changing consumer behaviours and technological advancements, there is a growing focus on e-commerce, digital marketing, and supply chain optimisation,” Lee told The Local.