The 1988 1. divisjon was the 44th completed season of top division football in Norway. The season began on 1 May 1988 and ended on 9 October 1988.
22 games were played with 3 points given for wins and 1 for draws. Number eleven and twelve were relegated. The winners of the two groups of the 2. divisjon were promoted, as well as the winner of a series of play-off matches between the two second placed teams in the two groups of the 2. divisjon and number ten in the 1. divisjon.
Rosenborg won their 6th title.
<onlyinclude></onlyinclude>
Bryne, Start, and Ham-Kam competed in the play-offs. Start won and Bryne were relegated to 2. divisjon.