degree from the Royal Frederick University in 1846, Rye started a career as a civil servant in Norwegian government ministries.
He eventually advanced to higher positions, being appointed head of division in the General Post Directorate in 1857.
In 1869, Rye left his position to become County Governor of Søndre Bergenhus (today named Hordaland).
Instead, he returned to a post as County Governor; this time in Bratsberg (today named Telemark) to which he had been appointed in 1877.
Rye died in February 1905, weeks after his retirement from the position of county governor of Kristiania.