Understanding the average salary in the Netherlands is important for professionals considering a move to this European country.
The Netherlands is known for its high quality of life, strong economy, and excellent work-life balance, as well as being one of the highest-paying countries in the world.
But what will your salary be? Well, the average salary in the Netherlands depends on a few factors, such as industry, work experience, and education level.
Let’s see how those numbers stack up. 👇
READ MORE | 10 things to know before finding a job in the Netherlands as an international
What is the average salary in the Netherlands?
According to the Centraal Planbureau (Central Planning Bureau, or CPB), the median annual salary in the Netherlands for 2026 is calculated to be about €48,000 gross per year (including holiday allowance). While the monthly average amounts to €3,800 gross per month.
Some sources estimate a slightly lower average salary in the Netherlands, starting at €41,000 gross per year (€3,417 per month).
Of course, a range of factors impact the average salary, including age, education level, and industry. So what’s the average for you?
Average salary in the Netherlands by age
One way to look at average salaries is by age, where 45 to 65-year-olds usually earn the highest median salary per annum.
| Age | Median yearly salary in 2026 |
| 25 and younger | €37,500 |
| 25-45 years old | €37,900 |
| 45-65 years old | €42,700 |
| 65 and older | €32,700 |
Children between the ages of 13 and 16 are allowed to work under certain conditions. They can also work for the minimum wage starting at age 15, earning €4.41 per hour.
On the flip side, the average retirement age in 2022 was 65.5 years, which was slightly less than the Dutch state pension age.
The statutory retirement age in the Netherlands has gradually increased in the last few years, reaching 67 in 2024. It will increase further to 67 years and 3 months starting in 2028.
Average salary in the Netherlands by education
The Dutch education system is considered one of the best in the world, with 38% of adults in the Netherlands holding some form of tertiary education.
As expected, the average salary in the Netherlands increases with education level.
| Education level | Average yearly salary in 2021 |
| Non-graduates | €28,535 |
| Secondary school graduates | €36,500 |
| Course certificate or equivalent | €32,695 |
| University degree or higher | €46,665 |
The newest information from 2026 shows that those holding a diploma from an academic university (WO) earn between €30,456 and €41,472 per year.
Average salary in the Netherlands by Dutch city
Amsterdamers earn the highest average salary in the Netherlands, taking home a gross yearly salary of €56,000.
| City | Average yearly salary in 2026 |
| Amsterdam | €56,000 |
| Rotterdam | €49,000 |
| Eindhoven | €55,000 |
| Utrecht | €51,000 |
| The Hague | €53,000 |
Amsterdam is a key economic centre for many international companies and industries, including finance, technology, and tourism.
READ MORE | Finding a job in Amsterdam: the ultimate guide in 2024
Tech hub and home of Philips, Eindhoven nabs the second place. The Hague takes third place, as it is home to many intergovernmental organisations, embassies, and NGOs.
Average salary in the Netherlands by industry and work experience
The most in-demand job sectors are finance, information technology (IT), (mechanical) engineering, and (public) healthcare.
| Industry | Average yearly salary in 2026 |
| Finance (Manager) | €73,745 |
| IT (Consultant) | €53,450 |
| Engineering | €46,309 |
| Doctors | €54,000 |
People working in finance at the manager level make an average of €73,745 a year, while engineers make an average of €43,945 a year.
Gross salary vs. net salary
Once you’ve signed on to a new baan (job), your employer will offer you a salary. You’ll be given two figures, your bruto salaris (gross salary) and your netto salaris (net salary). So, what’s the difference?
Well, your bruto salaris refers to the amount of money you make before taxes and other deductions — which means you won’t be keeping the full amount.
Instead, the netto salaris is what winds up in your bank account once all the deductions have been made.
Income taxes in the Netherlands
In 2026, the Netherlands has three tax brackets for Box 1 income (meaning the money you earn from your work and home ownership).
| Gross Yearly Salary | Income Tax |
| Below €38,883 | 35.75% |
| Between €38,883 and €79,137 | 37.56% |
| Above €79,137 | 49.50% |
As the incomes and tax rates change every year, you can use an online calculator to determine your exact income tax.
When you receive your monthly payslip, your employer has usually already deducted the income tax from your salary (under payroll taxes), as well as any other contributions you may have to pay.
Understanding your Dutch payslip
Employees in the Netherlands receive their payslips (loonstrook) from their employer on a monthly basis.
| Dutch term | English translation | Meaning |
| Periode | Period | The relevant time period of work (weekly or monthly) |
| Personeelsnummer | Employee number | Your employee ID number |
| Salaris | Salary based on hours worked | Your gross monthly salary |
| Brutoloon | Gross salary/wage | Gross salary before taxes and deductions |
| Nettoloon | Net salary/wage | Net salary after tax and deductions; the final amount that goes into your bank |
| Uurloon | Wage | Your gross wage (usually by hour) |
| Burgerservicenummer (BSN) | Citizen service number | Your Dutch social security number |
| Gewerkte uren | Worked hours | (Normal) hours worked that period |
| Loonheffing | Income tax | The amount of money deducted for prepaid taxes and contributions |
| Socialeverzekering | Social insurance | The social security contributions you pay for (and are covered by) |
Social premiums and contributions
Your payslip may also include which social security programmes you contribute to and which ones you are covered by.
Examples of contributions are your pension fund (Algemene Ouderdomswet or AOW), disability pension (arbeidsongeschiktheidspensioen or AP), unemployment benefit (werkloosheidswet or WW), and paid sick leave (zorgverzekeringswet or ZVW).
Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional, understanding the average salary in the Netherlands is important for anyone who plans to or is currently working here.
Have you worked in the Netherlands? Tell us about your experience in the comments below. 👇
Average salary in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in the Netherlands?
According to the CPB, the median annual salary in the Netherlands is €48,000, or about €4,000 gross per month.
The average salary depends on many factors, including your age, industry, experience, education level, and even the city you live in.
What is the minimum wage in the Netherlands?
The minimum wage in the Netherlands is fixed per hour and depends on your age. Your weekly or monthly earnings depend on your official number of working hours. Here are the wages by age:
| Age | Hourly minimum wage |
| 15 years | €4.41 |
| 16 years | €5.07 |
| 17 years | €5.81 |
| 18 years | €7.36 |
| 19 years | €8.83 |
| 20 years | €11.77 |
| 21 years and older | €14.71 |
OMG, the salaries are really low, why so much people go there to work?, they just go there and become poor, make no sense.
Salaries are not low as many cost like income tax for example are already paid for in the gross salary you receive. The standard of living is very high , there are very little amount of people truly homeless . The education system is one of the best in the world. Dutch people are amongst the happiest in the world ( despite the weather ) and due to the extra month of salary you get in May every one can afford a vacation 🤗