Salaries in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide to Dutch wages

Thinking of taking a job in the Netherlands? Good for you, that’s a courageous move, and I’m proud — now let’s get down to business and talk about Dutch salaries.

Did you know that the Netherlands boasts the fourth-highest net earnings in Europe? Yep, that’s a real advantage of life here.

However, before your eyes turn to € signs and you sign that contract, there are several important things you need to know about salaries in the Netherlands.

Take it from someone who has lived and worked here for the past 7 years.

Salaries in the Netherlands 

While the Netherlands may rank as one of the best-paying countries in the world, it’s important to note that the amount that you get paid, of course, depends on the type of wage you are receiving.

Let’s start by discussing wages in the Netherlands. 

What’s the minimum wage in the Netherlands in 2026? 

What may be a surprise to some is that the minimum wage in the Netherlands actually varies based on your age.

As of January 1, 2026, the hourly minimum wage for a person over the age of 21 in the Netherlands has risen to €14.71 before tax.

However, if you are under 21, your wage will be slightly different:

What’s the average salary in the Netherlands in 2026?

According to the Dutch Central Planning Bureau, the average annual salary is expected to rise to €48,500, including holiday pay.

This brings the average gross monthly income to rough €4,042. Once taxes are deducted, the average take-home pay is between €2,920 and €3,233 per month (depending on whether or not you receive toeslagen and other benefits).

READ MORE | Toeslagen? Everything you should know about government allowances in the Netherlands [2026 guide]

However, life is often, well, not average — and the same goes for your salary. Depending on your job, your salary is going to be higher or lower than this number. 

Inflation and Dutch salaries in 2026

The past few years have seen the cost of living in the Netherlands skyrocket to new heights.

In 2024, inflation rose to 3.3% according to the CBS, and a similar rise has been seen in 2026 so far.

As of May 2026, the cost of consumer goods and services is sitting at 2.8%, according to a flash estimate by the CBS. With all this in mind, many of us could do with a pay raise this year.

Thankfully, as we have seen, the Dutch government addressed this by raising the minimum wage — but what can we expect in 2026?

Well, recent figures from the European Central Bank suggest that wage growth across the eurozone is expected to continue in 2026, although at a slower pace than in previous years.

The ECB’s wage tracker indicates negotiated wages are forecast to rise by around 2.6% by the end of 2026.

Meanwhile, the Dutch government has once again adjusted income tax brackets and tax credits for 2026.

The first income tax rate has been lowered slightly to 35.75% for incomes up to €38,883, while the maximum labour tax credit (arbeidskorting) has increased to €5,685.

READ MORE | The 30% ruling in the Netherlands: The easy guide in 2026

Instead of two tax brackets, there are now three. This adjustment means that everyone on an average salary can keep a little bit more money this year.

The same goes for full-time minimum wage earners, who are also expected to take home more net pay thanks to changes to tax rates and increased tax credits.

Moral of the story: while inflation is rising, so is your salary.

What’s the difference between bruto salaris and netto salaris? 

Once you’ve dressed to impress and knocked the socks off your Dutch employers during your interview, you will be offered a salary. 

But before you get too excited about the numbers, you will be hearing two different figures: these will be your gross(bruto) and net (netto) salary, and it’s important you know the difference! 

What is Bruto salaris in the Netherlands? 

One will be the amount that you will get paid before tax and other deductions — this is your bruto salaris (gross salary), and you won’t get to keep it all. 

What is Netto salaris in the Netherlands? 

Netto salaris represents the money you get to keep after tax and all other deductions.

Picture one of those cycle bins that catch cyclists’ rubbish as they zoom by.

Ok great, now think of your netto salaris (net salary) as how much money actually hits the back of the net and lands in your bank account. 

How much of your salary will be taxed in the Netherlands? 

Now, after all that talk of netto and bruto salaries, you’re probably wondering just how big a bite the Dutch tax system will take out of your wages. 

As we established above, in the Netherlands, there are three different tax brackets in 2026.

Depending on your home and work income, you will be taxed a certain percentage. Let’s lay them out for you. 

What’s included in your Dutch salary? 

Yes, taxation is high in the Netherlands — but being employed in the Netherlands also has its perks — namely, several benefits. 

Holiday pay (vakantiegeld)  

In the Netherlands, you will receive at least 8% of your gross wage in holiday pay.

Employers will usually pay this to you as a lump sum between May and June; however, it can also be distributed a little at a time each month, depending on your contract. 

‘The 13th month’ 

In any job, there is always the chance that you may receive a bonus.

But in the Netherlands, some companies offer what has been coined the ‘13th month’ under certain contracts (spoiler: the better ones.)  

If your salary includes a ‘13th month’, then you will essentially receive an extra month’s pay! It is usually given before the holiday period in November or December and also equals to 8.33% of an employee’s salary. 

Sick leave

In the Netherlands, most work contracts will also cover you for sick leave. Under Dutch law, your employer should pay you 70% of your wages if you are sick during your contract. 

If you are sick for a long period of time, you don’t have to worry about your employer dropping you. In fact, under Dutch law, an employer should pay sick leave for up to 104 weeks of sickness. 

A great work-life balance 

Ok, this is not exactly a monetary benefit that can be found in your Dutch salary — but it’s certainly a benefit that I enjoy. In the Netherlands, a good work-life balance is highly valued.

READ MORE | The work-life balance in the Netherlands is the best in the world

This means that you’re not expected to bring your work home with you “as part of the company culture”, and it’s great.

How to understand your Dutch payslip

Once you have found yourself a job and a salary to go with it, you may need a hand understanding that pesky payslip! And we don’t blame you. As an international in the Netherlands, it can be a bit overwhelming. 

Luckily, we’ve broken down all that difficult vocab for you. 😉 

All caught up on your Nederlands? We’re proud of you. Now there’s only one thing left to do: sign the dotted line and get your geld.

How have you experienced working in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!