In line with the government’s 2026 Tax Plan and adjustments to the minimum wage, workers in the Netherlands are seeing a net wage increase of up to around 3.7%.
And what does this mean? Well, according to Nibud (National Institute for Family Finance Information), purchasing power has increased by an average of 0.9%.
However, just how much of an increase you’ll see in your paycheck depends on what it is you do. So, here’s the rundown of the latest changes.
Your sector determines your raise
According to AD, salary increases depend on the sector you work in.
Each sector has a separately negotiated CAO (Collective Labour Agreement), which means wage increases will affect employees differently.
For example, provided they earn a standard modal income, workers in a sector such as healthcare, where the CAO requires a larger salary contribution to social funds, will see a smaller wage increase (between €17 and €18 per month).
Meanwhile, the average worker in the business services sector could see up to €26 more per month. Work in construction? You can receive up to €39 extra per month.
This variability is also true for sectors where greater amounts of a worker’s salary are attributed to their pension fund.
Whatever wage increase they receive will be less visible in their net wages, but they will save more for the future.
These differences in the size of each worker’s salary increase become less visible as their average salary increases.
Someone earning twice the modal income, for instance, will likely see an increase of between €32 and €37, regardless of the sector they work in.
Who is the luckiest?
Well, “lucky” might be the wrong word, but minimum-wage workers are likely to see the biggest increase in their purchasing power, ranging from €46 to €65 extra each month for those with a 36-hour workweek, reports AD.
This is thanks to a combo of increased minimum wage (from €14.40 to €14.71) and a further increase in the earned income tax credit for these workers.
Of course, just how much of an increase minimum wage workers will see still varies by sector.
And while net wages increase, there are those who argue that in the face of inflation and higher prices in gas, groceries, and housing, these additions are basically negligible.
@dutchreview €7.99 for a sliver of salmon #dutchreview #fyp #supermarket ♬ original sound – Trina Wawrzynowicz
Who is the unluckiest?
Sorry, guys, but if you’re self-employed, you got the short end of the stick (again).
Tax deductions for these workers have been even further reduced in 2026, following significant cuts in 2025. This means you can expect to cough up more cash once it’s time to file your income tax.
Let’s hope next year brings more bang for your buck.
Have you been impacted by these latest developments? Let us know in the comments.
