Are you considering a move or looking for a job in the Netherlands? Here’s a straightforward and detailed guide to understanding salaries there. This guide covers average salaries in major cities like Amsterdam, where earnings are typically higher due to the area's economic vitality. We also detail what you can earn in key sectors such as finance and IT, which offer some of the best salaries.

You'll also find information on how factors like age and education can affect your salary. This practical guide is designed to help you figure out what you might earn in the Netherlands and to help you make informed decisions about working or moving there.

Average Salary in the Netherlands 2023 

According to the Dutch Central Planning Bureau, workers in the Netherlands can expect a notable increase in their earnings in 2024. The average gross income is projected to rise to €42,236 per year, a significant increase from the 2023 figure of €34,260. This translates to an average monthly income of around €3,520, which marks an improvement in earning potential across the country.

Additionally, as of January 2024, the hourly minimum wage for individuals over the age of 21 has been set at €13.27. This adjustment reflects ongoing efforts to align wages with living costs. Moreover, workers will benefit from enhanced tax breaks starting this year, which are expected to increase net monthly earnings by approximately €79.17 due to reduced income tax obligations.

It's also important to note that actual earnings can vary widely depending on one's profession and sector. While some may earn considerably more than the average, others might find their salaries are below this threshold, which reflects Netherlands economic landscape.

When compared to other developed nations, salaries in the Netherlands are considered average and slightly below those in the US and UK. Nonetheless, the Netherlands is recognised for upholding a healthy work-life balance. The OECD’s Better Life Index indicates that only about 0.3% of employees work long hours, significantly lower than the global average of 10%. Additionally, full-time workers in the Netherlands spend over 60% of their day on personal care and leisure activities.

Average salary in the Netherlands by city

Based on data from Payscale for 2024, the average salaries in the Netherlands by city are as follows:

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In 2024, workers in Amsterdam are seeing higher average salaries compared to other cities in the Netherlands. This is partly because Amsterdam is a key economic centre and is known as the startup capital of the country. It's also home to many other industries including finance, technology, creative arts, and tourism. These sectors are thriving and contribute significantly to the city's economy.

Higher compensation in Amsterdam can also be linked to the high cost of living and the city's appeal as an international business hub. Companies like ING, Philips and several others offer competitive salaries to attract and retain talent. Moreover, Amsterdam's cultural and economic vitality makes it an attractive place for professionals.

Average salary in the Netherlands by profession

The below data shows the most high-demand job sectors in the Netherlands and how much, on average, you can expect to be paid (According to Payscale):

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Did you know that the world's first stock exchange was established in the Netherlands? This explains why Dutch people are very particular about their finances. It also comes as no surprise that the finance sector is the profession that pays the highest — €73,745 on average.

Next on the list is the IT sector, with an average decent wage of €60,000 annually. Given that the country is considered a tech hub and home to the headquarters of several established big companies, it's no surprise that the IT sector has the highest job demand.

Further analysing salaries in the Netherlands by profession 

Now you know what the most popular job sectors are in the Netherlands, let's dive even further into each one. We’ve picked the three most popular career paths from each sector and given you their average salaries.  

1. Finance

The Dutch Ministry of Finance actively supports the financial sector in the Netherlands, aiming to maintain a steady supply of finance jobs. Thanks to its strategic position in Europe, the Netherlands is an attractive location for financial institutions. Among the variety of positions available, three jobs in particular see the highest number of applications:

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2. IT

As previously mentioned, the Netherlands is an excellent location for IT professionals. With the increasing number of tech companies setting up shop in the country, the demand for roles in this field is growing. Below are the most popular job roles and their average yearly salary.

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Related: Software Developer Salary in The Netherlands 

3. Engineering (Mechanical)

The Netherlands is a small country with a high population density. As a result, the government places a strong emphasis on developing housing, drainage systems, roads, and supermarkets within limited space. Therefore, creative engineers with innovative design concepts are greatly valued in the Netherlands. 

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4. Healthcare

In the Netherlands, healthcare is generally of high quality. However, individuals residing in the country are required to obtain health insurance to cover the expenses of essential care, which can be expensive. Over the years, the government have been raising healthcare spending to guarantee accessible and top-notch healthcare services for its people. Consequently, this boost in investment translates into more employment prospects in the healthcare industry.

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Average salary in the Netherlands by the highest-paid profession

According to Salary Explorer, here’s the list of some of the most profitable job positions that offer high-paying salaries.

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Average salary in the Netherlands by age

According to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Centraal Planburo), 15-year-old children are allowed to perform light work unsupervised after school hours and during holidays. However, they cannot operate machinery or work in factories. They are also eligible to earn the minimum youth wage, which is €31.84 per day.

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Average salary in the Netherlands by education level

Education in the Netherlands is of a high standard in both public and private schools. More than 80% of adults in the country have completed secondary school, and about one-third of them have a university degree, which is higher than the international average.

According to Statista, Individuals with a higher level of education earned an average salary of over 46.7 thousand euros per year, whereas those with a lower education level earned an average of approximately 28.5 thousand euros annually. This data highlights the significance of education in the Netherlands.

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Average salaries in other European countries

We recognise that Europe is a popular location for foreign job seekers. To assist in selecting a suitable country, we have gathered data on salary ranges across various European nations. The following articles may prove beneficial:

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Factors to consider when it comes to the average salary in the Netherlands

It's important to factor in several elements to get a clearer picture. Keep in mind that the figures in our article are only estimates. Aside from work experience, job title, and level of education, here are some key things to consider:

1. Sector and industry

Different sectors and industries have varying levels of salary potential and are influenced heavily by economic value and skill scarcity. Finance, technology, engineering, and healthcare, in particular, are known for offering competitive salaries, reflecting the high skill level and critical nature of these roles—for instance, sectors like banking and pharmaceuticals often top salary scales due to their significant economic impact. In contrast, retail and hospitality typically offer lower wages, reflecting broader market conditions and labour supply.

2. Company size

The size of a company can also significantly affect salary structures. Larger organisations often have the resources to offer higher wages and more comprehensive benefit packages. They are also more likely to be involved in industries with higher revenue potentials, such as multinational corporations in finance or technology. Smaller companies might offer lower salaries but could compensate with other benefits like flexibility and a more personal work environment.

3. Location

Urban centres like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague typically offer higher salaries due to the concentration of large companies and high-cost living areas. These cities are economic hubs with dense populations and robust infrastructures that attract businesses that pay higher wages. Conversely, rural areas may offer lower salaries due to decreased demand for high-skilled labour and lower living costs.

4. Collective Labour Agreements (CLAs)

CLAs influence salaries in many sectors. These are negotiated deals between unions and employers that set out wages and other employment conditions. For instance, starting in January 2024, updated CLAs ensure that even foreign drivers in the transport sector receive fair wages according to Dutch standards. CLAs can dictate salary, benefits, and working hours, which impact earnings, especially in industries with strong union representation.

5. Market demand and supply

Fields with a high demand for professionals, like technology and healthcare, tend to offer higher salaries to attract the necessary talent. On the other hand, sectors where available workers are abundant might see lower average wages. Economic trends, technological advancements, and shifts in consumer demand can all influence which skills are in demand and, consequently, which jobs pay more.

6. Gender pay gap

Despite efforts towards equality, a gender pay gap persists in the Netherlands. Recent data, such as the StepStone Salary Report 2024, shows that men earn a median salary of €45,750 while women earn €40,000 — a 12.4% difference. Even after adjusting for variables like age and job type, there remains a 5.5% gap. This ongoing issue reflects broader societal and structural inequalities and is crucial when discussing average salaries.

Understanding the above-mentioned factors that impact your earning potential is crucial when you want to negotiate a competitive salary in the Netherlands. If you're a developer in the Netherlands and find that your salary is lower than what's typical for your experience and role, it might be time to refresh your resume. Platforms like WeAreDevelopers connect tech professionals with leading companies across Europe, providing numerous job opportunities that could help boost your earnings.