Dutch workers see rise in disposable income thanks to higher wages

By Simone Jacobs

In the third quarter of 2024, wages negotiated as part of collective labour agreements increased by 6,8 percent compared to a year earlier - equaling the highest wage increase in over 40 years. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) has reported that this is the main reason that workers in the Netherlands are seeing a rise in their disposable income. 

Collective agreement wages in the Netherlands increase

In the past three months, the private sector had the highest increase in Dutch wages of the three main sectors at 7,3 percent, while the sector including subsidised institutions - mainly consisting of healthcare - was not far behind with a 7,1 percent increase. 

In the government sector, collective agreement wages increased by 5,4 percent. During the same period last year, the government and subsidised sectors were the other way around, with the government seeing the highest increase.

When looking at the different industries, salaries of employees at housing associations increased the most at 12,4 percent and those in the hospitality industry rose by 10,8 percent. On the other side of the coin, wages in education only went up by 2,1 percent. “This is mainly because wages in the two largest education collective labour agreements (primary and secondary education) last increased in the third quarter of 2023,” CBS reported.

More disposable income for workers in the Netherlands

The wage increases from collective bargaining agreements are the reason why many residents have more money to spend after taxes. In the second quarter, the disposable income of Dutch households increased by 1,6 percent. 

Mortgage debt in the country also increased by 9,2 billion euros as the price of homes became more expensive. Despite higher housing prices, more houses were purchased, which can be attributed partly to the wage increases.

Thumb image credit: www.hollandfoto.net / Shutterstock.com

Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
follow us for regular updates:

Simone Jacobs

Editor at IamExpat Media

Editor for the Netherlands at IamExpat Media. Simone studied Genetics and Zoology at the University of Pretoria in South Africa before moving to the Netherlands, where she has been working as a writer and editor since 2022. One thing she loves more than creating content is consuming it, mainly by reading books by the dozen. Other than being a book dragon, she is also a nature lover and enjoys hiking and animal training. Read more

For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.