Wage increases in the Netherlands stay ahead of inflation

In the first half of 2025, Dutch wages have risen by an average of 4,1 percent. This increase is mainly due to trade unions' collective labour agreements, meaning wage rises have remained higher than inflation.

Sharp rise in Dutch salaries in recent years

Wages in the Netherlands rose by 4,1 percent in the first six months of the year, 3,9 percent in June alone. During the last month, 25 collective labour agreements were concluded for 270.000 employees.

Based on preliminary figures from the employers’ association (AWVN), the hospitality industry, healthcare, construction, and agriculture saw the fastest growth in salaries, NU.nl reports. Wages have seen sharp increases over the past few years to offset record-high inflation experienced in 2022.

However, Dutch trade union FNV still wants a 7 percent increase to fully compensate for the decline in purchasing power over the years. "We believe it is high time that people start making progress after three years of suffering, and that requires more than 4,1 percent,” said FNV employment conditions coordinator Petra Bolster. “That is perfectly possible, because most sectors are still making enough money and government finances are in good shape."

Dutch wage increases higher than inflation on average

According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), inflation stood at 3,1 percent in June, mainly due to higher prices of services, food, drinks and tobacco. Despite this, wages have remained at a relatively high level amid the continuing worker shortage.

AWVN states that this is detrimental to the Dutch economy. "We will have to look at the wage margin per company and sector. Things are still going badly in certain parts of the industry,” said an AWVN spokesperson. 

Economists at RaboResearch expect to see wages go up by an average of 5 percent in total this year and a slightly lower rise of 4,1 percent for 2026. “The tightness in the labour market plays an important role, giving unions a strong position at the collective bargaining tables. Even though the loss in purchasing power has been made up in recent years,” said economist Hugo Erken.