Salary & average income in the Netherlands

When you start a new job in the Netherlands it's always a challenge to understand how your salary is calculated, how much tax you are paying, and whether you are receiving a fair wage.

Here is some general information to help you understand what average incomes in the Netherlands look like, how salaries are taxed, and what salary you can expect depending on your experience and industry.

Gross salary and net income in the Netherlands

One of the most important things to understand about your Dutch salary is the difference between your gross and net salary.

Gross salary

Your gross salary (bruto salaris) is your total salary before taxes, national insurance contributions, and other costs are deducted.

Net income

Your net income (netto salaris) is your salary after income tax, social security payments and contributions to your pension have been deducted.

Net salary

The net salary is the amount that is deposited in your bank account each month. When discussing your salary, and in your work contract, your employer will almost always refer to the gross monthly amount. Be sure to check the net amount as there is quite a difference between the two values.

Calculating your net Dutch salary

For example, if your salary is 2.500 euros gross per month, (27.778 euros a year including the 8% holiday allowance), then after taxes and social security contributions you will take home around 1.995 euros net per month. Use a salary calculator to get an indication of your net monthly income. 

Salary calculator for the Netherlands

Want to get an idea of what your take-home pay in the Netherlands will look like? You can use this salary calculator from Blue Umbrella to work out your income tax. It even works if you qualify for the 30 percent ruling. 

Average salary in the Netherlands

According to the Centraal Planbureau (CPB), in 2026, the median gross salary for a person working in the Netherlands is €48.000 gross per year. 

However, a salary can vary greatly from the median income as it is influenced by age, sector, professional experience and hours worked. We explore some of these factors in the tables below.

Average salary in the Netherlands by age

Here’s how salaries in the Netherlands vary according to the employee’s age: 

Age group	Standardised income (gross)
15 - 25 years	€41.200
25 - 45 years	€40.800
45 - 65 years	€46.400
65 years+	€35.700

Source: CBS, 2023

Average income in the Netherlands by education

Below is an overview of entry-level salaries in the Netherlands. These amounts are based on the average starting salaries of Dutch high school and university graduates one and half years after they completed their studies.

Education level	Salary per month
HBO	€2.200 - €2.650
HBO - Alpha subjects	€2.200
HBO - Beta subjects	€2.650
WO	€2.350 - €3.200
WO - Alpha subjects	€2.350
WO - Beta subjects	€3.200

Source: SEO

Average salary in the Netherlands by profession/industry

Certain industries in the Netherlands also command higher salaries than others. Here’s an overview of how salaries in different sectors stack up: 

Sector	Average monthly salary
Mining	€6.389
Financial services	€5.487
Energy supply	€5.191
Information and communication	€4.741
Specialist business services	€4.469
Public administration and government services	€4.333
Construction	€4.130
Industry	€4.080
Water companies and waste management	€4.039
Rental and trade of real estate	€3.914
Transport and storage	€3.614
Education	€3.468
Health and welfare care	€2.780
Trade	€2.501
Agriculture, forestry and fisheries	€2.561
Culture, sports and recreation	€2.241
Hospitality	1.250 euros

Source: CBS, 2024

Average income in the Netherlands by location

Finally, your location in the Netherlands also has an impact on your salary, with people living in cities commanding higher salaries than those in rural areas, as the table below demonstrates: 

Province	Average monthly salary
North Holland	€3.602
South Holland	€3.539
Utrecht	€3.497
North Brabant	€3.428
Gelderland	€3.422
Groningen	€3.372
Overijssel	€3.296
Drenthe	€3.289
Zeeland	€3.257
Friesland	€3.248
Flevoland	€3.241
Limburg	€3.239

Source: Werkzoeken.nl

Salary indicator for advanced careers

If you are more advanced in your career, or you were recruited from abroad, most likely your salary is already higher. To get a specific indication of your salary in the Netherlands, make use of the Salariskompas (in Dutch).

Besides providing a tailored salary guide, this site can also indicate the benefits, number of holidays and working hours (including overtime) that apply to your specific field and sector.

Bonuses and remuneration packages

Some employers also offer performance-based bonuses which may be paid out on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. Other benefits can include a company car, mobile phone or the coverage of your monthly costs for transportation.

Highly skilled migrants recruited from abroad often enjoy even more attractive remuneration packages, with the coverage of relocation, initial accommodation/short stay and (sometimes) the fees for international schools for their children.

Your monthly salary, holiday allowance and any bonuses or benefits all add up to equal your total annual income.