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 2025, the median gross salary for a person working in the Netherlands is 46.500 euros gross per year. This equates to a net annual salary of 35.093 euros.
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:
Source: CBS, 2022
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.
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:
Source: CBS, 2022
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:
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.