Salary & average income in the Netherlands

By Abi CarterUpdated on Feb 13, 2025
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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: 

Age group Standardised income (gross)
15 - 25 years 37.500 euros
25 - 45 years 37.900 euros
45 - 65 years 42.700 euros
65 years+ 32.700 euros

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.

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 6.106 euros
Financial services  5.065 euros
Energy supply 4.927 euros
Information and communication 4.501 euros
Specialist business services 4.268 euros
Public administration and government services 4.060 euros
Construction 3.867 euros
Industry 3.847 euros
Water companies and waste management 3.831 euros
Rental and trade of real estate 3.593 euros
Transport and storage 3.395 euros
Education 3.268 euros
Health and welfare care 2.581 euros
Trade 2.341 euros
Agriculture, forestry and fisheries 2.330 euros
Culture, sports and recreation 2.098 euros
Hospitality 1.250 euros

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: 

City Average monthly salary
Loosdrecht 4.374 euros
Well 3.955 euros
Zeeland 3.825 euros
Watergang 3.687 euros
The Hague 3.557 euros
Amsterdam 3.482 euros
Utrecht 3.481 euros
Rotterdam 3.318 euros
Zwolle 3.263 euros
Eindhoven 3.246 euros

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.


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