What Is A Good Salary in the Netherlands? | expatrist.com (2024)

What Is A Good Salary in the Netherlands? | expatrist.com (1)

What salary should you expect when applying for or accepting a job in the Netherlands? Bad news for expats from the US and UK – salaries in the Netherlands are, on average, lower than in your country.

A monthly net wage between 2,800 EUR and 3,500 EUR is considered a good wage in the Netherlands. This corresponds to an annual gross salary of above 45,000 EUR. Everyone getting between 3,750 EUR and 5,000 EUR gross per month is a good earner.

The Netherlands, and particularly Amsterdam, is a popular destination for expats and students. It’s a very culturally diverse place with many large international companies to work for. Read this article to learn what to expect regarding salaries and costs when moving to the Netherlands in 2023. Check salaries in Amsterdam here.

What jobs are in high-demand in the Netherlands in 2023? Read here.

What is considered a good salary in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, a monthly net income between 2,800 EUR and 3,500 EUR is considered to be a good salary. With that income, you can afford a two-bedroom apartment not far away from the city center, eat out, and travel around on weekends.

Are you thinking of taking a job in the Netherlands? Salary is an essential aspect of any job and things related to it can affect your decision.

Salaries in the Netherlands range from 1,480 EUR to 23,400 EUR . 50% of employees earn less than 5,590 EUR gross per month.

Read our guide on the cost of living for a family in the Netherlands.

Usually, expats spend around 1,500 EUR on rent, around 500 EUR on groceries, 200 EUR on eating out, and the rest is spent on leisure and savings.

Housing in the Netherlands: Rent Prices

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Are you moving to the Netherlands? Here are the top reasons why you might change your decision.

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Move To the Netherlands

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Example of a decent salary Netherlands has to offer

Base gross salary: 56,500 EUR, including 8% holiday pay. That’s 4,359 EUR gross per month plus 8% holiday allowance: 4,185 EUR before its taxed

Gross and net salary

Taxes on salary in the Netherlands are quite high. So you need to be aware of how much of your salary will be deducted and given away to the Dutch government each month from your contract. Here are the exact numbers for gross annual and net monthly wages (2022) across different careers

€20,000 – €1,535€25,000 – €1,810€30,000 – €2,050€35,000 – €2,285
€40,000 – €2,500€45,000 – €2,700€50,000 – €2,920€55,000 – €3,135
€60,000 – €3,345€65,000 – €3,560€70,000 – €3,765€75,000 – €3,950
€80,000 – €4,135€85,000 – €4,320€90,000 – €4,505€95,000 – €4,690
€100,000 – €4,900€125,000 – €5,955€150,000 – €7,005€200,000 – €9,110

Bonuses, holiday pay and remuneration packages

In addition to your standard monthly average salary, you could receive a holiday allowance in May, which is equivalent to 8% of annual earnings.The money will reflect in your bank account upon approval.

Some Dutch employers offer money and other benefits such as performance-based bonuses, overtime hours.

Also read: The Netherlands vs Germany: Quality of life

What Is A Good Salary in Amsterdam? [2023]

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Average salary in the Netherlands in 2022

Source: Statista

The average gross Dutch salary is 3,166 EUR per month or 2,500 EUR net. Overall, salaries paid range from 2,520 EUR to 3,405 EUR per month.

The median gross salary in 2022 was also 38,000 EUR, meaning a monthly net pay of around 2,500 EUR. Yet, the median expat salary is 48,000 EUR in Amsterdam.

The average Dutch salary varies significantly among different age groups. Here are some detailed numbers (2022):

Age groupAverage income per month (net)Average income per year (net)
Up to 24 years€1,175€14,100
25 to 34 years€2,517€30,200
35 to 44 years€2,783€33,400
45 to 54 years€3,100€37,200
55 to 64 years€3,133€37,600
65 to 74 years€2,642€31,700
75 years and older€2,200€26,400

You can see more on average salaries on the website nl.talent.com.

Also read which jobs are in high-demand right now and how easy or difficult (or easy) it is to find a job as a foreigner in the Netherlands.

Jobs in High Demand in the Netherlands in 2023

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If you want to move to the Netherlands without a job, check out our guide on how to do it.

Location and average annual salary

The average Dutch minimum wage depends on the location. Interestingly, Amsterdam doesn’t provide the highest net salary yet has the highest cost of living.

#CityAverage salary
1Loosdrecht€4.374
2Well (GE)€3.955
3Zeeland€3.700
4Den Haag€3.411
5Utrecht€3.288
6Amsterdam€3.265
7Rotterdam€3.120
8Den Bosch€3.086
9Breda€3.049
10Eindhoven€3.034

What Is a Good Salary in Rotterdam, Netherlands?

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Wages in the Netherlands

What Is A Good Salary in the Netherlands? | expatrist.com (2)

Foreign software developers and scientific research experts make between 45,000 EUR and maximum 65,000 EUR gross per year.

Minimum wage in the Netherlands in 2023

The national minimum wage for 2023 is set at 1,934.45 EUR per month for adults over the age of 21.

Minimum salary for the residence and work permit

In 2023, the minimum monthly gross wage for a highly skilled migrant aged 30 or older is set to 5,008.00 EUR. For candidates under age 30, the month’s salary eligible is 3,672.00 EUR.

Non-EU workers moving to the Netherlands need to fulfill the netto salaris minimum salary requirement when applying for a residence permit.

Read more about salaries in Europe.

Salaries for most common in the Netherlands jobs:

ProfessionAvg. salary
Teaching Assistant€2,525
Nurse€3,070
Physiotherapist€4,655
Truck driver€2,260
HR manager€2,820
Recruiter€2,540
General doctor€4,500
ICU Nurse€3,400
Salesman€2,065
Administrative assistant€2,355
Childcare Assistant€2,595
Account manager€3,125
Carpenter€2,720
Logistics Employee€2,140
Lawyer€4,630
Warehouse worker€2,060

Source: werkzoeken.nl

What Is A Good Salary in the Netherlands? | expatrist.com (3)

What are the highest-paying jobs in the Netherlands?

Some of the highest-paying jobs in the Netherlands are in politics, high-level management, law & taxation, and science especially with a master’s degree. The value may change based on position and what the employer considers important things for the company.

ProfessionMedian annual salary/EUR
Member of the board of directors medium organization363,900
General manager medium org.274,900
Pilot Boeing 747218,500
Commercial director182,400
Director of the major hospital173,000
President of the supreme court159,800
Purchasing director158,000
Sales director154,400
Mayor of the large city152,800
Minister152,800
Director of research and development147,200
Secretary of state146,900
Director of business development121,800
Marketing manager113,400
Tax specialist100,400
Sales Manager94,100
Lawyer86,600
Legal advisor85,800
System Architect84,500
Regional manager84,000
Account manager72,600
Project Manager67,000
Researcher67,000
Professor at university65,750
Programmer/Software engineer56,000

Cost of living in the Netherlands

What Is A Good Salary in the Netherlands? | expatrist.com (4)

How much do you need to make to have a comfortable life in Dutch in any of the four largest Dutch cities?

The country is quite similar to other European countries regarding the cost of living. Amsterdam is the country’s most expensive city to live in.

Here is some data on average living expenses in the Netherlands:

  • A family of four will need approximately 4,306 EUR as net salary amount
  • A single person’s estimated monthly costs are 2,428 EUR

Read our guide on the cost of living for a family in the Netherlands.

Best Country for Living: The Netherlands vs Germany

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Housing

House prices in the Netherlands have surged in the last few years, and as a result, finding affordable accommodation in the main Dutch cities can be a challenge.

The rent for a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Amsterdam can range from 1,000–1,900 EUR a month, depending on which neighborhood you live in.

In other popular Dutch cities, including Rotterdam, Utrecht, Amstelveen, and Haarlem, you can pay slightly less than in the capital.

Housing in the Netherlands: Rent Prices

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Dutch housing is one of the reasons why you shouldn’t move to the Netherlands.

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Move To the Netherlands

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Food

Food in the Netherlands is on the European average but more expensive than in Germany. Groceries are available at more affordable prices at the discounts like Albert Heijn, but regular and high-level supermarkets are more expensive.

How To Move To the Netherlands Without a Job?

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Is 60k a good salary in the Netherlands?

A salary of 60,000 EUR on a Dutch payslip is considered to be good. It’s 70 percent above the national average wage. 60,000 EUR will leave you 40,993 EUR annually or 3,416 EUR net monthly income after-tax as a single person.

60,000 EUR is the salary of someone with at least an undergrad university degree and many years of experience in their industry.

Earning 60,000 EUR gross as a single will give you a great lifestyle in the Netherlands,

If you don’t rent a place in the city center, your living costs can be reduced significantly.

Taxes in the Netherlands

What Is A Good Salary in the Netherlands? | expatrist.com (5)

Calculate your Dutch health insurance premium by using the online provider. You can also sign for a coverage starting from 114,9 EUR per month.

Learn how much Dutch health insurance cost.

Personal Income Tax Rate in the Netherlands in 2023:

Annual salary (EUR)Tax Rate
0 – 73,03136.93%
73,031 +49,50%

Total tax and social security contributions and other deductions for employees in the Netherlands are high. If you don’t benefit from a 30% ruling, 38% of your monthly income could be deducted as tax.

Employees pay 27,65% calculated on their gross salaries for social security contributions. Yet, this amount is split between employee and employer.

Read next: Jobs in the demand in the Netherlands in 2023.

Jobs in High Demand in the Netherlands in 2023

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What Is A Good Salary in the Netherlands? | expatrist.com (2024)

FAQs

What is considered as good salary in Netherlands? ›

Average income in the Netherlands

According to the Centraal Planbureau (CPB), in 2023, the median gross income for a person working in the Netherlands is 38.500 euros gross per year.

What is a good salary to survive in Netherlands? ›

To qualify for a visa as a highly skilled migrant, there are minimum gross salary requirements (2023) of €5,008 per month (€60,096 per year) for over 30s and €3,672 per month (€44,064 per year) for under 30s.

Is 3000 euro net a good salary in Netherlands? ›

Pretty good. Especially if you are a regular employee in the private sector which means that you get 14 salaries per year. 3000 gross is around 2100€ net, money in your pocket. That may vary, but not by a lot.

Is 4000 euro net a good salary in Netherlands? ›

Yes! Thats a pretty decent salary to live on in the Netherlands.

What is the top 10 percent income in Netherlands? ›

Average yearly income Netherlands 2022, by income group

The highest ten percent of earners in the Netherlands earned on average 142.6 thousand euros per year, around 125.1 thousand euros higher than the lowest 50 percent.

Is 70k a good salary in the Netherlands? ›

But what is considered to be a good salary in the Netherlands? While the answer to this question is quite subjective, a gross salary of €70,000 ($81,000) per year would put you in the top 5% of income earners in the Netherlands. Which equals to a net monthly salary of €3,832 ($4,440) per month.

How much is rent in the Netherlands? ›

Rent may vary from 500 euros for a single room to over 2.500 euros per month for an apartment in the centre of Amsterdam. The rent consists of two parts, the basic rent and the service charges.

Which country pays highest salary in Europe? ›

Luxembourg had the highest average annual wage in Europe in 2021, at approximately 75 thousand U.S. dollars, compared with Slovakia, which had an average annual salary of just over 24.7 thousand U.S dollars a year, the lowest among the countries provided in this statistic.

What is 30 ruling in Netherlands? ›

The 30% reimbursem*nt ruling (also known as the 30% facility) is a tax advantage for highly skilled migrants moving to the Netherlands for a specific employment role. When the necessary conditions are met, the employer can grant a tax-free allowance equivalent to 30% of the gross salary subject to Dutch payroll tax.

What is middle income in Netherlands? ›

The Netherlands' median household income (PPP) hit $50,502 in 2021, an increase of 1.5% over the previous year. Between 2010 to 2021, the Netherlands' median household income increased by 27.7%. The real household consumption expenditure grew by 0.8% in 2021, compared to a contraction of 6.6% in the previous year.

Is 100 000 euros a good salary in Netherlands? ›

Yes, it a decent salary to have in Netherlands for a family of 2. Your expenses will include: A 2 bhk apartment around €1600. €1100 on monthly grocery, internet, water, electricity and 2–3 lunches/dinners in good restaurants.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Amsterdam? ›

Summary of cost of living in Amsterdam, Netherlands: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,474.9$ (3,223.5€) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 997.0$ (924.9€) without rent. Amsterdam is 30.9% less expensive than New York (without rent).

What is the top 1% salary in Europe? ›

To reach the top 1 percent of earners, you would need a monthly take-home salary of 7.190 euros. This is equivalent to an annual net income of almost 86.000 euros, after taxes, or an annual gross salary of around 150.000 euros.

Is 5000 euros enough to live in Netherlands? ›

Yes this is considered a very good salary. You will have a gross salary of around 8k EUR.

What is the Netherlands average net worth? ›

In the Netherlands, the average household net wealth is estimated at USD 248 599, lower than the OECD average of USD 323 960.

What is the top 1% wealth in the Netherlands? ›

CBS counts 74.000 households in the top one per cent, which have together 273 billion euros in assets. That is 23,4 per cent of the national total, accounting for an average of 3,7 million euros per household.

Are Netherlands taxes high? ›

The OECD average tax wedge in 2022 was 34.6% (2021, 34.6%). In 2022, the Netherlands had the 22nd highest tax wedge among the 38 OECD member countries, occupying the same position in 2021. The employee net average tax rate is a measure of the net tax on labour income paid directly by the employee.

Is 75000 a good salary in Netherlands? ›

If you're talking about 75K yearly income with around 30% foreigner tax it should be enough, but you won't be living like royalty or anything… Just to get an idea: the average yearly salary in the Netherlands is around 36K (with around 20% tax)… So you're making pretty good money, according to Dutch standards.

Is 80k euros a good salary in Netherlands? ›

An annual salary of 80,000 Euro for an expat living in the Netherlands, specifically in North Brabant, can provide a comfortable standard of living for a family of three.

How much tax do you pay in the Netherlands? ›

Both capital gains and regular income (dividends) are taxed. Tax is levied at a fixed rate of 26.25%. This percentage will rise to 26.9% in 2021. Non-residents are taxable on capital gains and regular income from a substantial interest in a company resident in the Netherlands.

Is 65000 a good salary in Amsterdam? ›

Yes this is considered a very good salary. You will have a gross salary of around 8k EUR.

Is it cheaper to live in the Netherlands or the USA? ›

The average cost of living in the Netherlands ($1780) is 20% less expensive than in the United States ($2213). the Netherlands ranked 19th vs 5th for the United States in the list of the most expensive countries in the world.

How much does a 1 bedroom apartment cost in the Netherlands? ›

Prices for a one-room apartment in the city center range from 900 to 1,750 euros per month. In Delft or Utrecht - from 650 to 900 euros. Also, when planning a moving estimate, you should take into account preliminary expenses - a deposit, rent for one or two months, and current expenses.

What is the most expensive city to live in the Netherlands? ›

The most expensive place in the Netherlands to live is the small town of Blaricum, 30 kilometres south east of Amsterdam, according to Groningen University researchers. Blaricum residents pay an average of €1,198 a year in council taxes – that is property, waste collection, drainage, tourist and other charges.

Are salaries in the US higher than Europe? ›

In general, wages in the United States tend to be higher than those in Europe, particularly for skilled and high-paying jobs. Part of the reason for this is that the cost of living in the U.S. is usually higher than in Europe. This means that workers need to make more money to keep their standard of living the same.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Europe? ›

How much does it cost to live in Europe for a month?
CityCost of living for a single person (USD)Cost of living for a family of four (USD)
London$3,600$8,300
Paris$2,440$7,000
Berlin$2,400$6,000
Rome$2,000$5,500
4 more rows
Mar 7, 2023

Which country is best salary wise? ›

The worldwide highest income is earned in Monaco. The smallest budget per capita exists in Afghanistan. In our comparison over 69 countries, the USA comes 7th with an average income of 70,930 USD. The average income is calculated by gross national income and population.

Can a foreigner buy a house in the Netherlands? ›

There are no restrictions placed on foreigners and non-Dutch residents buying property.

Do expats pay taxes? ›

1. Do expats pay taxes? Yes, you file a U.S. tax return if you're a U.S. citizen and make over the general income threshold — regardless if you live abroad or Stateside.

How is Dutch income tax calculated? ›

For 2022, upto 35.472 € of your gross income, it is taxed at 9,42%. Upto 69.399 €, it is taxed at 37,07% and above that at 49,5%. If you earned 50.000€ per year with 30% ruling, you would be taxed like this: 35.472 * (9,42 / 100) ≈ 3.341 €

Are the Netherlands wealthy? ›

The economy of the Netherlands is, according to Forbes, the 15th largest in the world as of 2022 in terms of gross domestic product (GDP). Its GDP per capita was estimated at $72,973 in the fiscal year 2023, which makes it one of the highest-earning nations in the world.

What is the Netherlands basic salary? ›

The monthly minimum wage paid to workers in the Netherlands who are at least aged 21 years has increased from 1 January 2023 to 1934 euros, up from 1756 euros. The weekly minimum wage paid to workers at least 21 years of age increased to 446.40 euros, up from 405.300 euros.

What is the cost of living at Netherlands? ›

The cost of living in the Netherlands is believed to be around 800-1000 Euros per month, including food, rent, transportation, books, and other expenses.

How much do Dutch people save per month? ›

This statistic displays the results of a survey of the average monthly savings in the Netherlands in 2019. The survey results suggest that as of 2019, a substantial share of people in the Netherlands saved over 76 euros per month.

How much do you need to retire in Netherlands? ›

Overall, your income must be equal to, or higher than, the Dutch minimum wage. As of January 2022, the Dutch minimum wage is €1,725 per month. However, if your income is below this level, you'll need to provide evidence that you'll have enough cash to live on.

How much does healthcare cost in the Netherlands? ›

The Cost of Basic Healthcare Coverage in The Netherlands

As of 2021, the average basic premium for health insurance was about 120 euros per month. While premiums may change slightly depending on the insurance you choose, the basic coverage doesn't range far from that average.

Is it expensive for Americans to live in Amsterdam? ›

How Expensive Is Amsterdam Compared to Other Top Cities? The cost of living in Amsterdam is more than that of 85% of cities in the world. The consumer prices in Amsterdam are 1.50% higher than in Los Angeles. Also, restaurant prices are 40.94% higher in Amsterdam than that in Singapore.

Can I live in Amsterdam as a US citizen? ›

In order to reside in The Netherlands, one must be in possession of a valid residence permit. This must be obtained from the Dutch Immigration authorities, the Immigratie en Naturalisatiedienst otherwise known as the IND.

Is it hard to live in Amsterdam as an American? ›

Moving to the Netherlands is hard for foreigners as they must undergo a specific process of obtaining residency or citizenship. However, American expats who wish to move to the Netherlands can obtain a residence permit with an extra opportunity known as the DAFT visa.

What salary puts you in the top 1% globally? ›

According to the Economic Policy Institute, the average annual wage of the top 1% was $823,763 as of 2020.1 A more recent study by SmartAsset points out that the national average of the top 1% earners is $597,815.2 Have in mind that the figures vary greatly from state to state.

Which European country pays well? ›

Switzerland has the highest (nominal) average wages in Europe, Estonia the lowest.

What salary is top 1% globally? ›

How Much Salary Would I Need To Earn To Be In The Top 0.1%? Roughly USD 3.21 million in a year. As of 2020, this is an all-time high, and 2021 is expected to break yet another record. How Many People Are Billionaires?

What is a good salary in the Netherlands 2023? ›

Average income in the Netherlands

According to the Centraal Planbureau (CPB), in 2023, the median gross income for a person working in the Netherlands is 38.500 euros gross per year.

Is it worth it to move to the Netherlands? ›

The Netherlands offers expats a high quality of life, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. However, as with any foreign country, it also has its own rules, regulations, and processes, which can be difficult for expats to get used to.

Is Health Care Free in the Netherlands? ›

Does the Netherlands Have Free Public Healthcare? In short, no, healthcare in the Netherlands is not free. Everyone who lives or works in the country must take out private health insurance.

What is a good salary in Netherlands? ›

The median gross expat salary in Amsterdam (2023) as reported by PayScale Inc is €51,000. Likewise, Numbeo lists an average net salary (2023) in Amsterdam of €3,415 per month (equivalent of €57,500 per year).

Where do millionaires live in Netherlands? ›

This statistic displays the top 10 of the richest municipalities in the Netherlands in 2021. Bloemendaal was the richest municipality in the country that year. Around 29.7 percent of households in Bloemendaal had one million euros worth in wealth or more.

How much savings do Dutch people have? ›

At the end of 2020, Dutch households held over €487 billion in their bank and savings accounts.

Is 100k a good salary in Netherlands? ›

Yes, it a decent salary to have in Netherlands for a family of 2. Your expenses will include: A 2 bhk apartment around €1600. €1100 on monthly grocery, internet, water, electricity and 2–3 lunches/dinners in good restaurants.

Is 55K a good salary in Netherlands? ›

If you're getting 55K annually in Amsterdam when you're only 23 years old and a recent grad, you can be considered very lucky since the 'normal' Dutch income annually is 30K.

How rare is a 100k salary? ›

Making $100,000 a year is not common in the U.S. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 15.3% of American households make more than $100,000.

How much money does the average Dutch have? ›

Dutch love of saving has made the Netherlands quite wealthy

According to Allianz's research, Dutch households have, on average, 180.193 euros in wealth (gross), which is significantly more than the global average of 35.970 euros. The average net wealth of Dutch households is just under 129.000 euros.

Is 85000 a good salary in Amsterdam? ›

Yes this is considered a very good salary. You will have a gross salary of around 8k EUR. With this salary you can do nearly everything you want.

How much tax do you pay in Netherlands? ›

Both capital gains and regular income (dividends) are taxed. Tax is levied at a fixed rate of 26.25%. This percentage will rise to 26.9% in 2021. Non-residents are taxable on capital gains and regular income from a substantial interest in a company resident in the Netherlands.

Is 65k euro a good salary in Netherlands? ›

So yes. You'll be fine. The average yearly salary in the Netherlands is around 36,000 euros (with around 20% taxes)…

Is 65000 a good salary in Germany? ›

A good annual gross salary in Germany is between €64,000 to €81,000. But most Germans who earn a yearly gross salary of €60,000 and above are happy with their salary.

What is the salary after Masters in the Netherlands? ›

Average Salary After Master's in the Netherlands

The average salary of a university graduate in the Netherlands is 2,600 EUR (around 2,00,000 INR) per month.

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