CNC Jobs in the Netherlands: Salaries, Housing, Career Growth & Where the Opportunities Are

If you’re a CNC professional thinking about working in the Netherlands, you’re looking at one of Europe’s most advanced manufacturing ecosystems. From high-mix, high-precision machining for semicon and mechatronics to heavy fabrication and sheet-metal forming, Dutch employers keep hiring CNC operators, setters, and programmers—often with accommodation arranged. The jobs are spread across industrial hotspots like North Brabant (Eindhoven/Brainport), Gelderland, South Holland, and Limburg, serving Tier-1 OEMs and their supply chains.

Why the Netherlands is a CNC hotspot

The Brainport Eindhoven region alone houses thousands of high-tech companies building complex, low-volume, high-variety products, backed by deep R&D spend and open supply chains—exactly the kind of environment where skilled CNC talent thrives. This cluster contributes significantly to Dutch exports and keeps pulling in investment to expand capacity and infrastructure, sustaining demand for machining, turning, milling, and forming talent. Brainport Eindhoven+2Brainport Eindhoven+2

Even though the Dutch labour market is cooling from the extreme highs of recent years, official forecasts still expect employers to face persistent skills shortages in the coming years—particularly in technical roles. That keeps well-qualified CNC professionals in demand. werk.nl+1

CNC salary ranges in the Netherlands (what to expect)

Pay varies by role (operator vs. setter vs. programmer), industry (semicon supply chain vs. general metalworking), region, and shift pattern. Recent reference points:

Average CNC operator gross pay lands around €20–€21 per hour (≈ €43,000 gross per year) at a national level, with entry roles closer to the low €30Ks and senior operators above €50K. Salary Expert
Other trackers show monthly gross figures for CNC/verspaners in the €2,4k–€3,2k band depending on experience, responsibilities, and sector. Nationale Vacaturebank+1

If you join via a staffing partner with housing and local transport arranged, weekly net packages are common (e.g., €450–€600 net/week in many offers on the market), reflecting after-deduction pay when accommodation is included. Your exact net depends on hours, deductions, and tax situation.

Tip: When comparing offers, look at total package value—base pay, guaranteed hours, shift allowances, accommodation deductions, commuting time, and progression track (e.g., setter/programmer training).

Housing & transport (when agencies arrange it)

Many CNC roles for international candidates include shared accommodation near the workplace plus transport. Housing for temporary workers is regulated in the Netherlands: accommodations must meet quality and supervision standards, and agencies following the SNF (Stichting Normering Flexwonen) framework can deduct housing costs within capped ranges set by enforcement bodies. As of 1 July 2025, typical weekly housing deductions fall roughly between €115.20 and €144.10 depending on quality add-ons. business.gov.nl+1

For broader context on costs and how deductions work in practice (and when they may not be taken), see our explainer on accommodation and transportation for workers in the Netherlands. celoriarecruitment.com

Current CNC Job Openings (with Accommodation)

Below are the live CNC-related openings we’re promoting right now. Most include accommodation and local transport arranged:

Welding Robot Operator – Alphen aan den Rijn | €16.35–€17.34 gross/hour – Operate/program welding robots in a metal processing company for the healthy food industry. Read More
CNC Brake Press Operator – Netherlands | €16–€20/hour – Set up and operate CNC press brakes; programming, quality checks, basic maintenance, troubleshooting. Read More
Laser and Press Brake Operator – Netherlands | Competitive (in line with Metalworking CAO) – Operate/program laser cutting machines, bending robots, and press brakes. Read More
CNC Milling & Turning Operator – Netherlands | €500 net/week – Join Vanderlande supply chain operations working on warehouse automation & baggage systems. Read More
CNC Milling Operator – Ochten | €600 net/week – Hurco control; high-tech custom machining across various materials. Read More
CNC Lathe Operator – Ochten | €600 net/week – Okuma expertise in a modern precision environment. Read More
CNC Operator – Eindhoven | €500–€510 net/week – Operate a Zund CNC at HQ Pack for safe transport of sensitive components. Read More
Junior CNC Operator – Eindhoven | €450 net/week – Entry-level CNC production & finishing at VAT Venray/Van Aerssen group. Read More
CNC-Press Brake Operator – Netherlands | €14.50–€15.50 net/hour – WE-Metal; TRUMPF experience required. Read More
CNC Turner with STYLE experience – Tilburg | from €600 net/week – STYLE control; accommodation and transport included. Read More

What employers look for (and how to stand out)

The Dutch market rewards people who can read technical drawings, hold tolerances, and communicate issues early. If you bring Okuma/Heidenhain/Fanuc/Siemens/Hurco experience, probing cycles, tool-life management, and quality discipline (first-off checks, SPC basics), you’ll integrate quickly.

Language: English is usually fine on the shop floor; some teams appreciate basic Dutch for paperwork and toolbox talks.
Certs & safety: VCA (basic safety) is a plus in many plants.
Adaptability: High-mix environments expect you to switch setups, audit programs, and collaborate closely with QC.

How accommodation & deductions typically work

If your offer includes housing, expect shared rooms in company-arranged homes or apartments that meet Dutch standards for temporary worker accommodation. Deductions from pay are only allowed within regulated ranges, and accommodations must meet quality criteria; many agencies follow the SNF framework and inspections. Always read the housing addendum in your contract for the weekly fee and what’s included (utilities, Wi-Fi, bedding, registration). business.gov.nl+1

We’ve also outlined practical details in our housing & transport guide—like typical weekly costs and how deductions interact with your worked hours. celoriarecruitment.com

Where the work is (regional snapshot)

Eindhoven / Brainport (North Brabant): dense cluster of high-tech OEMs and their precision suppliers—great for multi-axis milling/turning and complex assemblies. Brainport Eindhoven
Tilburg–Waalwijk–’s-Hertogenbosch: sheet-metal, forming, and logistics tech manufacturers; good for press-brake, laser, and welding-robot roles. Brainport Eindhoven
Gelderland & Limburg: precision machining and fabrication for machinery, food tech, and automotive components servicing national and cross-border customers. (Regional distribution inferred from employer clusters and job volumes in these provinces.) Brainport Eindhoven

Outlook for 2025–2027

Macroeconomically, the Netherlands expects limited overall job growth versus 2024. But the skills mismatch persists: technical employers still struggle to fill specialised roles—especially in manufacturing/engineering hubs. For CNC talent, that means opportunities continue, particularly with employers investing in equipment and process automation. werk.nl+1

How to apply (and get hired fast)

Send your CV (English is fine) with exact machine controls, materials, tolerances, and parts you’ve produced.
Tell us your start date, housing needs, and transport status.
Be ready for a quick technical screen. We’ll align you with shops where your control/system experience fits from day one.
Already in the Netherlands? Even better—mention your location and whether you can attend a trial day.

Ready to work as a CNC professional in the Netherlands?

Check the roles above and apply. If you don’t see a perfect match, message us anyway—new CNC jobs open every week, and many aren’t listed yet. We’ll match you with companies that fit your skills, arrange interviews, and help with accommodation and onboarding.

Start here: browse our CNC jobs with accommodation and send your application today.