Salary Guide for Foreign Workers
Minimum Wage in the Netherlands in 2026
As of 1 January 2026, the statutory minimum wage in the Netherlands for workers aged 21 and older is €14.71 gross per hour. There is no fixed legal monthly minimum wage anymore, so your monthly salary depends on how many hours you are contracted to work.
This guide explains how minimum wage works, how to calculate monthly pay, what gross and net salary mean, and what foreign workers should check before accepting a job in the Netherlands.
Minimum wage in the Netherlands 2026: quick facts
Age 21+
€14.71
Gross minimum wage per hour from 1 January 2026.
Monthly wage
Depends
There is no fixed legal monthly minimum wage. It depends on your contracted hours.
Updated
2x yearly
The Dutch government usually updates minimum wage in January and July.
How to calculate monthly minimum wage
Since the Netherlands uses an hourly minimum wage, monthly pay depends on the number of hours in your contract. A 36-hour, 38-hour and 40-hour workweek can all result in different monthly gross salaries.
Formula:
Weekly hours × 52 weeks ÷ 12 months × €14.71 = estimated gross monthly salary
| Weekly hours | Hourly wage | Estimated gross monthly salary | Best used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 hours | €14.71 | About €2,294.76 gross | Some hospitality, production or shift roles |
| 38 hours | €14.71 | About €2,422.21 gross | Many full-time contracts |
| 40 hours | €14.71 | About €2,549.07 gross | Common in logistics, warehouse and industrial work |
These are gross examples before taxes, insurance, accommodation, transport or other deductions. Your contract, CAO and actual working hours can change the final amount.
Minimum wage by age in 2026
Workers aged 21 and older receive the full statutory minimum wage. Younger workers receive a youth minimum wage that increases with age.
| Age | Gross minimum wage per hour |
|---|---|
| 15 | €4.41 |
| 16 | €5.07 |
| 17 | €5.81 |
| 18 | €7.36 |
| 19 | €8.83 |
| 20 | €11.77 |
| 21 and older | €14.71 |
Gross salary vs net salary
Gross salary is the amount before payroll tax, national insurance contributions, health insurance, accommodation deductions and other possible costs. Net salary is the amount you receive after deductions.
Do not compare jobs only by gross hourly wage. For foreign workers, the real value of a job also depends on accommodation, transport, working hours, deductions and whether holiday allowance is paid monthly or separately.
The amount before deductions. Job offers often show gross hourly wage or gross monthly salary.
The amount you receive after taxes and deductions. This depends on your personal situation.
Accommodation, insurance, transport or other agreed costs may affect your final take-home pay.
What can increase your wage?
Many jobs pay more than the legal minimum wage. The final wage depends on the job, employer, sector, collective labour agreement, experience and working schedule.
Welders, CNC operators, mechanics, electricians, drivers and experienced construction workers may receive higher offers than entry-level workers.
Evening, night, weekend, overtime or irregular shifts may include extra allowances depending on the contract or CAO.
Code 95, welding certificates, CNC programming skills, forklift licences, VCA or technical certificates can improve your chances.
Candidates who can start on time, communicate clearly and match the job requirements are easier to propose to employers.
Jobs where salary depends on skills and conditions
The minimum wage is only the legal base. Many candidates apply for jobs where salary depends on experience, certificates, working hours, accommodation and transport support.
What foreign workers should check before accepting a job
A job offer is not only about hourly wage. Before accepting work in the Netherlands, ask for a clear explanation of the full package.
- Gross hourly wage or gross monthly salary
- Expected weekly working hours
- Holiday allowance and when it is paid
- Accommodation cost and deductions
- Transport arrangement or fuel support
- Health insurance arrangement
- Overtime, shift or weekend allowances
- Payment frequency: weekly, four-weekly or monthly
- Contract type and start date
Documents and practical details recruiters check
For Celoria Recruitment screening, candidates normally need EU citizenship with a valid EU ID or passport, or a valid Dutch work permit. Work permits from other countries usually do not automatically allow work in the Netherlands.
- Clear CV in English
- Valid EU ID/passport or valid Dutch work permit
- Current location and earliest start date
- Accommodation and transport needs
- Driver’s licence, own car or Code 95 if relevant
- Certificates for technical, welding, driving or construction roles if requested
- Basic English level for safety and communication, depending on the job
Related salary, cost and job guides
Job FAQ: minimum wage and jobs in the Netherlands
What is the minimum wage in the Netherlands in 2026?
From 1 January 2026, the statutory minimum wage for workers aged 21 and older is €14.71 gross per hour.
Does the Netherlands have a fixed monthly minimum wage?
No. Since 2024, the Netherlands has used a statutory hourly minimum wage. Monthly pay depends on the number of hours in the employment contract.
Is minimum wage gross or net?
Minimum wage is shown as a gross amount. Net pay depends on taxes, social contributions, tax credits, insurance, accommodation and other agreed deductions.
Can foreign workers earn more than minimum wage?
Yes. Foreign workers can earn more depending on their experience, certificates, job type, employer, working hours, shifts, overtime and project conditions.
Do jobs in the Netherlands include accommodation?
Some jobs may include arranged accommodation or housing support, depending on the employer and project. The exact accommodation conditions are confirmed before the candidate accepts the job.
How can I apply for jobs in the Netherlands?
You can apply by choosing a suitable job category, sending your CV, and sharing your experience, documents, current location, availability and accommodation needs.