Wages

This page tells you more about your right to wages, the minimum hourly wage, and who can help you if your wages are too low.

What are wages?

The money you are paid for your work is called your wages. You usually receive this on a monthly, weekly or hourly basis. In the Netherlands, as an employee you are entitled to receive at least the minimum wage. The minimum wage per hour is compulsory. We call this the minimum hourly wage.

Minimum wage

The minimum wage is the minimum amount you need to earn in order to cover your housing, food and living costs in the Netherlands. The national minimum hourly wage is based on this. The national minimum hourly wage applies to everyone working in salaried employment.

As from 1 January 2026, the gross minimum hourly wage for people aged 21 and over is €14.71. If you are under 21 you get the young person’s minimum wage, which depends on your age. You might earn more than the minimum wage. For example, if your employer has to comply with a CAO you should earn the wage specified in that CAO.

Hourly wage and deductions

Your hourly wage is the amount you get for each hour you work. Your employer might deduct money from your wage. It is only allowed to deduct money for your health insurance and for housing provided by your employer, and only if you agree to this. Other deductions, such as fines, are not allowed if you get less than the minimum wage as a result.

Annual income statement

At the end of the year, you receive your annual income statement that shows how much salary you received that year. This is called your annual wage. You need this information for your tax return. Your employer must give you this summary.

If your pay is too low

Are being paid less than the wage specified in your contract, or less than the minimum wage? If so, you can ask a union or Het Juridisch Loket for help. If you are a temporary agency worker, you can also contact SNCU. If you are being paid less than the minimum wage, you can also report the matter to the Dutch Labour Authority.

Frequently asked questions:

  • Can your employer cut your wages? No. Your employer cannot simply cut your wages. This is only allowed if you consent to this. Important! Always think very carefully before agreeing to a cut in wages.
  • What should I do if my wages are too low? If you are you being paid less than your contract says or less than the minimum wage, you can ask a union or Het Juridisch Loket for help. If you are a temporary agency worker you can also contact SNCU. If you are being paid less than the minimum wage, you can report this to the Netherlands Labour Authority. You can do this anonymously and in your own language.
  • How do I know if my wages are correct? Check your contract and payslip. If you are not sure, ask a union or Het Juridisch Loket for help. If you are a temporary agency worker, read the information onthe SNCU website.