The Dutch government has officially announced new minimum wage levels for 2026, marking another step in the country’s move toward a clearer and more transparent pay system.
From 1 January 2026, workers aged 21 and above will earn a gross minimum of €14.71 per hour. Younger employees will continue to receive age-based minimum wages that gradually increase with experience and age.
This update is part of a broader reform that began in 2024, when the Netherlands moved away from fixed monthly wage standards and shifted fully to an hourly-based system.
2026 Minimum Hourly Rates by Age
The new gross hourly wages are:
- 21+ years: €14.71
- 20 years: €11.77
- 19 years: €8.83
- 18 years: €7.36
- 17 years: €5.81
- 16 years: €5.07
- 15 years: €4.41
Monthly Salaries Are No Longer the Standard
Under the current system, minimum wage compliance is no longer measured using fixed monthly or weekly salary tables. Instead, pay is calculated strictly according to hours worked.
This includes:
- Actual working hours
- Paid vacation time
- Paid sick leave
As a result, total monthly income may differ from one month to another depending on the number of working days, even when the hourly wage stays the same.
What This Change Means in Practice
For employers, the shift requires more accurate time tracking and payroll systems. For workers, it offers more transparency and stronger legal protection — every eligible hour worked is clearly compensated.
In short, minimum wage in the Netherlands is no longer about “monthly salary promises.” It is about real-time, real-hour fairness.
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