Starting 1 January 2024, the Dutch minimum wage is calculated per hour rather than per day, week, or month. This change means your earnings are directly linked to the number of hours you work, and not based on a set weekly or monthly minimum. The minimum wage is a legal requirement and must be paid before tax deductions. Everyone aged 15 and older is entitled to receive at least the legal minimum hourly wage.

If you and your employer have agreed on a fixed number of hours per week, your monthly salary can still be arranged accordingly. However, there is no longer a legally defined minimum wage on a weekly or monthly basis.

Hourly Minimum Wage – Who Gets What?

For employees aged 21 and over, there is a fixed hourly minimum wage that applies equally. Employees between 15 and 20 years old earn a reduced rate, which is calculated based on the standard adult minimum wage.

Here are the hourly wage amounts (gross, before tax):

As of 1 January 2025:

1. Age 21 and older: €14.06
2. Age 20: €11.25
3. Age 19: €8.44
4. Age 18: €7.03
5. Age 17: €5.55
6. Age 16: €4.85
7. Age 15: €4.22

As of 1 July 2024 (previous rate before the 2025 increase):

1. Age 21 and older: €13.68
2. Age 20: €10.94
3. Age 19: €8.21
4. Age 18: €6.84
5. Age 17: €5.40
6. Age 16: €4.72
7. Age 15: €4.10

Determining Weekly or Monthly Pay

Since the minimum wage is now hourly, how much you earn each week or month depends on how many hours you actually work. This includes not only your regular working hours but also any paid leave or paid sick time you take. Because the number of working days can vary from month to month, your total hours—and thus your total pay—may fluctuate.