MINIMUM AND AVERAGE SALARY IN BELGIUM
Belgium is a developed European state with a population of about 11.7 million people, located in the north-west of Europe, near the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France. It is the most important international political center, where the headquarters of the European Union and NATO function.
Belgium has a high standard of living and decent wages. It is an excellent place for employment, business and study. The country has three official languages – Dutch, French, and German, and the labor market needs skilled professionals from abroad. Let's find out what salaries in Belgium in 2023.
Minimum salary in Belgium
According to official Belgian government data, in 2023 the minimum wage in Belgium is 1,954.99 euros per month or 23,459.9 euros per year. Compared to January last year, the rate has increased by 296.76 euros. In general, the minimum wage in Belgium is one of the highest in the European Union. The last increase allowed to bypass even Germany.
Important. Belgian government is reviewing the level of minimum wage twice a year.
Over the past 10 years, the minimum wage in Belgium increased by 453.17 euros – from 1,501.82 euros in 2013 to 1,954.99 euros in 2023. The standard working week in the country is 38 hours. The maximum allowed is 9 hours per day and 45 hours per week. Exceptions are possible up to 11 hours per day and 50 hours per week, but subject to strict compliance with the law and mutual consent of the employee and the employer.
Average salary in Belgium
According to the Belgian statistical office, before taxes the average salary in Belgium in 2023 is 3,627 euros per month. After all the deductions, about 2,500 euros remains at the disposal of local workers. The highest incomes in Belgium are among company executives and top managers, as well as financial analysts, engineers and programmers.
Note. According to the OECD, Belgium has one of the lowest gender pay gaps in Europe – 3.7 percent. This compares favorably with the EU average –19.1%. In the public sector, women in Belgium earn even more than men on an hourly basis.
Average salary in Belgium by region:
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Flemish region – 3,589 euros (experience of up to 2 years – 2,935 euros, experience of more than 20 years – 4,366 euros).
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Wallonia – 3,383 euros (experience of up to 2 years – 2,854 euros, experience of more than 20 years – 4,108 euros).
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The metropolitan area of Brussels – 4,156 euros (experience of up to 2 years 3,343 euros, experience of more than 20 years – 5,016 euros).
Higher education and a high level of qualification significantly increase the chances of higher wages in Belgium. For example, in the health sector, specialists (doctors, dentists) receive monthly salaries that are much higher than the national average.
Store workers are among the least paid professions in Belgium. Their monthly salaries are almost 30% lower than the national average. In addition, Belgian couriers and child care workers earn relatively little – 2,526 euros and 2,317 euros respectively.
In conclusion, we note that the unemployment rate in Belgium is about 5-7%, and the income tax rate in 2023 varies from 25 to 50%.
