MINIMUM AND AVERAGE SALARY IN BELGIUM

The Kingdom of Belgium is considered one of the most prosperous countries in the European Union. It is a country with a comfortable geographical location next to Germany, France and the Netherlands, access to the North Sea, a stable economy and high social standards. It is no wonder that thousands of foreigners, including Europeans, are keen to find work in Belgium or invest in Belgian businesses.

Universities in Belgium provide quality education and produce qualified specialists who can expect a high income on the local labour market. For example, Belgium is ahead of most EU countries in terms of minimum wages. Unemployment in the country does not exceed 5-7%. In general, it is a dream of many immigrants to work and live in Belgium. Next, let's find out what salaries in Belgium in 2025.

Minimum wage in Belgium

Belgian labour law provides for the establishment of minimum wages both at the national level and by industry sector (collective agreements). In the latter case, the wage depends on the province, the employee's position, the number of hours worked per week and sometimes the length of service.

Important. Belgian government is reviewing the level of minimum wage twice a year.

Before taxes, the national monthly minimum wage in Belgium in 2025 is €2,070.48 per monthor €24,845.76 per year. Compared to last year, the rate has increased by €40.60. Professionals aged 19-20 and older with at least 6-12 months' experience can expect a higher minimum income. In addition, the rates vary slightly from region to region.

There is no minimum hourly rate in Belgium, so the standard working week of 38 hours should be used to calculate this figure. During internships in Belgian companies, an employee over 21 years of age should be paid an allowance of at least 751 euros per month. It should be noted that of all the EU countries, where the minimum wage is set, Belgium is second only to Luxembourg and Germany.

Average salary in Belgium

At the official level, the average salary in Belgium is not regulated. Nevertheless, according to local statistical offices, over the past few years, the income of Belgian citizens has increased by 2-3% and in 2025 will be around 3,020 euros per month for qualified professionals and around 1,850 euros for unqualified workers.

According to research conducted by the Belgian publications Vacature and Leuven University, before taxes, the average salary in Belgium is 3,401 euros per month. After all compulsory deductions at the disposal of employees remains about 2,000-2,200 euros. At the same time, up to 75% of local professionals receive a 13th salary, 40% have a company car and about 65% have health insurance.

Important. According to the Belgian Statistical Office, before taxes, the average salary in Belgium in 2025 is €3,886 per month.

The lowest salaries in Belgium are recorded in the accommodation and catering sector at €2,676 per month, while the highest incomes are for workers in the banking, pharmaceutical and chemical industries at €4,279. In the Belgian capital Brussels, salaries are on average 14% higher than the national average, at around €3,908. Those in Leuven earn €3,610, in Nivelle €3,565 and in Antwerp €3,543. Things are worst in Dinant, where the average salary is only €2,592.

Average salary in Belgium by region:

• Flemish region – 3,589 euros (experience of up to 2 years – 2,935 euros, experience of more than 20 years – 4,366 euros).

• Wallonia – 3,383 euros (experience of up to 2 years – 2,854 euros, experience of more than 20 years – 4,108 euros).

• 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).

Payroll taxes in Belgium

Tax returns and payment of taxes on salaries in Belgium by non-residents, i.e. persons who are on Belgian territory for less than 183 days a year, is carried out annually until 30 September, and by residents until 30 June. The country has a progressive income tax rate from 25 to 50%.

Income tax in Belgium in 2025

Annual income (EUR)	Rate (%)
Less than 15,820	25
From 15,820 to 27,920	40
From 27,920 to 48,320	45
More than 48,320	50

In certain cases, foreign workers in Belgium are entitled to special exemptions that reduce the total taxation of income by €11,250/29,750.

HIGHEST PAID OCCUPATIONS IN BELGIUM

• Doctors

• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)

• Programmers

• Lawyers

• Bankers, financiers, insurers

• Engineers in senior positions

• Pharmacists

• Business consultants

• Leading scientists and researchers

• Airline pilots

Cost of living in Belgium

Compared to most countries in Europe, living in Belgium is very expensive. The most expensive cities are Brussels, Leuven, Antwerp, Ghent and Hasselt.

Basic costs in Belgium:

• Rent: 800-900 euros per month for a one-bedroom flat in the centre.

• Utility bills: 200-300 euros per month.

• Food: 250-300 euros per month per person.

• Transport: 50-60 euros per month by public transport or 150-200 euros per month by car.

• Internet/mobile phone: 70-80 euros per month.

• Clothing and leisure activities: 600-800 euros per month.

Frequently asked questions about salaries in Belgium:

1. What is the average salary in Belgium?

• Before taxes, the average salary in Belgium in 2025 is €3,886 per month.

2. What is the minimum wage in Belgium?

• The minimum wage in Belgium in 2025 is €2,070.48 per month.

3. What is the highest earning job in Belgium?

• he highest paying occupations in Belgium are doctors and CEOs of large companies.

4. What is the lowest paying job in Belgium?

• Representatives of unskilled labour – cleaners, waiters, cooks' assistants, loaders, shop assistants, maids and so on – earn the least in Belgium.

5. What is the average salary of programmers in Belgium?

• The average income of programmers in Belgium is estimated at 60,000-70,000 euros per year.

6. What is the payroll tax in Belgium?

• The income tax rate in Belgium depends on annual income and ranges from 25% (income up to €15,820) to 50% (income over €48,320).

7. What is the average median salary in Belgium?

• The average median salary in Belgium in 2025 is €3,507 per month.

8. What is the average salary in Brussels?

• The average median salary in Brussels in 2025 is €4,000-4,500 per month before taxes.

RELATED ARTICLES:

• Salary in Poland
• Salary in Montenegro
• Salary in Germany
• Salary in Bulgaria
• Salary in Czech Republic

Add comment