What’s the average salary in the Netherlands? A guide for freelancers considering the move

Author

Emma

Professional Development Specialist

In recent years, the Netherlands has become one of the most desirable destinations for freelancers and remote workers alike. With a stable economy, a well-connected digital infrastructure, and high English proficiency across the population, it’s no surprise that cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht consistently attract independent professionals from around the world.

The Dutch quality of life, strong work-life balance, and progressive social policies are matched by a vibrant international community. Whether you’re working from a canal-side cafe or a shared office in The Hague, the Netherlands offers freelancers both professional opportunities and personal freedom.

But before leaping, one practical question arises: What’s the average salary in the Netherlands? And how does that compare to what you could earn and keep as a freelancer? 

This guide will explore salary benchmarks, freelance earning potential, cost of living, and tax obligations. We’ll also introduce Hightekers as a simplified, compliant way to freelance in the Netherlands, without registering as self-employed.

What is the average salary in the Netherlands?

If you’re researching the Dutch labour market, salary benchmarks can offer a helpful baseline. According to recent data from Statista and the OECD, the average gross monthly salary in the Netherlands is around €3,750, while the median salary sits slightly lower, at approximately €3,200 per month. This equates to an annual gross salary of around €45,000 to €50,000.

Of course, income varies widely by profession, region, and experience level. For instance:

• In Amsterdam, salaries tend to be 10–15% higher than the national average, particularly in tech and finance.
• In Rotterdam and Utrecht, salaries remain competitive, but living costs are often lower.
• IT, software engineering, and digital marketing professionals often earn above €4,000 gross per month.
• Entry-level roles in the service or creative sectors may start closer to €2,500.

It’s important to note that Dutch salaries are usually quoted gross before tax. Net take-home pay may be significantly lower once you factor in income tax (ranging from 36.93% to 49.5%, depending on your income bracket). 

For example, a gross salary of €50,000 per year typically results in a net income of around €33,000–€35,000, after taxes and social contributions.

Freelance rates in the Netherlands: how do they compare?

Freelancers in the Netherlands often charge hourly or daily rates rather than earning a fixed monthly salary. While this model introduces some uncertainty, it also creates opportunities to earn significantly more, especially in high-demand fields.

Here are rough estimates of common freelance rates:

• Software developers & engineers: €70–€120 per hour
• UX/UI designers & digital creatives: €60–€100 per hour
• Copywriters & marketers: €50–€90 per hour
• Project managers & consultants: €80–€150 per hour

These rates can add up quickly. A freelancer working 20 billable days per month at €400 per day could earn €8,000 per month, which is well above the average salary for most full-time roles. However, freelancers must account for unpaid admin time, holiday gaps, taxes, social contributions, and insurance costs, which can eat into those earnings.

The trade-off is familiar: freelancing offers more freedom and income potential, but with less security and more responsibility. For some, it’s worth it. For others, the compliance burden becomes a deterrent, mainly when managing Dutch regulations alone, so working with companies like Highteketers can make your life much easier.

For a deeper look at the risks of working under the wrong legal structure, explore our guide to worker misclassification in the Netherlands, which outlines how freelancers can avoid compliance pitfalls and ensure they operate legally.

Understanding taxes and cost of living

Understanding the tax system and living expenses is essential for financial planning if you’re planning to freelance in the Netherlands.

Taxation in the Netherlands

The Dutch tax system is progressive, with income taxed in brackets. As of 2025, the applicable rates are:

• Up to €38,441: 35.82%
• From €38,441 to €76,817: 37.48%
• Above €76,817: 49.50%

These rates include national income tax and social security contributions. Freelancers must also charge and report VAT (BTW), typically at 21%, and file quarterly VAT returns.

Social security, healthcare, and pension contributions are either paid directly or managed through insurance providers. Freelancers are responsible for arranging their coverage, from income protection to public health insurance.

Average living costs

Living in the Netherlands is relatively expensive, especially in urban centres. Here’s a breakdown of average monthly costs:

While the Netherlands offers a high quality of life, it’s important to budget realistically, especially during the first few months of settling in.

Should you register as self-employed in the Netherlands?

The traditional route for independent professionals in the Netherlands is to register as a zelfstandige zonder personeel (ZZP) — a self-employed individual without employees.

To do so, you’ll need to:

• Register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel or KvK)
• Choose a legal business structure (often a sole proprietorship)
• Register for VAT (BTW)
• Handle your quarterly VAT filings and annual income tax declarations
• Arrange private insurance and manage your own social security

While the ZZP structure is well-recognised and commonly used among freelancers in the Netherlands, it does present several challenges. 

Registering as self-employed and staying compliant requires a working understanding of Dutch administrative processes and tax regulations. Most official documents and government communications are written in Dutch, which can pose a language barrier for non-native speakers. 

As a ZZP, you’re also fully responsible for managing your own finances, from keeping accurate records and calculating taxes to ensuring all payments to the authorities are made on time. Even minor errors, such as submitting a late return or issuing an incorrectly formatted invoice, can lead to penalties or delays, adding unnecessary stress to your freelance journey.

For many freelancers, especially those relocating from abroad, the complexity and time commitment of being a ZZP can be a major drawback. That’s where Hightekers offers an easier alternative.

The Netherlands: lifestyle & cost of living

Living in the Netherlands offers an exceptional balance of work and personal life, making it a favourite destination for freelancers and remote professionals. The country is known for its high standard of living, excellent infrastructure, and progressive values. English is widely spoken, particularly in larger cities, which helps international workers integrate quickly into professional and social circles.

Dutch cities consistently rank high in global liveability indexes. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague uniquely blend history, culture, and modern convenience. Biking is a way of life here, public transport is clean and reliable, and there’s a strong focus on sustainability and social welfare. Cafés, coworking spaces, and international communities are thriving, making it easy for freelancers to find work opportunities and a social network.

However, this quality of life comes with a price. The cost of living in the Netherlands is relatively high, especially in urban centres like Amsterdam. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city can range from €1,200 to €2,000 per month, while everyday expenses like groceries, healthcare, and public transport add up quickly. On average, a single person should budget between €2,000 and €3,000 monthly to live comfortably.

Despite the costs, salaries in the Netherlands remain competitive. The average gross annual salary is around €45,000 to €50,000, with higher earnings ordinary in IT, finance, engineering, and digital marketing sectors. However, income tax is steep, ranging from 36.93% to 49.5%, significantly reducing net take-home pay. Many professionals turn to freelancing, where hourly or daily rates often offer bigger earning potential despite the additional responsibility. And as freelancing future trends show, remote work is a mainstream career choice.

Working with Hightekers provides a practical solution for freelancers who want to enjoy Dutch life without navigating its administrative complexity. You can focus on your clients and projects while we handle the legal setup, compliance, and tax obligations, making your move to the Netherlands as smooth and rewarding as possible.

Hightekers solution: a compliant, stress-free way to freelance in the Netherlands

If you want to live and work in the Netherlands without the hassle of registering as self-employed, Hightekers offers a modern, freelancer-friendly alternative.

Instead of setting up your own business, you can operate under a compliant employment structure while still enjoying the flexibility of freelance life.

How it works

Hightekers acts as your legal employer in the Netherlands. We establish a service agreement with your existing clients, allowing them to continue working with you easily and without taking on new responsibilities.

You sign an employment contract with Hightekers, which means:

• We handle invoicing to your client(s)
• We manage your monthly payroll
• We take care of tax filings, social contributions, and insurance
• We ensure full compliance with Dutch and international employment law

For example, when Julia, a freelance marketing consultant from Germany, decided to move to the Netherlands, she wanted to keep working with her international clients without the stress of registering as self-employed or learning the Dutch tax system from scratch. She was concerned about handling invoicing, social security, and ensuring her work remained legally compliant.

That’s when she partnered with Hightekers. As her legal employer, we provided Julia with a local employment contract, allowing her to continue freelancing with full independence. We managed her tax contributions, social security, and monthly invoicing – all while ensuring compliance with Dutch regulations. Thanks to Hightekers, Julia was able to relocate smoothly, avoid bureaucratic hurdles, and focus entirely on growing her freelance business in her new home.

What you gain

This model allows freelancers to retain their independence, choosing their clients, rates, and workload, while avoiding the red tape of traditional self-employment.

You receive:

• A fixed monthly income, paid on time
• Employee benefits (such as social security coverage, pension contributions, and healthcare registration)
• Full legal compliance with no admin burden
• Ongoing support from the Hightekers team, including guidance on relocation

It’s the ideal setup for remote professionals who want to focus on their work, not on local tax law, business registration, or accounting software.

Relocate smart, freelance with confidence

The Netherlands is a fantastic destination for freelancers: it offers strong earning potential, world-class infrastructure, and an inclusive, international culture. Whether you’re seeking financial growth or lifestyle balance, it’s a place where remote professionals can truly thrive.

That said, managing the tax system, freelance registration, and compliance requirements can be daunting, especially if you’re new to the country.

With Hightekers, you don’t have to go it alone. We help you live and work legally, comfortably, and efficiently in the Netherlands, so you can focus on growing your freelance activity, not chasing paperwork.

Simplify your freelance work in the Netherlands with Hightekers

Author

Emma

Professional Development Specialist

A seasoned career development specialist based in Bristol, where she helps international professionals manage the complexities of establishing their independent careers in the UK. With over a decade of experience in talent management and professional mobility, she leads initiatives to support freelancers and independent consultants across various high-skilled sectors. When she's not advising professionals on their career journeys, you might find Emma exploring Bristol's street art scene or cheering on her beloved Bristol City FC!