The 10 Lowest Paying Jobs (Starting Salary) in the Netherlands: What Expats Should Know

denize17
30 jun
3 minuten om te lezen

When people research the job market in the Netherlands, most focus on the highest-paying professions. But what about the lowest-paying jobs? For expats considering a move to the Netherlands or looking to switch careers, it’s just as important to understand which jobs offer the least financial return—especially at the entry level.

In this article, NEQXT explores the 10 lowest paying jobs in the Netherlands based on starting salaries, why these salaries tend to be low, and what alternatives are available that provide better earning potential—particularly for internationals.

Why Are Some Jobs So Poorly Paid?

Several factors can influence a low starting salary in the Dutch job market:

Minimal educational or experience requirements
Oversupply of workers in certain sectors
Seasonal or part-time contracts
Dependence on tips or commissions
Low appreciation or undervaluation of certain sectors (e.g. care, cleaning)

While some of these roles are essential and even fulfilling, they often do not reflect that in their pay.

The 10 Lowest Paying Jobs in the Netherlands (Starting Salary)

Salaries are estimates based on Dutch sources including CBS, Loonwijzer, job platforms, and current vacancy data. Actual wages may vary by region, experience, and employer.

1. Cleaner (Schoonmaker)

Starting salary: €1,850 gross/month
Typical contract: Full-time, part-time, flexible
Details: Physically demanding work. Limited upward mobility without further training or certifications.

2. Call Center Agent

Starting salary: €1,900 – €2,100 gross/month
Details: Often requires bilingual skills (Dutch and English), high stress, repetitive tasks, and strict performance metrics. High turnover is common.

3. Hairdresser / Hairstylist

Starting salary: €1,850 – €2,050 gross/month
Details: Vocational training required. Many work freelance or on commission. Salary increases with experience, but progress is slow.

4. Hospitality Worker (Waiter, Barista, Restaurant Staff)

Starting salary: €1,800 – €2,000 gross/month
Details: Irregular hours, weekend shifts, and dependence on tips. Popular among students and newcomers but financially unstable for long-term.

5. Warehouse Assistant / Order Picker

Starting salary: €1,950 – €2,100 gross/month
Details: Physically intense, often in shifts or rotating hours. Little room for advancement without additional education.

6. Receptionist / Front Desk Clerk

Starting salary: €1,950 – €2,100 gross/month
Details: Often requires good communication and customer service skills. Sometimes bilingual. Limited career growth unless moving into office administration.

7. Factory Worker (Production, Food Industry)

Starting salary: €1,950 – €2,200 gross/month
Details: Shift work, repetitive tasks, physically demanding. Many contracts are temporary or seasonal.

8. Home Care Assistant (Thuiszorg)

Starting salary: €2,000 gross/month
Details: Essential and emotionally demanding role in healthcare. Requires a high degree of empathy, but financial rewards are low and work hours irregular.

9. Supermarket Assistant / Cashier

Starting salary: €1,850 – €2,000 gross/month
Details: Many work part-time or on flexible contracts. Wages often depend on age and experience. Limited advancement opportunities.

10. Delivery Driver (Bike or Car)

Starting salary: €1,900 – €2,100 gross/month
Details: Common among students or expats, especially in urban areas. Pay varies based on tips, weather, and location. Few benefits or protections.

What Can Expats Learn from This?

Starting out in the Netherlands as an expat often means accepting lower-level or transitional roles. However, these positions frequently offer little financial stability or career growth.

Before accepting a lower-paying job, consider:

Are there clear pathways for promotion or additional training?
Will you gain transferable skills?
Are working conditions safe and respectful?
Is this role a stepping stone to something better?

Better Alternatives with Higher Starting Salaries

If you’re looking for better long-term financial security, here are some roles that require minimal experience but offer better pay and growth potential:

Role	Starting Salary	Key Advantage
IT Support / Helpdesk	€2,500 – €3,000	High demand, paid training
Customer Service (Tech/SaaS)	€2,400 – €2,800	English-speaking roles, remote-friendly
Logistics Coordinator	€2,500+	Growing sector, opportunity for advancement
Technical Installation	€2,600 – €3,200	Skill-based, long-term demand
Healthcare Administration	€2,400+	Less physical, stable environment

Final Thoughts from NEQXT

At NEQXT, we support expats in navigating the Dutch job market—from career guidance and retraining to helping you find the right BBL programs (learn-and-work pathways) in technology, healthcare, logistics, and more.

If you're currently in a low-paid job or unsure where to begin, remember: you have options. And with the right support and plan, you can transition into a role that not only pays better but also aligns with your goals.