Minimum wage in hospitality 2026
In the Netherlands, the minimum wage, just like in other sectors—is set by the government. This wage is age-dependent and is adjusted twice a year: on January 1st and July 1st. These adjustments take into account economic developments, including inflation. Employers are legally required to pay at least these wages.
Minimum hourly wage as of January 1, 2026: €14.71
As of January 1, 2026, the statutory minimum wage (WML) has increased to €14.71 per hour for employees aged 20 and older. This represents a 2.15% increase compared to the hourly rate on July 1, 2025 (€14.40). This raise applies to all sectors, including hospitality.
Youth minimum wages as of January 1, 2026
The minimum hourly wages for younger employees are set as follows:
20 years: € 14.71
19 years: € 11.03
18 years: € 9.19
17 years: € 7.27
16 years: € 6.34
15 years: € 5.52
Special rules under collective labour agreement (CAO)
Many employees in the hospitality sector fall under the Hospitality Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) 2025–2026. This agreement includes specific arrangements regarding employment conditions, such as wages and allowances. For skilled workers aged 20 and over in pay scales I and II, the Hospitality CAO follows the statutory minimum hourly wage. In all other cases, the Hospitality CAO ensures that employees earn more than the legally established minimum wage. For details on wage tables and other provisions, consulting the Hospitality CAO is essential.
Additional compensation: tips
Tips are an important supplement to the salary of hospitality staff. However, it is important to note that tips are not included in the calculation of the statutory minimum wage. Employers are required to pay the agreed wage regardless of any tips received. Read more here about tips in the hospitality sector.
Wage tables and collective labor agreement (CAO)
The Hospitality CAO contains specific rules regarding wages, training and experience. It is therefore important to also consult the wage tables in the CAO for detailed information about pay in the hospitality sector.
For the most up-to-date information on the minimum wage and the Hospitality CAO, you can find more here.
Exceptional increase in the hospitality sector
An important change is the introduction of a minimum hourly wage based on a standard working week of 36 hours. Previously, the hourly wage was calculated based on a monthly salary and the actual weekly working hours, which in hospitality often amounted to 38 hours. This adjustment results in a higher hourly wage, especially for employees who work more hours per week.
The combination of the general increase in the minimum wage and the new calculation method leads to a larger increase in hourly wages in the hospitality sector. This benefits employees in the sector, where the number of working hours is often higher.
Wage tables in the Hospitality CAO
The wage tables in the Hospitality CAO 2025–2026 provide further specifications on wages, based on experience, role and education. These tables serve as a valuable guideline for both employers and employees in the hospitality industry.
For additional information and the latest updates on the CAO and the minimum wage in the hospitality sector, please refer to the full Hospitality CAO 2025–2026 here.
This article has been reviewed by:
Sander (A.J.C.) Theunissen
Employment Lawyer (Counsel) - CLINT | Littler
Sander (A.J.C.) Theunissen has over fifteen years of experience and specializes in labor law and works council law. He has gained experience in labor law for the hospitality industry, among other areas.