Minimum wage in hospitality 2025

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 July 1, 2025: €14.40

As of July 1, 2025, the statutory minimum wage (WML) has increased to €14.40 per hour for employees aged 21 and older. This represents a 2.42% increase compared to the hourly rate on January 1, 2025 (€14.06). This raise applies to all sectors, including hospitality.

Youth minimum wages as of July 1, 2025

The minimum hourly wages for younger employees are set as follows:

  • Age 20: €11.52

  • Age 19: €8.64

  • Age 18: €7.20

  • Age 17: €5.69

  • Age 16: €4.97

  • Age 15: €4.32

Special rules under collective labour agreement (CAO)

Many employees in the hospitality sector are covered by a collective labor agreement (CAO). This means there can be special agreements about wages and working conditions. These agreements can sometimes result in a higher wage than the legally established minimum.

Additional Compensation: Tips In the hospitality industry, it is also common for employees to receive tips. These tips are an extra on top of the salary. It is important to know that these tips do not count towards the calculation of the minimum wage.

Changes and current information

The minimum wage changes regularly. For the most up-to-date information, it is advisable to consult the official websites of the Dutch government or relevant labour organizations.

Minimum Hourly Wage from January 1, 2024: €13.27

From January 1, 2024, the statutory minimum wage (WML) will increase by 3.74%. This is part of the standard adjustment that takes place every six months. As a result, the minimum hourly wage will be €13.27. This applies to all sectors, including hospitality.

Wage tables and collective labor agreement (CAO)

In the hospitality collective labor agreement, there are specific rules about wages, training, and experience. Therefore, it is important to also consult the wage tables in the CAO for specific information about wages in the hospitality sector.

For the most recent information about the minimum wage and the CAO in hospitality, you can find more here.

Special increase in hospitality

However, for the hospitality sector, there is a larger increase than the general percentage.

Hourly Wage Based on 36 Hours:

A significant change from January 1, 2024, is that the minimum hourly wage will be calculated as if everyone works 36 hours per week. Previously, the monthly wage was the starting point, with the hourly wage derived based on the number of hours worked. For employees working 36 hours a week, this meant a higher hourly wage than for employees working 38 hours (which is common in hospitality). From January 1, 2024, the hourly wage for 36 hours will be the standard, leading to a higher increase in the minimum hourly wage in hospitality.

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.