The Netherlands is known for its high standard of living, excellent work-life balance, and thriving technology sector. For IT professionals, the country offers competitive salaries, numerous career opportunities, and generous tax benefits such as the 30% ruling for highly skilled migrants.
In this guide, we’ll explore average IT salaries in the Netherlands, compare them with nearby countries, review the cost of living, and give insights into relocation for tech professionals.
Average Income in the Netherlands
The average income in the Netherlands is around €36,500 per year before tax, equivalent to roughly €3,000 per month. IT professionals, however, earn significantly more—on average 65% higher than the typical Dutch salary.
Key Takeaways:
- Average Dutch salary: €36,500/year
- Typical IT salary: €59,400/year
- Most common gross salary: €3,000/month
IT Salaries by Specialization
IT salaries in the Netherlands vary widely depending on experience, specialization, and company size. Below is a breakdown of average monthly IT salaries (€):
| IT Role | Average Monthly Salary (€) |
|---|---|
| Android Developer | 4,570 |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | 5,130 |
| Business Intelligence Developer | 4,960 |
| C# Developer | 4,840 |
| C++ Developer | 5,140 |
| Data Analyst | 4,470 |
| Data Architect | 4,540 |
| Database Administrator | 4,900 |
| Front-end Developer | 4,140 |
| Full-stack Developer | 4,760 |
| Game Developer | 4,330 |
| Information Security Analyst | 5,400 |
| iOS Developer | 5,100 |
| Java Developer | 4,940 |
| PHP Developer | 4,320 |
| Python Developer | 5,160 |
| Salesforce Administrator | 4,390 |
| Salesforce Developer | 3,830 |
| Scrum Master | 3,860 |
| Software Architect | 4,460 |
| Software Engineer | 4,760 |
| Software QA Engineer | 4,130 |
| Technical Writer | 4,250 |
| Web Designer | 4,320 |
| Web Developer | 4,180 |
IT Salaries by Experience
Experience also has a significant impact. Here are medium annual salary ranges (€) according to Berenschot:
| Role | Average Annual Salary (€) | Salary Range (€) |
|---|---|---|
| IT Manager | 100,400 | 91,700 – 141,600 |
| IT Project Manager | 104,700 | 73,300 – 130,500 |
| Programmer | 58,900 | 43,500 – 75,400 |
| Senior IT Consultant | 95,400 | 77,800 – 114,000 |
| System Architect | 89,200 | 70,500 – 116,200 |
| Tester | 45,700 | 37,500 – 53,800 |
Tip: Annual salaries often include a holiday allowance, usually paid in May, plus potential performance-based bonuses (5–15% of salary).
Income Tax and the 30% Ruling
Salaries above are gross, before taxes. In the Netherlands, income tax is progressive. For example:
- Gross salary: €60,000/year
- Tax paid: ~€22,410
- Net annual income: ~€37,590
However, highly skilled foreign workers may qualify for the 30% ruling, which allows 30% of your salary to be tax-free. With this, the same €60,000 could effectively yield a net income of ~€50,000/year.
Eligibility Criteria for the 30% Ruling:
- Taxable salary (70%) ≥ €38,347 (€54,781 before tax)
- Under 30 years old with a foreign master’s degree; taxable salary ≥ €29,149 (€41,641 before tax)
- Lived ≥150 km from Dutch border for at least 16 months in the last 24 months
- Scientific researchers may qualify regardless of salary
Maximum duration: 5 years
Cost of Living in the Netherlands
To live comfortably, IT professionals should aim for a net annual income of €60,000–80,000. Costs vary by city, family size, and lifestyle.
| Expense | Typical Monthly Cost (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | 1,000–2,000 | Depends on city and apartment size |
| Utilities & Internet | 150–300 | Gas, electricity, water |
| Food | 300–700 | Groceries & eating out |
| Health Insurance | 100–200 | Mandatory for all residents |
| Leisure | 100–500 | Hobbies, entertainment |
| Clothes & Misc | 100–200 | Or 600–800 for larger families |
| Housewares | 40–60 | Cleaning, kitchen items |
| Personal Supplies | 40–60 | Toiletries, etc. |
Note: Public transport is optional in many cities due to excellent biking infrastructure. Living in the Randstad region (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht) is costlier than smaller cities.
Comparing IT Salaries: Netherlands vs Nearby Countries
| Country | Average IT Salary (€) | Cost of Living Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 59,400/year | 72/100 | High salaries, tax benefits |
| Germany | 56,000/year | 68/100 | Slightly lower tax benefits, higher housing in major cities |
| Belgium | 54,000/year | 70/100 | Lower salaries, similar cost of living |
| UK | 58,000/year | 75/100 | Slightly higher salaries in London, higher living expenses |
The Netherlands offers competitive IT salaries with strong benefits, especially for international tech talent.
Top IT Cities in the Netherlands
- Amsterdam: Tech hub, high salaries, higher living costs
- Rotterdam: Emerging IT scene, slightly lower living costs
- Utrecht: Central location, good quality of life
- Eindhoven: Known for electronics & hardware tech jobs
Top IT Companies in the Netherlands
Some of the largest employers for IT professionals include:
- ASML – semiconductor & software engineering
- Booking.com – travel technology & software
- Adyen – fintech & payment processing
- ING – banking & IT roles
- Philips – health technology & software
FAQs About IT Salaries in the Netherlands
Q1: Are IT salaries higher in Amsterdam than other Dutch cities?
Yes, Amsterdam typically offers higher salaries, but living costs are also higher.
Q2: Is the 30% ruling applicable to mid-career professionals?
Yes, if you meet salary and relocation requirements.
Q3: How much do software engineers earn with 5+ years of experience?
Software engineers can earn between €60,000–90,000/year, depending on company and role.
Q4: Is public transport necessary in the Netherlands?
Not always. Cities are bike-friendly, and many tech professionals cycle to work.
Conclusion
The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for IT professionals. With competitive salaries, tax benefits, and a high quality of life, it’s ideal for both local and international talent. Whether you’re a developer, data analyst, or IT manager, understanding salaries, cost of living, and relocation options will help you make informed career decisions.
