What is the minimum wage for an employee in Belgium?

Every employee in Belgium is entitled to a guaranteed minimum wage. This protects you against underpayment. The exact amounts differ depending on your joint committee, age and working hours. Here you can read everything clearly and concisely.

What is the guaranteed average minimum monthly income (GGMMI)?

The GGMMI is the lowest gross salary that a full-time employee in the private sector must receive. Since 1 January 2026, this is €2,070.90 per month for a 38-hour working week. If you work 40 hours, the salary is proportionally higher, because you work more hours. This minimum is indexed every year: in the course of spring (often in May), many sectoral agreements become final and you see whether your salary rises extra on top of the index. That is the moment to check your payslip.

Note: this is a gross amount. Social contributions (13.07%) and withholding tax are still deducted from that amount. Your net depends on your family situation, any other income and tax deductions. For a single employee without dependants, the net monthly salary therefore averages €1,700 to €1,800.

Minimum wage per hour and per week

Not all employees work full-time. That is why there are also minimum hourly wages. These are calculated by dividing the GGMMI by the average monthly hours. For a 38-hour week, the minimum hourly wage in 2026 is approximately €12.56 gross. If you work part-time (19 hours per week), you are entitled to at least half of the GGMMI.

Some prefer to be paid per performance. The minimum also applies then: you may never fall below the statutory hourly rate. Check this on your payslip or ask your employer.

Young people and starters: different minimum?

If you are 18, 19 or 20 years old, a reduced minimum wage applies. It starts at 70% of the GGMMI at age 18 and increases to 100% at age 21. For an 18-year-old employee, the gross minimum in 2026 is therefore €1,449.63. A student job falls under the student scheme: you receive a separate student wage that is usually lower than the ordinary minimum. The exact amount depends on your sector. For many student jobs in Flanders, wages are around €11 per hour gross.

Net remaining: what is left over?

Mandatory deductions are taken from your gross salary. These are the NSSO contribution (13.07%) and the withholding tax. The withholding tax is an advance on your taxes. How much that is, is set out in the tax scales. On average, as a single employee without children, you keep 71% to 75% of your gross. With children or a partner without income, this increases. You can easily simulate your net salary via the ACV Salary Guide or other official tools.

Indexation: why does your salary rise every year?

In Belgium, wages are automatically adjusted to the cost of living. This is called indexation. Usually this happens in January, but some joint committees follow a different timing. In spring, often in May, many employees receive an extra increase due to sector news. That is why many people check their salary around that time: is it still correct? It is wise to compare your payslip every year in May with the indexed scales of your sector.

The job bonus, an annual premium for low wages, can also increase your net income. It amounts to a maximum of €600 and is automatically granted to those entitled to it. More information can be found on the website of the FPS Employment.

What if your salary is too low?

If you suspect that you are not receiving the correct minimum, first discuss this with your employer. If it is still not correct, contact your trade union or the Inspection of Work and Social Economy. They can check your payslip and, if necessary, file a complaint. Do not wait too long, because back pay expires after one year.