Average Salary in Belgium

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: October 8, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

What is the average salary in Belgium?

In 2024, the gross average salary in Belgium was €48,912 per year or €4,076 monthly. This adds up to approximately €185.27 per day and about €23.16 per hour. This data was reported by Statbel, the Belgian statistical office, in 2022 and is the most up-to-date data available.

The Belgian average is significantly higher than the EU average salary of €28,217 in 2023​. But considering that Belgium has automatic wage indexation and the inflation has soared, the gross average might be even higher than our projected figure when Statbel releases a new report.

Still, the median gross salary in Belgium in 2024, according to a study carried out by a consulting firm, is €3,350 a month. This total figure is more representative of what a Belgian worker earns before taxes, which are very high in Belgium.

What is the average salary in Brussels?

The Brussels-Capital Region has a gross monthly salary of €4,748 (€56,976 annually) in 2022, which is 16% higher than the national average. Even in the surrounding areas, such as Halle-Vilvoorde, Leuven, and Nivelles, the average wage exceeds €4,250. While the salaries speak to the region's economic strength, the taxes and cost of living can outweigh some financial benefits for residents. For example, when measured by the rather oblique metric of taxable income, Brussels is, surprisingly, one of the most disadvantaged districts in the country.

What is the average salary in Antwerp?

In Antwerp, in Flanders, the average monthly salary in 2022 was about €4,213, or €50,556 a year. This puts wages in the city a bit higher than the national average. While salaries are good, the cost of living, especially for things like housing and transportation, can be quite high.

Are salaries higher in Flanders or Wallonia?

Salaries in Belgium are higher in the Flemish Region than in the French-speaking Walloon Region. The median — not average — gross salary for Walloon workers has shot up to €3,100 per month in the private sector, up by more than 20% in five years, while in Flanders, this monthly figure was €3,390.

What is the minimum wage in Belgium?

Belgium has one of the highest minimum wages in the European Union. As of November 2023, Belgium’s national minimum wage is €1,954.99 per month, set by the National Labour Council. This rate is adjusted annually and is also adjusted automatically with inflation. While no specific law enforces this, sector-specific committees set pay rates. If a sector doesn’t establish a lower limit, the national minimum applies.

What is a good salary in Belgium?

In Belgium, a good salary should comfortably cover living expenses, especially given that monthly costs for a single person (excluding rent) range from €931 to €1,134, depending on the city. Rent for a one-bedroom flat in city centres averages between €831 and €1,117. In Brussels, for instance, total monthly costs (with rent) could exceed €2,100.

Considering these factors, a gross salary of around €55,000–€60,000 annually would provide a comfortable lifestyle, allowing you to manage rent, utilities, and leisure, while still leaving room for savings.

Average salary after tax in Belgium

Belgium has some of the heaviest taxation systems in the world. Some residents even claim that they’d be better off in Switzerland or Luxembourg, which are renowned for their steep taxes. In Belgium, the tax system is progressive, meaning that higher income levels are taxed at higher rates. As of 2023, the income tax brackets range from 25% for income up to €15,200, to 50% for income over €46,440. Additionally, there is a "tax-free allowance," set at €10,160 for the 2024 tax year. This allowance can increase depending on personal circumstances like having dependent children​.

For the gross monthly average salary of €4,076, you can approximate net salary around €2,563, or an annual net salary of €30,756. This is just an estimate, as specific personal circumstances (such as marital status, dependants, or other tax deductions) can affect the final amount. You can also use our tax calculator to see what different salaries look like after deductions.

What are the highest-paying jobs in Belgium?

According to Statbel, the highest-paying jobs in Belgium include roles such as management directors, IT managers, business services and administration managers, medical doctors, and sales and marketing executives. Other well-paying professions are in sectors like manufacturing, education, mathematics, and engineering.

Let’s have a look at the average yearly wages for some of the most common professions pursued by expats moving to and working in Belgium (Source: Payscale):

• Digital Marketing Specialist: €35,640
• HR Generalist: €52,840
• Data Analyst: €38,240
• UX Designer: €36,572
• Project Manager (General): €54,691
• Sales / Business Manager: €73,807
• Software Engineer: €43,155

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