Working as a production worker in the Netherlands offers international job seekers a great way to enter the country’s thriving manufacturing sector. From assembly lines and packaging to food production and machine operation, production jobs (next to Dutch logistics) remain among the most stable blue-collar roles across the Dutch economy.
In this article, we’ll explore the average production worker salary in the Netherlands, how it compares by experience, education, and city, and what you can expect when working through an employment agency like Robin Jobs.
How Much Does a Production Worker Earn in the Netherlands?
Let’s start with the question most people ask: How much are production workers paid in the Netherlands?
Before we start, you have to know that available figures can vary greatly. Based on the most recent salary data, the average production worker salary in the Netherlands is €21,300 gross per year, which equals about €1,775 gross per month. The lowest salaries start around €9,740 per year, while the highest can reach up to €37,740 annually.
However, other sources state different figures. For instance, Salary expert cites €41.807 (EUR)/year, while Glassdoor averages out the monthly income between €2,000 and €3,000 per month.
So, going with the first data source, the average production worker wage in the Netherlands would look something like this:
Salary Type | Amount (EUR) |
Average Annual Salary | €21,300 |
Average Monthly Salary | €1,775 |
Lowest Monthly Salary | €9,740 |
Highest Annual Salary | €37,740 |
Keep in mind that these figures are gross salaries, which typically include holiday pay and other standard benefits under Dutch labor law. After taxes and social security contributions, a production worker’s net monthly income generally falls between €1,400 and €1,550, depending on housing costs and tax refunds.
What Affects the Netherlands Production Worker Salary?
Like most other professions, certain factors will define the wages workers may be able to take home with them. As you know, experience, education, and location have a major impact on how much a production worker earns.
Source: Pexels
Experience Level
The average salary of a production worker increases over time. Usually, the longer you’ve worked in a specific sector or role, the more you are able to learn. In other words, salaries increase steadily as you gain more years on the job.
Here’s what the data shows, how the average production worker salary in the Netherlands can increase with experience:
Experience Level | Average Annual Salary | Growth Rate |
0–2 years | €12,180 | — |
2–5 years | €15,760 | +34% |
5–10 years | €24,820 | +48% |
10–15 years | €27,480 | +22% |
15–20 years | €29,600 | +9% |
20+ years | €34,540 | +8% |
As you can see, with five to ten years of experience, a production worker in the Netherlands can already earn well above the national average.
Level of Education
While most production jobs in the Netherlands require only basic or secondary education, higher education can boost your earnings significantly.
Education Level | Average Annual Salary | Growth Rate |
High School | €13,960 | — |
Certificate/Diploma | €21,560 | +57% |
Bachelor’s Degree | €36,160 | +68% |
A technical diploma or certificate, for example, in process operation or industrial maintenance, can be a smart way to increase your income potential without pursuing a full degree.
To be more specific, certifications for blue-collar workers in production cover safety (like OSHA 10/30), skilled trades (AWS Certified Welder), and operations (Forklift Operator, EPA 608). Specific certifications like a Production Supervisor Certification are available, which include modules on safety and management. For certain roles, like commercial drivers, specialized licenses such as a Class A CDL without an automatic transmission restriction are essential.
Production Worker Salaries by City in the Netherlands
As you may know, salaries may also differ by region. Major industrial hubs such as Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Eindhoven tend to offer higher wages due to stronger manufacturing and logistics activity.
City | Average Annual Salary |
Amsterdam | €30,490 |
Rotterdam | €30,320 |
Utrecht | €27,590 |
Eindhoven | €27,730 |
Tilburg | €27,190 |
Groningen | €25,530 |
Breda | €24,710 |
Nijmegen | €25,770 |
Almere | €27,460 |
The Hague (’s-Gravenhage) | €30,170 |
These figures illustrate that production worker salaries by city in the Netherlands can vary by several thousand euros per year. These discrepancies usually reflect the regional cost-of-living differences.
Average Production Worker Salary vs. Germany
Many candidates compare production worker salaries in Germany and the Netherlands before applying. That’s rather normal, as these two countries are among the best-performing economies in the EU. That said, In Germany, a production worker earns about:
- €2,400 per month gross (roughly €14–€15/hour).
- In the Netherlands, the average hourly wage is around €13–€14/hour, with more flexibility, in terms of language usage. For the most part, foreign workers may not have to speak Dutch at all, as virtually everyone understands and speaks English.
All in all, while Germany’s base pay can be slightly higher, working in the Netherlands is often considered a better move. Dutch agency contracts also frequently include affordable housing (≈€150/week) and organized transport, making the overall net income and savings potential very competitive.
Source: Pexels
Bonuses and Pay Raises
According to national data, production workers in the Netherlands receive an average salary increase of 5.5% every 12 months, regulated by CAO (Collective Labour Agreements). These contracts guarantee annual raises, paid holidays, and safe working conditions.
When it comes to bonuses:
- About 34% of employees receive a bonus annually.
- Typical bonus rates range from 0% to 4% of the yearly salary.
Although production operators usually don’t earn high bonuses, their income stability and benefits make up for it.
Disclaimer on Salary ExpectationsAt Robin.jobs, we aim to give you the clearest possible picture of what to expect when working abroad. While the average salaries in Germany discussed in this article reflect national data from official sources, the wages listed in our vacancies may vary. However, it’s important to consider the full picture: our job offers typically come with low -cost accommodation. While accommodation isn’t free, it is typically below market rates and arranged by our partner agencies abroad. This ensures candidates have a secure place to stay as they begin settling into a new country and job. These benefits significantly reduce your monthly expenses and often allow you to save more than you could with a higher salary in a big city with high living costs. We focus on legal, reliable, and fair work opportunities, helping you start earning from day one, without the financial burden of high rent, long commutes, or upfront costs. |
Working as a Production Worker in the Netherlands
For international job seekers, working as a production worker in the Netherlands is a dependable way to start a career abroad. The manufacturing sector offers a variety of roles, from food processing and packaging to machinery operation and quality control.
On top of that, if you are considering a career with the help of Robin, you will also get:
- Accommodation and transport to work arranged before arrival
- Assistance with paperwork, permits, and insurance
- Legal and safe employment under Dutch labor laws
- No hidden fees or unexpected deductions
We work with trusted Dutch employers, ensuring that every worker has secure housing, reliable contracts, and clear communication before traveling.
How Much Do Production Workers Make in a Year?
To recap here are the salaries you can expect to earn in the Netherlands as a production worker:
Experience Level | Annual Gross Salary (EUR) |
Entry-level | €10,000–€15,000 |
Mid-level | €18,000–€22,000 |
Experienced | €24,000–€30,000 |
Supervisory | €32,000–€37,000 |
In other words, a production worker in the Netherlands can expect to earn between €1,500 and €2,500 gross per month, depending on experience, shift work, and company benefits.
Start Working in the Netherlands with Robin Jobs
If you’re ready to start working as a production worker in the Netherlands, Robin Jobs can help you every step of the way. We match international candidates with reliable Dutch employers, handle the paperwork, and ensure housing and transport are arranged before you arrive.
Create your free profile and apply today to find the best production worker jobs in the Netherlands.
Start earning competitive wages in 2025 while building a secure future in Europe’s most worker-friendly country.