There is no doubt that the Netherlands has a vibrant economy, thriving industries, and a high standard of living. Because of this, skilled professionals from around the world seek lucrative opportunities here.
The Netherlands has a number of well-paying jobs that can help anyone achieve their career and financial goals, no matter how long they have been in the field.
In this guide, we will explain how experience levels impact salary expectations for some of the country’s most rewarding careers.
Why Work in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is an attractive destination for professionals for several reasons:
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Paying competitive salaries and providing excellent benefits (including pension contributions and holiday bonuses)
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Work-life balance is highly valued
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The Netherlands is a great place for multinationals and startups, especially in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven
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There are many jobs in the area that require no Dutch language skills at all due to the strong English-speaking environment
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Excellent healthcare, transportation, and education systems contribute to a high standard of living
High Paying Jobs in Netherlands
Engineering Professionals
Various specialties of engineering, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering, remain well-compensated in the Netherlands.
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Entry-Level Engineers (0-2 years of experience)
The average annual salary for fresh engineering graduates or those with little experience is between €35,000 and €50,000. A typical responsibility at this stage is to assist senior engineers, conduct research, or supervise smaller projects.
Mid-Level Engineers (3-7 years of experience)
Salary increases significantly with experience, reaching between €50,000 and €80,000. The mid-level engineer often manages projects, contributes to design improvements, and provides technical assistance.
Senior Engineers (8+ years of experience)
Experienced project managers who have a proven track record of managing complex projects can earn up to €120,000 per year.
The responsibilities of a senior engineer may include overseeing entire engineering departments, implementing strategic advancements, and leading major engineering initiatives.
IT and Software Development
There has been an exponential increase in the number of software developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity professionals in the Netherlands.
Junior Developers and IT Specialists (0-3 years of experience)
The average salary for an entry-level position in the IT industry is between $35,000 and $55,000. Typically, junior developers work on smaller components of software and code, debug, and test it.
Mid-Level IT Professionals (4-7 years of experience)
Salaries for professionals increase between €55,000 and €85,000 annually as they gain expertise. The responsibilities of these positions may include project management, system architecture, or more advanced software development.
Senior IT Experts and Managers (8+ years of experience)
IT professionals at the top of the corporate ladder, such as lead developers, data scientists, and IT managers, earn between €85,000 and €150,000 per year. They are responsible for strategic planning, leading large-scale tech teams, and devising innovative solutions.
Finance and Banking Experts
As one of Europe’s key financial hubs, Amsterdam is highly lucrative in the finance and banking sector.
Entry-Level Finance Analysts (0-2 years of experience)
The salary range for recent graduates and junior analysts is usually between €35,000 and €50,000. Modeling and data analysis, as well as investment research, are often part of their responsibilities.
Experienced Finance Professionals (3-7 years of experience)
As you gain experience, your salary will grow to between €60,000 and €100,000. Typically, these positions involve greater responsibility, such as advising corporate clients and leading investment projects.
Senior Financial Managers and Executives (8+ years of experience)
An experienced finance professional, such as a financial controller, investment banker, or chief financial officer, can earn between 100,000 and 250,000. It is their responsibility to make strategic financial decisions, manage large teams, and steer the growth of the company.
Medical and Healthcare Specialists
The Netherlands has one of the most prestigious and well-compensated healthcare sectors in the world. Whether you’re a medical doctor or a healthcare manager, there are plenty of opportunities for well-trained individuals.
Junior Doctors and Medical Residents (0-3 years of experience)
In addition to medical duties under the supervision of senior doctors, starting salaries range between €40,000 and €60,000 per year.
Experienced Medical Professionals (4-9 years of experience)
The salary of doctors increases to between €70,000 and €120,000 as they specialize and gain experience. At the high end of this scale are specialists like surgeons, radiologists, and anesthesiologists.
Senior Medical Practitioners (10+ years of experience)
The annual salary of highly experienced doctors and department heads can exceed €150,000. In addition to managing healthcare teams, they often conduct complex medical procedures and conduct research.
Legal Professionals
There is a high demand for legal expertise, especially in corporate law, intellectual property law, and international trade law.
Entry-Level Lawyers and Legal Assistants (0-3 years of experience)
The starting salary ranges from €40,000 to €60,000 per year. Researching cases, drafting legal documents, and providing assistance to senior lawyers are all part of this stage.
Mid-Level Legal Experts (4-8 years of experience)
The average lawyer earns between €60,000 and €100,000. In addition to taking on more complex cases and interacting with clients, they are often in charge of negotiating contracts.
Senior Lawyers and Partners (9+ years of experience)
Law firm partners, legal consultants, and top-tier lawyers can earn between €100,000 and €200,000 annually. The high earning potential of these professionals is largely due to their expertise and reputation.
Marketing and Sales Directors
The marketing and sales professions play an important role in driving business growth, which makes their roles highly compensated.
Junior Marketing Specialists (0-2 years of experience)
The salary range for entry-level marketing positions is between €30,000 and €45,000. Market research, campaign execution, and content creation are some of the tasks that may be assigned.
Mid-Level Marketing and Sales Professionals (3-6 years of experience)
In these roles, you can expect to earn between $50,000 and $100,000 with experience. In addition to developing marketing strategies and managing client accounts, professionals are often expected to reach sales goals.
Senior Marketing and Sales Executives (7+ years of experience)
There can be a pay range of €90,000 to €180,000 or more for senior executives. Leading large teams, setting brand strategies, and negotiating major deals are among their responsibilities.
Aviation Industry Professionals
Air traffic controllers, engineers, and pilots with experience can expect well-compensated careers in the aviation industry.
Junior Aviation Engineers and Flight Attendants (0-3 years of experience)
As a flight attendant, earning between €25,000 and €40,000 per year is common, while as a junior engineer, earning between €35,000 and €50,000 is common.
Mid-Level Pilots and Engineers (4-10 years of experience)
A pilot or engineer at the mid-level with more than ten years of experience may earn between €70,000 and €110,000. In addition to managing maintenance teams and flying international flights, they take on more responsibilities.
Senior Pilots and Aviation Managers (10+ years of experience)
An annual salary of €100,000 to €200,000 is common for senior captains and aviation managers. Assuring safety standards, managing flight operations, and training new pilots are among their duties.
How to Land a High-Paying Job in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, landing a high-paying job requires a strategic approach. A Dutch employer values not only technical skills, but also cultural fit, adaptability, and networking abilities. You can maximize your chances by following these steps:
1. Optimize Your CV and LinkedIn Profile
In order to be considered for a job in the Netherlands, a CV must be clear, concise, and well-structured. The typical CV is no more than two pages long and includes the following information:
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A professional summary at the top
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Relevant work experience (starting with the most recent)
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Clear mention of your achievements and quantifiable results
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Educational qualifications
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Technical skills and certifications
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Language proficiency
In the Netherlands, recruiters heavily use LinkedIn, so ensure your profile is current. Showcase your portfolio if possible, use relevant keywords for your industry, and ask for recommendations.
Tip: include a professional-looking photo on your CV and LinkedIn, as it is commonly accepted in the Netherlands.
2. Learn Basic Dutch
In spite of English being widely spoken, speaking Dutch gives you a distinct advantage in many industries, such as IT, engineering, and finance:
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It shows respect for local culture
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It helps you network more effectively
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It opens doors to a wider range of job opportunities, especially leadership roles
Basic levels (A2 or B1) can make a big difference. You can learn Dutch online through platforms such as Duolingo or Babbel, or you can attend local language schools.
3. Understand the Dutch Work Culture
Dutch workplaces value:
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Direct communication: Say what you mean clearly.
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Work-life balance: Working overtime is not encouraged unless absolutely necessary.
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Teamwork and flat hierarchies: Managers are approachable and teamwork is emphasized.
If you are able to demonstrate a grasp of and respect for these norms during an interview, you will be able to stand out from other applicants.
4. Network Extensively
Personal connections and professional networks play an important role in filling many jobs in the Netherlands rather than public job postings. Here are some tips for tapping into this hidden job market:
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Take advantage of networking events, job fairs, and professional meetups (many of which are available to internationals)
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Join industry-specific groups on LinkedIn and Meetup
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Engage with Dutch professional associations (e.g., Netherlands Financial Intelligence Association, NGI-NGN).
It is also possible to get insider tips on job openings by joining expat groups.
5. Use Recruitment Agencies and Job Portals
There are many high-paying opportunities available through specialized recruitment agencies. There are several top agencies in the Netherlands, including:
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Undutchables (specializing in English-speaking roles)
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Adams Multilingual Recruitment
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Hays Netherlands
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Michael Page Netherlands
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Randstad
A number of job portals, including Indeed.nl, Glassdoor.nl, LinkedIn Jobs, and IamExpat Jobs, advertise high-paying jobs.
6. Apply for the Right Visa
In general, if you’re not an EU citizen, you’ll need a work visa. There are several high-paying career options available to professionals:
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Highly Skilled Migrant Visa: Available to professionals over 30 years of age with a salary above a specified threshold (around €5,331/month gross in 2025).
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EU Blue Card: Available to non-EU nationals who have a higher education degree and a job offer that meets certain salary requirements.
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Intra-Company Transfer Visa: If you’re being relocated within the same company.
Employers often sponsor visa applications, especially if they are registered as a recognized sponsor with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).
7. Tailor Every Application
Using the same CV and cover letter to apply to multiple jobs rarely works in the Netherlands. As an alternative:
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Adapt your application to the needs of each company and role
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Highlight how your skills match their specific needs
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Demonstrate cultural awareness and a desire to adapt to Dutch working practices
A well-targeted, personalized application is more likely to be responded to by recruiters.
8. Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews
Dutch interviews can be detailed and practical. Be ready to:
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Use the STAR method to discuss specific examples of your work (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
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If you work in a technical field, you may need to answer technical questions or take technical tests
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Ask questions about the company, role, and culture — curiosity is appreciated
Most high-level positions require case studies or presentations during the second or third stage of the interview process.
9. Negotiate Your Salary Confidently
A candidate’s salary package is expected to be negotiated in the Netherlands. The following are some of the additional benefits that are often associated with high-paying jobs:
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Holiday allowance (usually around 8% of your gross salary)
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Pension contributions
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13th-month bonuses
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Relocation allowances
Make sure to research the average salary for your role on Glassdoor.nl or Salary Expert, and do not hesitate to negotiate respectfully.
Conclusion
In the Netherlands, there are many high-paying jobs available in various sectors. Salary levels are often determined by the level of experience, demand in the industry, and level of expertise.
The Netherlands offers world-class career growth and high earnings, attracting talented people from around the world. There are many opportunities for professionals looking to advance their careers on the Dutch job market, whether they are engineers, IT professionals, medical experts, or lawyers.
