Belgium’s strategic location and skilled workforce make it an ideal outsourcing destination. Employers looking to hire in the region may wonder, What is the average salary in Belgium? This information will help them make a competitive hiring offer. 

The average salary in Belgium is EURO 4076, about USD 5496. However, you must also consider how wages vary by experience, education, location, position, and industry. Comparing salaries in the country to earnings worldwide provides additional insight. 

This article will review all aspects of salaries in Belgium, preparing you for your hiring journey. 

What is the Average Salary in Belgium?

The average salary in Belgium is €476, or about $5496. The country’s high wages are due to a skilled workforce and strong economy. It also offers economic stability with a strong focus on international trade. 

Belgium Median Income

The median salary in Belgium is €3728, about $5026. When comparing average vs median salary, median wages are considerably lower due to income inequality in the country. 

Salary Range

The salary range spans from the lowest to the highest in the country. In Belgium, low earners make about €2407 monthly, about $3245, while high earners make closer to €7011, about $9452. 

Salary Comparisons in Belgium

Average salary provides insight, but you must consider how wages vary by education, experience, location, profession, and industry. The following sections will explore how these factors affect earnings. 

Salary by Position

This salary comparison chart reveals how wages vary by position. 

PositionAverage Monthly Salary (€)
Sales Director13,702
Chief Executive Officer11,371
IT Director11,347
Call Center Director11,324
Finance Manager9,536
Head of Product Development9,280
Technical Director8,952
Marketing Director8,777
Logistics Director8,363
IT Architect8,194
Banking Cashier2,399
Fabric Cutter2,395
Clothing Technologist2,385
General Laborer2,370
Packer2,336
Seamstress2,330
Porter2,154
Medical Records Clerk2,148
Tailor2,131

Average Wage in Belgium Based on Education

Education has a direct impact on earnings in Belgium. Here are some statistics to consider: 

Education LevelIncome Difference from National Average
Bachelor’s Degree+6%
Master’s Degree+46%
Upper Secondary Degree Only−17%
No Upper Secondary Degree−25%

Salary Comparison by Experience

Although no specific statistics reveal how salary improves with experience, age is a relevant factor, typically related to experience. A Statbel study shows that older workers in Belgium earn more than younger workers, especially in white-collar sectors. 

For example, white-collar workers over 60 earn 188% more than white-collar workers under 20. The pay gap is only 39% in blue-collar industries. 

Salary Comparison by Location

Location also impacts salaries. Workers in the Brussels capital region tend to earn 16% above the national average due to higher living costs and a concentration of companies offering high-paying wages. 

Other cities that offer high salaries include Flanders, Wallonia, Antwerp, Charleroi, Liege, and Ghent. Workers in Halle-Vilvoorde, Leuven, and Nivelles, close enough to commute into Brussels, also see higher wages. 

Meanwhile, the lowest wages are found in rural areas like Bastogne, Veurne, Thuin, Marche-en-Famenne, and Dinant. 

How Much is Minimum Wage in Belgium?

The minimum wage in Belgium is €2,111.89 per month, or about $2847. It went into effect on Feb. 1, 2025, showing an increase from the previous €2,029. However, some industries can negotiate higher minimum wages through collective bargaining. 

Average Salary in Belgium vs. the Rest of the World

The following charts compare salaries in Belgium to those in developed, developing, and least developed countries to provide additional insight. 

Belgium vs. Developed Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Belgium Salary
Japan379,434 Yen (approx. $2,635)111%
United Kingdom3,000 euros (approx. $3,116)77%
Norway50,790 kroner (approx. $4,700)51%
Germany4,300 euros (approx. $4,467)45%
Austria3,500 euros (approx. $3,636)52%

Belgium vs. Developing Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Belgium Salary
Romania4,000 RON (approx. $835)554%
Russia73,709 Rubles (approx. $700)685%
Albania1,500 Euros (approx. $1,550)254%
Kazakhstan342,082 Tenge (approx. $645)746%
Ukraine18,000 Hryvnia (approx. $500)1000%

Belgium vs. Undeveloped Countries

CountryAverage SalaryComparison to Average Belgium Salary
Afghanistan30,000 Afghanis (approx. $419)590%
Philippines18,423 PHP (approx. $875)1209%
Cambodia1,000,027 KHR (approx. $250)2100%
Egypt13,244 EGP (approx. $263)2015%
Pakistan45,000 PKR (approx. $150)3566%

Belgium is a highly developed country with a high-income economy. It offers an export-driven workforce, high-value industries, and major ports. A demand for skilled workers provides various job opportunities. 

The country’s strong economy and strategic location make it an ideal outsourcing destination. Its favorable business environment boosts outsourcing demands. However, it has one of the highest labor costs in Europe, so it may not be an affordable option for every company. 

What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in Belgium?

Employers who outsource to Belgium will benefit most when focusing on the following industries. 

IT Services

Belgium offers an exceptional IT industry and intends to become a leading digital nation by 2030. It boasts a thriving startup scene, particularly in fintech, healthcare, and cybersecurity, with many companies achieving unicorn status. Outsourcing is a primary source of growth in the IT market. 

Finance

The country offers a sophisticated and liberal financial sector, a sophisticated banking scene, and various real estate and insurance-related services. The industry is heavily involved in economic trade, with over half of its banking activities occurring in foreign countries. The sector has shown resilience during financial crises. 

BPO

Belgium is an attractive outsourcing destination due to its strategic central European location. It is an effective solution for companies looking to expand their regional reach. Businesses seek remote regional partnerships due to the skilled workforce, stable economy, favorable business environment, and high satisfaction rates.

Conclusion

Belgium’s skilled workforce, strategic location, and favorable business environment make it an ideal outsourcing destination. Although the average salary is high, services can benefit companies that value EU operations and prioritize skill and quality. They can form partnerships that take their business to the next level.