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 €4,076, about USD 4,400. 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 €4,076, or about $4,400. 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.

average salary in belgium

Median Income

The median salary in Belgium is €3,728, about $4,030. 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 €2,407 monthly, about $2,600, while high earners make closer to €7,011, about $7,570.

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.

Position
Average Monthly Salary (€)
Sales Director
13,702
Chief Executive Officer
11,371
IT Director
11,347
Call Center Director
11,324
Finance Manager
9,536
Head of Product Development
9,280
Technical Director
8,952
Marketing Director
8,777
Logistics Director
8,363
IT Architect
8,194
Banking Cashier
2,399
Fabric Cutter
2,395
Clothing Technologist
2,385
General Laborer
2,370
Packer
2,336
Seamstress
2,330
Porter
2,154
Medical Records Clerk
2,148
Tailor
2,131

Average Wage in Belgium Based on Education

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

Education Level
Income 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.

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

Country
Average Salary
Comparison to Average Belgium Salary
Japan
340,000 JPY (approx. $2,300)
93%
United Kingdom
£3,000 (approx. $4,100)
9%
Norway
50,000 NOK (approx. $4,700)
− 5%
Germany
€4,300 (approx. $4,470)
− 1%
Austria
€3,700 (approx. $4,050)
10%

Belgium vs. Developing Countries

Country
Average Salary
Comparison to Average Belgium Salary
Romania
4,000 RON (approx. $835)
433%
Russia
73,700 RUB (approx. $700)
536%
Albania
83,330 ALL (approx. $860)
417%
Kazakhstan
342,000 KZT (approx. $645)
590%
Ukraine
18,000 UAH (approx. $500)
790%

Belgium vs. Undeveloped Countries

Country
Average Salary
Comparison to Average Belgium Salary
Afghanistan
13,200 AFN (approx. $150)
2,867%
Philippines
15,000 PHP (approx. $265)
1,579%
Cambodia
1,150,000 Riel (approx. $280)
1,489%
Egypt
3,900 EGP (approx. $125)
3,460%
Pakistan
60,000 PKR (approx. $210)
2,019%

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.