This is an automatic translation of the Dutch explanation. If in doubt, check the Dutch text and the original collective labor agreement. Read this explanation in Dutch
The short answer
Your minimum wage according to the catering collective labor agreement depends on your position, age and whether you are a skilled worker. Use the wage table that applied in the wage period. The table from July 1, 2026 is therefore the starting point for work in October 2026.
First your function, then the table amount
A job category results from the content of your work, not just from a job title on a vacancy. A professional has sufficient experience or a relevant recognized professional diploma; for experience hours, the collective labor agreement refers to 1,976 hours in the relevant position. Additional conditions apply to minors and BBL students. Ask for a written job classification and, if you are not yet a professional, the hours of experience yet to be achieved.
Basic salary is not always your agreed salary
The wage table contains basic wages and guiding increments. These guiding periodicals do not in themselves give an automatic right to any higher amount. Your existing wage agreement and any increase rules must be assessed separately. The table check below only supports regular situations from 21 to 66 years. For young people, students and special categories, use the full collective labor agreement and applicable table.
This is how you check it
- Check the date, job category and skilled worker status on your contract.
- Compare your gross hourly wage excluding holiday pay with the correct table.
- Request an explanation if the job classification or experience hours are missing.
Table example: the basic hourly wage for a skilled worker in group V is €15.21 gross from July 1, 2026 in the supported adult category. An agreed wage of €16 is therefore not automatically incorrect; it may be higher than the table minimum.
Salary table · Horeca
CAO table reference · gross per hour. Table valid for: 2026-07-01 – 2026-12-31.
The table lookup covers regular employees aged 21–66. Youth, apprentices, special entry scales and AOW situations require a separate check. Skilled employee (vakkracht).
Basic wage only. Advisory increments are not a guaranteed entitlement; experience and existing pay need a separate check.
| Function group / scale | CAO table reference · gross per hour |
|---|---|
| I+II | €14.99 |
| III | €14.99 |
| IV | €14.99 |
| V | €15.21 |
| VI | €16.07 |
| VII | €17.61 |
| VIII | €19.29 |
| IX | €21.02 |
| X | €22.91 |
| XI | €24.98 |
This table reference is not an assessment of your classification or complete entitlement. Individual pay can be higher.
Salary table · PDFQuestions about this CAO
Am I automatically a skilled worker after one year?
A calendar year alone is insufficient. The position, relevant hours of experience, the diploma and any exceptions are important.
Is the table a net amount?
No, the wage table states gross amounts. Your net salary depends, among other things, on deductions and personal circumstances.
Can my employer pay above the table?
Yes. A higher individual wage agreement may apply; the table is not a maximum for each agreed wage.
Which table applies to an old pay slip?
Use the table and collective labor agreement rules that applied in that payment period. The latest table does not automatically apply to previous months.
Sources for this explanation
Sources checked:
Original documents · PDF