The short answer
The ordinary Dutch minimum youth wage depends on age for employees aged 15 to 20. The adult ordinary rate applies from 21.
Use the rate for the hours being paid
Rates also change by period, so a payslip covering a birthday or rate change may need more than one calculation. A higher CAO wage can apply above the statutory minimum. Compare gross base wages on the correct basis.
Check the training arrangement separately
BBL learning-and-working arrangements can have different youth rates. This site’s ordinary minimum-wage checker excludes those special BBL rates. Ask the employer which arrangement and wage scale apply, and keep the training agreement if relevant. Nationality does not justify paying below the applicable legal minimum.
What to do next
- Record age on the dates the hours were worked.
- Check the applicable rate period and any BBL status.
- Compare the result with the CAO scale and payslip hours.
A worker turns 21 halfway through a payroll period. Ask payroll to show which hours use the age-20 rate and which use the adult rate; the bank-payment date alone is not enough.
Questions people ask
Does the rate change on my birthday?
Age affects the applicable youth rate. Ask payroll to apply the correct age to the relevant work dates.
Can a foreign worker receive a lower rate for being foreign?
Nationality is not a reason to pay below the applicable Dutch statutory minimum. Age and the lawful employment arrangement are separate factors.
What if a CAO rate is higher?
The statutory minimum is a floor. A binding contractual or CAO scale can require more.
Can I check BBL pay with the ordinary calculator?
No. Special BBL rates are outside its scope. Use the official BBL table and your training arrangement.
Why is there no single monthly youth minimum?
The statutory minimum is hourly. A monthly comparison depends on paid hours and the relevant dates and age.
Sources
Last verified: 4 October 2026. Sources are in Dutch or English.