Statutory minimum hourly wage as of July 1, 2026: €14.99

Increase of 1.90%

The indexation of the statutory minimum hourly wage is based on the average percentage change in contractual wages across the private sector, the subsidized and premium-supported sectors, and the public sector. In total, the statutory minimum hourly wage will increase by 1.90% as of July 1, 2026, compared to January 1, 2026. This brings it to €14.99.

Please note! As a result, the reference monthly wage will increase to €2,337 gross per month as of July 1, 2026. This reference monthly wage is used to determine the amount and indexation of various benefits.

Statutory minimum youth wages also rising

The statutory minimum youth wages are a percentage of the statutory minimum hourly wage that applies to everyone aged 21 and older. Due to the indexation of the statutory minimum hourly wage, the minimum youth wages will also increase as of July 1, 2026.

Please note! The percentage for employees aged 16 through 20 will increase effective January 1, 2027. For a 20-year-old, this will then be 87.5%, for a 19-year-old 75%, for an 18-year-old 62.5%, for a 17-year-old 50%, and for a 16-year-old 40%. For a 15-year-old, the percentage will remain at 30%.

Minimum youth wage for BBL students also increases

BBL students (students in a vocational training program with an employment contract) aged 15 through 17 and 21 and older are entitled to the minimum hourly wage as stated above. For BBL students aged 18 through 20, lower rates apply.

Please note! Effective January 1, 2027, there will no longer be any lower rates for BBL students aged 18 through 20. BBL students in this age group will therefore be entitled to the standard minimum youth wage.