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Teacher salary in the Netherlands after tax: the 2026 breakdown
The Netherlands has a persistent teacher shortage, particularly in secondary education (VO) and the three largest cities. The government has raised pay scales multiple times since 2022. Here's what teachers actually earn and take home.
Dutch teacher salary scales — gross vs net 2026
Dutch teachers are placed on one of four salary scales: LA (primary school and some VO basic subjects), LB (lower secondary, VMBO), LC (upper secondary, HAVO/VWO, including STEM subjects), or LD (senior school leadership). The 2023 CAO VO added substantial increases; 2026 figures reflect subsequent 2025 adjustments.
| Scale / Career Stage | Gross/Month | Gross/Year | Net/Month (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA — Starting (primary / VO basic) | €3,176 | €38,112 | €2,470/mo |
| LA — Mid-scale (~8 yrs) | €3,920 | €47,040 | €3,020/mo |
| LA — Maximum | €4,650 | €55,800 | €3,534/mo |
| LB — Starting (VMBO, secondary) | €3,480 | €41,760 | €2,695/mo |
| LB — Maximum | €5,050 | €60,600 | €3,780/mo |
| LC — Starting (HAVO/VWO, upper sec.) | €3,820 | €45,840 | €2,950/mo |
| LC — Maximum (senior secondary) | €5,860 | €70,320 | €4,275/mo |
| LD — School Director / Rector | €6,500–€9,000 | €78,000–€108,000 | €4,670–€5,930/mo |
All figures above are for a 1.0 FTE (full-time equivalent). Many Dutch teachers work 0.8 FTE (4 days) due to scheduling and school hours — in that case, multiply the figures by 0.8. Vakantiegeld (8% of annual gross) is paid in May and adds one substantially higher month.
The teacher shortage and recent pay rises
The Netherlands has a structural shortage of approximately 4,000–7,000 FTE teachers in primary and secondary education (CBS 2025). In Amsterdam and Rotterdam, shortages are acute — Amsterdam schools collectively reported 500+ unfilled vacancies in 2024. The government responded with:
- 2022 CAO PO: starting salary for primary teachers raised to €3,176/month (from ~€2,700 in 2021)
- 2023 CAO VO: secondary school salaries raised 8.25% collective, with LB/LC maximums increased
- Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Den Haag pay a voluntary city supplement of €200–€350/month gross for teachers working in these cities
- Side-entrance teaching (zijinstromers) granted with shortened training track to fill STEM vacancies
Netherlands vs France vs UK: teacher comparison
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands (LA starting): €3,176/month gross → €2,470/month net
- 🇫🇷 France (prof. certifié Échelon 1): ~€2,219/month gross → ~€1,742/month net
- 🇬🇧 UK (M1 England): £2,730/month gross → ~£2,190/month net (≈ €2,500)
- 🇩🇪 Germany (A12 Bayern Stufe 1): ~€3,750/month gross → ~€2,500/month net
The Netherlands and Germany are closely matched at the start of a teaching career. France is a significant outlier — Dutch NQTs earn nearly €700/month more net than French NQTs. Compared to the UK, the Netherlands is slightly ahead at starting level; at maximum scale (LC) the Netherlands pulls well ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What do teachers earn in the Netherlands after tax in 2026?
A starting primary or VO teacher on LA scale earns €3,176/month gross — approximately €2,470/month net. An experienced secondary teacher on LC scale maximum (€5,860/month gross) takes home approximately €4,275/month. The 8% vakantiegeld adds one high-income month in May annually.
Is there a teacher shortage in the Netherlands?
Yes, structurally. The Netherlands faces approximately 4,000–7,000 FTE unfilled teaching positions, concentrated in primary education and STEM secondary subjects. Amsterdam and the Randstad have the worst shortages. The government has raised salaries substantially since 2022 and introduced an accelerated side-entrance track for career changers. Despite improvements, the shortage is expected to persist into 2030 due to an ageing teacher population.
What is the difference between LA, LB, LC and LD scales in the Netherlands?
LA applies to primary school teachers (basisschool) and some VMBO basic subjects. LB covers VMBO and some HAVO lower years. LC covers upper secondary (HAVO, VWO), and requires a Masters-level (wo) qualification. LD is reserved for senior school leaders and management roles. Moving between scales requires a different teaching qualification (pabo for primary, university-based lerarenopleiding for secondary).