What is the difference between gross and net pay?
Gross is the pay in your contract; net is what remains after the employee social-security contribution (13.07%) and payroll withholding tax. Job listings almost always state gross amounts.
Gross pay is the amount in your employment contract, on which your social and tax rights are computed. From it, the employee social-security contribution is deducted first (standard 13.07% of gross), and payroll withholding tax is retained on the balance — an advance on your income tax that depends on your salary, family situation and any reductions (such as the work bonus for lower wages).
The gap between gross and net therefore varies strongly per situation; there is no fixed conversion factor. Fringe benefits such as meal vouchers or eco vouchers are treated more favourably and land largely net on top of your pay, while premiums such as the end-of-year premium are typically taxed more heavily. Pay amounts on puntWork are — as in virtually all Belgian listings — gross amounts.
Frequently asked questions
Are the salaries in listings gross or net?
Almost always gross — on puntWork too. Your net depends on your family situation, reductions and benefits; a salary simulator or your payslip gives the exact figure.
Why does my end-of-year premium leave less net?
Exceptional payments like the end-of-year premium carry a higher payroll-withholding rate than your ordinary monthly wage.
Official sources
- Wage protection — FOD Employment
- Sectoral minimum wages — FOD Employment
- FOD — pay (theme hub)