The love for horses is often the driving force behind a career in the equestrian sector. But passion alone does not pay the bills. What about salaries in this industry?
For the equestrian sector in The Netherlands, there is no collective labor agreement that includes fixed salary scales, so you will have to negotiate well yourself when you are employed.
In this blog, we provide insight into the minimum rewards you are entitled to, how you can calculate your gross and net salary and factors that affect your salary.
📈 Factors that determine salary
The salary within the equestrian sector depends on several factors, such as:
- 🎓 Experience and education: The more experience and relevant degrees you have, the higher your salary usually is.
- 🎭 Type of position: A stable employee typically earns less than an experienced instructor or a rider with a good reputation.
- 🌍 Location: Working in a luxury stable in an affluent region can pay better than a smaller equestrian center in the countryside.
- 💼 Employment: Full-time, part-time or freelance – the type of contract has a major impact on income.
📅 Statutory minimum wage
In the Netherlands, there is a statutory minimum wage that depends on age and the number of hours worked per week. As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage for a full-time working week of 40 hours is approximately €2.437 gross per month. This means that entry-level positions, such as stable workers, must receive at least this amount if they work full-time.
💰 What is the minimum youth wage?
The minimum youth wage is what you should earn if you are younger than 21 years old. Nothing less than that (and with a bit of luck, more). Every employer is obliged to pay you at least this amount for your work. Doesn’t he? Wrong! Point out the minimum youth wage in 2025 to your manager, and hopefully it will be fine right away.
📏 Statutory minimum (youth) wage as of 1 January 2025:
Age | Graduated scale | Per hour |
21 years and older | 100% | €14.06 |
20 years | 80% | €11.25 |
19 years | 60% | €8.44 |
18 years | 50% | €7.03 |
17 years | 39,5% | €5.55 |
16 years | 34,5% | €4.85 |
15 years | 30% | €4.22 |
📈 How to calculate your minimum wage in 2025
With the formula below you can easily calculate your statutory minimum wage:
- Gross minimum wage per month = (€ 14.06 x working hours per week x 52) : 12
More detailed explanation:
- Take the minimum wage of 2025: € 14.06.
- Multiply this by the number of hours you work per week. Do you have varying hours? Then take the average.
- Multiply this by the number of weeks per year: 52.
- Divide this by the number of months: 12.
- Now you have your minimum wage per month!
💳 Gross – net calculation
Too bad, but true: unfortunately you will not receive the gross salary in full into your account. Why? Right, taxes, or payroll tax. And some other things like retirement. Do you want to know what the minimum wage is net per month? Calculate it with this handy gross – net calculator.
This calculator will calculate it for you in no time. Handy, because then you know what to expect in your bank account at the end of the month. Do the gross-net check quickly and find out for yourself!
🌟 Extras and career opportunities
In addition to the basic salary, extras such as housing, stabling for your horse, travel allowance, discounts on products and services and bonuses can play a role. For example, you can grow in the sector through specialization, follow extra training courses and gain a lot of experience!
💪 Conclusion
Salaries in the equestrian sector can vary greatly depending on experience, position and location. While the earnings may be modest in some cases, the sector offers great satisfaction for those looking to combine a career with their love of horses.
Are you curious about your possibilities within the equestrian sector? Take a look at our vacancies and find out which positions suit you! 🎬💼🐎