Salary Guide 2025
Attracting top-tier talent takes more than culture perks and flexible hours. You can offer the best environment, but if compensation falls short, you're sending an unconscious message:
“Your work isn’t fully valued here.”
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This misalignment goes far beyond morale. It weakens trust, disrupts company culture, impacts performance, and ultimately harms your brand reputation. When employees leave feeling unheard or undervalued, they don’t stay silent, they talk. And what they share can shape how others see your business.​
Salary Guide - Updated Version
To keep things simple and effective, we break down your salary positioning into three zones:
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Red Zone: Below market rate — the role is underpaid
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Orange Zone: At market rate — competitive and aligned with industry standards
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Green Zone: Above market rate — a strong offer that stands out to top talent
This approach gives you a quick, visual way to understand how your compensation compares and where adjustments might be needed.
Under Paid
Market Rate
Above Average
69%
A study found that 69% of employees believe salary transparency enhances trust within a company. By adopting transparent pay practices, organizations can foster a more open environment, which in turn boosts employee satisfaction and helps reduce turnover. When employees feel they are being paid fairly and equitably, it strengthens their commitment to the company and improves overall morale.
FAQ: We answer your most important questions.
1. How are our salary scales calculated?
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Strategic placements made for our distinguished clients from January to October 2024.
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Exclusive interviews conducted by our expert consultants, who foster strong, trusted relationships with both top-tier companies and elite candidates.
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Comprehensive analysis derived from the deep insights and expertise of our seasoned consultants.
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The creation of tailored, industry-leading studies, trend reports, and salary benchmarks for the most sought-after profiles.
2. How to Interpret Our Salary Survey?
By "role," we refer to the full spectrum of responsibilities and tasks associated with a position. We have curated a comprehensive overview, showcasing the most prevalent roles our teams engage with, carefully considering levels of responsibility. It is important to note that factors such as profile, experience, and salary must be tailored to each company's unique structure, industry dynamics, and prevailing economic conditions.​
2.1 How to Interpret Our Salary Survey?
Our salary benchmarks are meticulously organized based on years of experience, allowing you to evaluate your role and salary expectations through tailored salary ranges (ranging from mid-level to senior management positions with 10+ years of experience). The salaries presented are in thousands of euros (€) and represent the average gross annual salary in Belgium, inclusive of notes on variable compensation and bonuses where applicable.
Please note that indexing adjustments for 2025 are not incorporated in this analysis.
Discover Our Salary Guide
Get a deep understanding in how to attract and keep top-tier talent.
3) Why Consult Our Salary Benchmarks?
A well-designed salary benchmark is a strategic tool for HR leaders, enabling them to structure and standardize compensation frameworks within their organizations. It also empowers professionals to accurately assess their salary positioning within a specific industry or role, taking into account critical variables such as experience, skill set, sector, and geographic location.
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Our Salary Guide keeps you aligned with the latest market dynamics. Whether you are refining your compensation strategy for 2025 or preparing for high stakes salary negotiations, either with your current employer or while exploring new opportunities, our benchmarks serve as a trusted reference.
Whether you are hiring or seeking greater transparency in your pay, our expert-backed insights provide a clear and detailed foundation to strengthen your strategy and stay competitive within your field.
4) How Do I Calculate My Net Salary?
The salaries listed in our guide are based on gross annual figures, as this is the standard reference point used by recruiters throughout the hiring process. So, what’s the difference between gross and net salary, and how can you calculate your net income from a gross amount?
In Belgium, gross salary refers to the total compensation paid by the employer before income tax and mandatory contributions such as pension plans, unemployment insurance, and social security. These contributions are required by law for all roles, although the deduction rates may vary slightly depending on the specifics of your situation.
Your net salary, shown at the bottom right of your payslip under “net payable,” is the amount you actually take home.
Want to estimate your net annual or monthly earnings? Simply use our salary converter tool for a clear, reliable projection.
5) How to Navigate High Level Salary Negotiations
Now that you have explored our Salary Guide, you understand your true market value. Whether you are preparing to renegotiate your compensation with your current employer or entering salary discussions during a hiring process, the opportunity is there. Timing, strategy, and positioning are key to success.
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Approaching salary conversations with confidence takes more than knowing your numbers. It requires a clear narrative, a strong rationale, and a deep understanding of the value you bring. How do you discuss compensation with a hiring manager or executive? How do you define a salary range that reflects both your worth and the business context?
We have gathered expert advice to help you lead salary negotiations with clarity, precision, and confidence. Read more here.
