Dutch wages are among the highest, not just in terms of gross salaries but also in terms of what workers actually receive after deduction of taxes and premiums.

These are the conclusions of a 2011 study carried out by the WageIndicator foundation and the vacancies and career website Monsterboard among workers in 23 countries.

Wages in Western Europe are generally high compared to other continents, but the Netherlands is in the European vanguard along with countries like Germany and the United Kingdom. WageIndicator spokesperson Pauline Osse says these countries keep trading places at the top of the rankings. Outside Europe, South Africa is notable for its relatively high wages.

WageIndicator conducts research into wages and labour conditions in 65 countries. Local currencies are converted into US dollars to facilitate a proper comparison. To compare spending power, WageIndicator uses the number of Big Macs a person can buy with his hourly wage as an indicator. For instance, a Dutch manager can buy four Big Macs with his hourly wage, compared to 4.8 for his UK counterpart.

The Dutch manager earns a slightly higher hourly wage; 26.10 dollars compared to his UK colleague’s 24.50, but a British manager has a little more left after deduction of taxes and premiums: 17 dollars compared to just 16.20 for the Dutchman. A South African manager makes 22.90 an hour, of which he can actually spend 16.10, allowing them to buy 4.4 Big Macs.

(gsh/imm)

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide