Employer cost in Belgium at different salaries
| Salary level | Gross salary | Employer SSC | Total employer cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67% of AW | 41,773 EUR | 26.2% | 52,732 EUR |
| 100% of AW | 62,348 EUR | 27.2% | 79,319 EUR |
| 167% of AW | 104,121 EUR | 27.2% | 132,463 EUR |
Worked example
The OECD average wage in Belgium for 2025 is 62,348 EUR (about $87,530 in US-dollar purchasing power). On top of that salary the employer pays social security contributions of 27.2%, or 16,971 EUR. That brings the statutory total to 79,319 EUR a year (6,610 EUR a month), or 38 EUR per hour at 2,080 hours. In 2024 the rate at the average wage was 27.0%, so it rose. The rate stays at about 27.2% even at 167% of the average wage, so it scales with pay.
Belgium ranks #9 of 38 OECD countries for employer contributions at the average wage (OECD average: 16.6%). Employer contributions are a substantial extra cost to budget for.
Sources: OECD Taxing Wages 2025, comparative indicators (single worker, no children; average wage as defined by the OECD for each country) and OECD, Non-tax compulsory payments as an additional burden on labour income in 2025 (Tables 5 and 6) for mandatory pension and insurance payments that are not classed as taxes, such as Australian superannuation. Model estimates: voluntary benefits, local caps and sector-specific schemes are not included.
Related
Frequently asked questions
How much does an employee cost in Belgium?
At the OECD average wage of 62,348 EUR, about 79,319 EUR a year including 27.2% employer social security (2025).
What are employer social security contributions in Belgium?
About 27.2% of gross pay at the average wage, 26.2% at 67% and 27.2% at 167% of it (OECD model).