The minimum wage in the hospitality industry in 2026
The official minimum wages in the hospitality industry (Joint Committee 302), by job category, per hour, and per month — plus additional income and where you can start working today. Your employer may always pay more.
Source: Minimum wage database of the FPS Employment, Joint Committee 302, valid from 1 September 2026 · gross, full-time, with 0 years of service · view all salary scales
Minimum wage per job category
In the hospitality industry, your minimum wage depends on your position category and years of service. These are the minimum wages at the start (0 years of service), per hour, and per month for a full-time job.
| Category and example functions¹ | Per hour | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| I — cleaner, office worker | €15.2097 | € 2,504.53 |
| II — kitchen assistant or commis, waiter's assistant or commis, snack bar employee, chambermaid or chamber boy, cleaner | €15.2097 | € 2,504.53 |
| III — kitchen staff or pizza baker, reception or hostess, deep-fryer, breakfast (buffet) staff member | €15.2977 | € 2,519.02 |
| IV — cashier, bar waiter, bar attendant, head kitchen boy or girl | €15.9698 | €2,629.69 |
| V — waiter in a brasserie or classic restaurant, bartender, demi-chef de partie, cashier, warehouse worker | € 16.8849 | €2,780.38 |
| VI — chef de partie, pastry chef, receptionist, sommelier, butcher | € 17.3317 | €2,853.95 |
| VII — solo assistant cook, entertainer, head of reception | € 19.7061 | €3,244.94 |
| VIII — solo cook, sous-chef, assistant manager | € 21,2302 | €3,495.90 |
| IX — chef, restaurant manager or manager, maître d'hôtel | € 22.5781 | €3,717.86 |
¹ A selection of the reference functions per category from the sectoral job classification; the complete list can be found in the information sheet from the FPS Employment. The amounts apply to a system of 38 hours per week.
The minimum increases with your years of service. In Category II, for example, it goes from €15.2097 to €16.8646 per hour (€2,777.04 per month) after 10 years of service. Minor student workers receive a percentage of the scale for their category: 18 years = 100%, 17 years = 90%, 16 years = 80%, 15 years = 70%.
Good to know
- A minimum, not an average. This is the lowest gross salary your employer is allowed to pay. Your employer may always pay more.
- Which category? Your employer assigns you according to your reference position. If you hold multiple positions, the position to which you devote the most hours in a work week or a full work cycle applies.
- Years in service. The minimum increases with your years of service. Anyone who has completed all years of service for their category within the same company receives an additional 1% every five years thereafter, calculated on the minimum wage at 0 years of service.
- Seasonal work. Seasonal workers start on the line with 0 years of service, for 130 days effectively worked in the same position with the same employer (156 days in a six-day week).
- Flexi-job in the hospitality industry? A separate minimum flexi-wage applies to this. Read all about the flexi-wage in 2026.
- Service charge. The minimum wage database also lists percentages for service charges for a number of venue, bar, and hotel positions. You can find them in the minimum wage database.
- Indexing. Minimum wages and real wages follow the index; in September 2026, they rose by 2%. The table shows the level as of September 1, 2026.
- Net? That depends on your hours, your family situation, and the withholding tax. Our gross-net calculator It also calculates with an hourly rate; this way, you get an indication immediately.
Looking to get started in the hospitality industry? These vacancies are currently open.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in the hospitality industry?
At the start (0 years of service), this is €15.2097 gross per hour in the lowest categories I and II, or €2,504.53 per month for a full-time job. In the highest category IX, the minimum starts at €22.5781 per hour. Your employer may always pay more.
How much does a cook earn?
That depends on the position. A solo cook and a sous-chef are in category VIII, with a minimum of €21.2302 per hour at the start. A solo assistant cook is in category VII (€19.7061), a chef de partie in category VI (€17.3317), and a head chef in category IX (€22.5781).
How much does a waiter earn?
A waiter in a café falls into category IV, with a minimum of €15.9698 per hour at the start. A waiter in a brasserie, tavern, bistro, or classic restaurant falls into category V: at least €16.8849 per hour. An assistant waiter or dining room assistant falls into category II (€15.2097).
How much do you earn net in the hospitality industry?
That depends on your hours, your family situation, and the withholding tax. Our gross-net calculator It also calculates with an hourly rate; this way, you get an indication immediately.
How do I find a job in the hospitality industry?
On JobFunders, you will find hospitality vacancies throughout Flanders. Create one free profile with your experience and preferences, and Jobby — your digital career buddy — will invite you as soon as an employer is looking for something that really suits you. View job openings in the hospitality industry.
Also interesting: Job openings in the hospitality industry · Vacancies for cooks · The flexi-wage in 2026 · Calculate your net salary
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