Brussels employees continue to earn significantly more than their counterparts in Flanders and Wallonia, with salaries in the capital rising by 2.9% over the past year, according to new data from SD Worx, Belgium’s largest salary calculator.
The report, based on wage figures from the end of January 2025, shows that the median gross monthly wage for full-time employees in Brussels now stands at €3,970.
The median wage represents the midpoint, meaning half of employees earn more and half earn less. “The effective increase in gross wages is higher than last year: wages rose by 2.9% in Brussels,” said Virginie Verschooris, Reward Consultant at SD Worx.
Wage Growth Strongest in Flanders
While Brussels employees receive the highest salaries, wage growth over the past year was strongest in Flanders, where gross monthly earnings increased by 3.7%.
The median salary in Flanders now stands at €3,508, with the highest wages recorded in Antwerp (€3,559), where earnings rose by 4.5%. The smallest increase was noted in East Flanders, where wages climbed by 3.0%.
In Wallonia, salaries saw a more modest increase of 2.7%, bringing the median gross wage to €3,270—the lowest of Belgium’s three regions.
The province of Walloon Brabant recorded the highest salaries in the region, with median monthly earnings of €3,652 (+2.3%). The lowest salaries were reported in Namur, where median wages stand at €3,140 (+2%).
Blue-Collar Workers See Higher Wage Growth
The SD Worx data also reveals that wages for blue-collar workers have increased more sharply than those of white-collar workers.
Over the past year, manual labourers saw their salaries rise by 3.1%, compared to 2.5% for white-collar employees. However, office-based professionals still earn the highest wages, particularly in Brussels and Flemish Brabant.
Among blue-collar workers, the highest wages were recorded in Limburg, where the median gross salary reached €3,156. “In addition to region, sector, company size, and position also play a role.
The new legislation on mandatory wage transparency has increased interest in competitive pay. Benchmark studies can help with this,” Verschooris explained.
Factors Behind the Wage Disparities
The differences in salaries across Belgium’s regions can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the concentration of high-paying industries in Brussels, where international organizations, financial institutions, and multinational corporations are based.
Flanders also benefits from a strong industrial sector, while Wallonia, historically reliant on heavy industry, has experienced slower economic growth.
In addition to regional disparities, company size and industry sector significantly impact wage levels. Larger companies typically offer higher salaries, and industries such as technology, finance, and pharmaceuticals tend to pay more than retail or hospitality.
Wage Transparency and Future Outlook
With new regulations requiring greater transparency in pay structures, Belgian employees are increasingly interested in ensuring their wages are competitive within their sector.
Employers, in turn, are relying on benchmark studies to attract and retain talent in an evolving job market.
As wages continue to rise across all regions, experts predict that competitive salary structures will remain a key factor for businesses looking to secure skilled professionals.
However, the significant gap between salaries in Brussels and the rest of the country highlights the enduring economic divide among Belgium’s regions.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
