Youth Minimum Wage Scale in Delft
The youth minimum wage scale is a phased arrangement under Dutch employment law for young workers aged 15 to 21 in Delft. It provides an age-dependent minimum wage that gradually increases toward the full minimum wage for adults. This structure accounts for entry-level experience and is ideal for Delft residents, such as TU Delft students or part-time workers in the city center. This article explores the Minimum Wage Act, with local tips for the region.
What does the youth minimum wage mean for Delft residents?
The youth minimum wage applies to everyone under 21 with a job in Delft. Unlike the adult wage, it starts lower and follows a scale based on age: a 15-year-old earns less than a 20-year-old, but from age 21, the full minimum applies. This encourages employers in Delft, such as supermarkets or hospitality businesses in the city center, to hire young people without excessive costs.
As of January 1, 2024, 21-year-olds are also entitled to the full wage. The amounts are percentages of the adult wage and will be adjusted as of July 1, 2024, to €13.68 per hour (for a 36-hour workweek, excluding holiday allowance).
Legal basis
The scale is set out in the Minimum Wage and Minimum Holiday Allowance Act (Wml), specifically Article 12 Wml. Employers in Delft must pay young workers up to age 21 at least the scale percentage. Percentages and amounts are set annually by the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment and published in the Government Gazette.
In addition, the Working Hours Act protects young people under 18 in Delft from overwork, with limits on working hours—relevant for part-time jobs at local businesses.
The scale for young people in Delft (as of July 1, 2024)
Here is the breakdown (based on €2,010 gross monthly wage for 21+):
| Age | Percentage | Monthly Wage (gross) | Hourly Wage (€13.68 basis) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 years | 32.15% | €646 | €4.40 |
| 16 years | 42.85% | €862 | €5.86 |
| 17 years | 52.55% | €1,057 | €7.19 |
| 18 years | 60.85% | €1,224 | €8.33 |
| 19 years | 71.60% | €1,439 | €9.79 |
| 20 years | 84.45% | €1,698 | €11.55 |
| 21+ years | 100% | €2,010 | €13.68 |
Note: Roundings, excluding 8% holiday allowance. Check rijksoverheid.nl for precise tables.
Examples from Delft practice
A 16-year-old working 20 hours/week at a supermarket in Delftse Hout: minimum €5.86/hour, so €481 gross/month (excluding holiday allowance).
A 19-year-old TU Delft student full-time in summer: €9.79/hour yields €1,439 gross/month. Paying less? That's a violation of Article 12 Wml.
Turning 21 mid-month? Full wage from the first working day of that month.
Rights and obligations in Delft
Young workers' rights:
- Scale wage based on calendar age.
- Pro-rated for part-time work.
- 8% minimum holiday allowance.
- Extra protection under 18 against overtime.
Employers' obligations:
- Payslip showing age and percentage.
- Minimum wage within one month of start.
- No evasion through side jobs or internships.
Workers' obligations: Report birthday for adjustment. Shortfall? Demand from employer or sub-district judge at The Hague District Court.
Frequently asked questions for Delft
From what age does youth minimum wage apply in Delft?
From age 15 with an employment contract. Under 15: only under Working Hours Act, no minimum.
Can they pay less for part-time jobs in Delft?
No, scale always applies. Exception for internships/BBL.
Turning 21 mid-month?
Full wage from first day of that month; employer adjusts.
Agency workers in Delft?
Yes, scale mandatory. Check NEN 4400-1 certified agency.
Tips for Delft residents
- Check payslip with rijksoverheid.nl calculator.
- Unsure? Call Netherlands Labour Authority (0800-5151) or Legal Aid Office Delft.
- Written contract with specifications.
- For under-18s: extra check on hours via Municipality of Delft.