Wage inequality in Belgium: CEOs earn 200% more

Wage inequality in Belgium is a key economic issue, especially given the significant differences between professions, regions and social groups. CEOs of large companies earn almost three times more than the average employee, while people working in low-paid sectors such as care, service and hospitality earn significantly less. Geographical location also has an impact on income levels: salaries in Brussels are 16% higher than in other regions of the country.

What’s wrong with salaries in Belgium

CEO salaries in Belgium are significantly higher than the national average, highlighting the economic inequality between different professions. On average, CEOs of large companies earn 200% more than ordinary employees. CEOs earn around €11,772 per month, while the average salary is €4,076. This data clearly shows how the level of responsibility and professional skills affects income, especially in the corporate sector.

Some of the highest paying jobs in Belgium include:

• Directors of large companies: 11,772 euros per month.
• IT and sales managers: €7,000–€8,000.
• Doctors and engineers: 6,500–7,500 euros.
• Petrochemical industry professionals: approx. EUR 6,431.
• Financial consultants: approx. 5472 EUR.

At the other end of the spectrum, however, are low-paid jobs. The care sector, daycare, hospitality and service industries earn significantly less. For example, waiters, cleaners and hairdressers earn less than €2,700 per month on average. These income differences highlight the significant gaps between different jobs and sectors of the economy.

Who gets paid the least?

Belgium has a significant proportion of low-wage occupations, particularly in the care, service and hospitality sectors. Workers in these sectors earn significantly less than the national average. For example, kindergarten teachers earn around €2,567 per month, which is 37% below the national average. Waiters, bartenders, cleaners and hairdressers also face low incomes, earning less than €2,700 per month. These professions remain undervalued despite their importance.

The lowest paid professions in Belgium:

• Kindergarten workers: 2567 euros per month.
• Cleaners and beauticians: about 2700 euros.
• Hospitality industry workers: €2,863 .
• Waiters and bartenders: 2600–2700 euros.
• Hairdressers: less than 2700 euros.

Location also plays an important role in determining wages. For example, in Brussels, wages are 16% higher than the national average. Workers employed in the capital region earn an average of 4,748 euros per month. This fact underlines not only the importance of the profession, but also the economic importance of the capital as the business and financial centre of Belgium.

On the other hand, in the outlying areas such as Dinant , Marche-en- Famenne and Bastogne , the average wage is significantly lower, at around €3,134. This indicates the existence of regional economic imbalances and a redistribution of labour towards the more economically developed centres of the country.

How to solve the problem of wage inequality

Wage inequality in Belgium, as in other countries, is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Income differences are determined by many factors, including occupation, region, age, education and gender. To address this issue, it is necessary to take all these aspects into account and develop a set of measures aimed at reducing inequality and creating a fairer wage system.

One of the key factors influencing wages is the level of education. People with higher education tend to earn more than those without a university degree. Therefore, one of the ways to combat inequality is to increase the availability of quality education for all segments of the population.

Developing training and retraining programs will help people working in low-paid sectors acquire new skills and move into higher-paid positions. Public and private training initiatives can help close the gap between labor market demand and workers’ skills.

Improving educational opportunities could significantly improve the living standards of workers in sectors such as care, service and hospitality, where wages are traditionally lower.

Wage inequality in Belgium is a multi-layered problem that requires a comprehensive approach. Education, support for small businesses, tax policy, gender equality, regional development and the minimum wage all require attention to achieve a more equitable income distribution. Addressing inequality will not only improve the living conditions of millions of Belgians, but will also strengthen the country’s economy as a whole.