This article explains how salary is structured for Verzorgende IG and Registered Nurse positions in the Netherlands.
Dutch healthcare salaries are generally linked to collective labour agreements known as CAOs. The applicable salary depends on the healthcare sector, job classification, responsibilities, recognised experience and contract conditions.
For many nursing-home, elderly-care and home-care positions relevant to this pathway, the CAO VVT applies.
Healthcare positions are classified into salary groups based on the responsibilities and level of the role. Within the CAO VVT, these classifications are known as FWG groups. Each FWG group contains a salary range.
A candidate's actual salary within that range can depend on:
This means that professional recognition alone does not automatically determine a particular salary.
The employment contract and applicable CAO determine the actual salary.
For candidates entering employment as Verzorgende IG, positions are commonly classified within FWG 35.
Some Verzorgende IG positions with different or additional responsibilities may be classified within FWG 40.
Based on the current published CAO VVT salary scales effective from 1 July 2026:
Approximately: €2,664 to €3,593 gross per month based on a 36-hour full-time working week.
Approximately: €2,812 to €3,864 gross per month based on a 36-hour full-time working week.
The applicable classification depends on the actual position and employer.
A current Verzorgende IG vacancy, for example, lists FWG 35 at €2,663.54–€3,592.96 for 36 hours.
After successful Registered Nurse recognition and completion of the applicable BIG-registration requirements, a candidate may work in a position classified as verpleegkundige.
Registered Nurse salaries vary according to the type and level of the nursing position.
Within the CAO VVT, nursing positions can fall within different FWG groups.
A nursing position classified within FWG 45 currently has an approximate range of:
€2,982 to €4,246 gross per month based on a 36-hour working week.
A current VVT nursing vacancy, for example, lists a verpleegkundige position in FWG 45 at €2,981.98–€4,245.84.
Some nursing positions with a different level of responsibility are classified within FWG 50.
The current CAO VVT scale extends to approximately: €3,325 to €4,823 gross per month depending on the applicable salary step.
Current VVT vacancies include Registered Nurse positions classified within FWG 50, including general and community nursing roles.
The actual FWG classification is determined by the job itself, not simply by holding BIG registration.
With further experience, specialisation or additional responsibility, nurses may progress into roles with different function classifications.
Examples can include:
These roles may fall within higher salary classifications depending on the responsibilities and qualification requirements.
Salary progression should therefore be considered in relation to the specific role, rather than as an automatic increase based only on years of service.
Gross monthly salary is only one part of the employment package.
Depending on the applicable CAO, employer and working pattern, additional compensation may include:
Under the current CAO VVT, holiday allowance is 8% of applicable salary and the year-end allowance is 8.33%.
Shift allowances can further increase total gross earnings for employees working irregular hours.
The CAO VVT salary figures above are generally quoted on the basis of a 36-hour full-time working week.
If an employee works fewer hours, the monthly salary is adjusted proportionally.
Additional earnings may also vary according to:
Candidates should therefore compare employment offers using both the monthly salary and contracted working hours.
The final salary for an individual candidate can depend on:
The written employment offer should always be treated as the authoritative source for the candidate's actual salary and benefits.
The salary figures shown here are indicative current CAO ranges, not guaranteed salaries.
Salary scales can change when collective labour agreements are revised.
Not every employer or healthcare sector uses the CAO VVT.
Hospitals, mental-health organisations and other healthcare sectors may operate under different collective labour agreements and salary classifications.
Holding VIG recognition or BIG registration does not automatically place a candidate into a particular salary group.
The applicable job classification, salary step and employment contract determine the actual salary.
Candidates should check the current salary tables published by the relevant Dutch healthcare-sector organisation or applicable CAO before relying on a particular figure.
For VVT employment, the current published salary tables can be checked through ActiZ / CAO VVT salary information.