In 2026, a pastry chef in the Netherlands can expect to earn around EUR 14.99–20.63 gross per hour, while in Poland, actual salaries start at approximately PLN 4,000 gross per month, with experienced pastry chefs able to earn PLN 8,000–12,000 gross or more. However, the answer to the question of where it is more profitable to work depends not only on the country, but primarily on the type of position, experience and place of employment.
Pastry Chef Salaries in Figures – Poland / Netherlands Comparison
In 2026, the difference between entry-level and specialised pastry positions is visible in both Poland and the Netherlands.
| Level / Position | Poland – gross | Netherlands – gross |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner pastry chef / assistant | PLN 4,000–4,800/month | approx. EUR 14.99–16.16/hour |
| Independent pastry chef / production | approx. PLN 4,500–7,000/month | EUR 20.54–20.63/hour in selected offers |
| Experienced specialist | PLN 8,000–12,000/month | significantly above the basic level, depending on the employer |
| Master pastry chef / specialist | PLN 8,000–12,000+/month | no single reliable upper limit |
| Own pastry shop | potentially significantly more | potentially significantly more, depending on the scale of the business |
The amounts shown are gross salaries, meaning before tax and social security deductions. In the Netherlands, it is also important to check whether the quoted rate includes vakantiegeld, or holiday allowance.
Pastry Chef in the Netherlands – Salary and Job Market
The Dutch job market for pastry chefs remains stable. Jobs can primarily be found in bakeries, pastry shops, hotels, restaurants and facilities producing sweet products on a large scale. However, it is important to distinguish industrial production work from independently preparing products according to recipes, as the difference in pay can be significant.
Minimum Wage vs. Actual Pastry Chef Earnings
EUR 14.99 gross per hour has been the statutory minimum wage in the Netherlands since 1 July 2026 for employees aged 21 and over. From January to June 2026, it was EUR 14.71 gross per hour. Since 2024, Dutch regulations have defined the minimum wage on an hourly basis, while employees under the age of 21 are subject to lower rates depending on their age.
In practice, entry-level positions involving packing, simple production tasks or operating production lines may offer around EUR 14.99–16.16 gross per hour. This does not mean, however, that every pastry chef in the Netherlands earns only slightly more than the minimum wage.
For more independent work, the hourly rate can exceed EUR 20 gross. For example, one job offer in Oss involving the preparation of dough and semi-finished products according to recipes offered EUR 20.54 gross per hour, including the basic rate and additional allowances.
With a 36–40-hour working week, the basic minimum rate translates into approximately EUR 2,280–2,608 gross per month, depending on the period in 2026 and the number of hours worked. At rates above EUR 20 gross per hour, earnings can reach approximately EUR 3,000–3,500 gross per month or more.
Employees are also entitled to vakantiegeld. This is normally at least 8% and is calculated as part of holiday pay. Some job offers may show figures of around 8–11%, as the exact rules depend on employment conditions and applicable industry regulations. Therefore, this allowance should not be treated as a one-off discretionary bonus.
Where Do Pastry Chefs Work in the Netherlands? Hotels, Bakeries and Artisan Pastry Shops
The three main places of employment for pastry chefs in the Netherlands are bakeries, pastry shops, and hotels and restaurants. However, the best-paid positions usually require a higher level of independence. In industrial bakeries, duties may include preparing semi-finished products, operating machinery, baking, packing or quality control.
In hotels and restaurants, the range of responsibilities is broader. You may prepare desserts, cakes and decorative elements, as well as work closely with the kitchen team. Artisan pastry shops are more likely to look for people who can independently follow recipes and create pastry decorations.
It is also worth paying attention to the working schedule. Industrial production may involve shift work, including night shifts, for which the employer may offer additional pay. In one biscuit production job in Oss, the basic rate was EUR 16.05 gross per hour, while a three-shift system provided an additional 20% for hours worked.
Do You Need to Speak Dutch?
You can work without knowing Dutch in some production positions, but this is not a general rule across the entire pastry sector. Job advertisements for simpler production work often mention the possibility of employment without knowledge of the local language, particularly when the duties are clearly defined and performed as part of a team.
The situation is different in artisan pastry shops, hotels or sales outlets where you have direct contact with customers. In these workplaces, knowledge of Dutch is a major advantage, while at least a good command of English may be required.
Therefore, before moving abroad, check the specific job offer rather than assuming that every employer requires Dutch. One current biscuit production vacancy, for example, required a good knowledge of English or Dutch, even though the position did not involve traditional customer service.
Pastry Chef in Poland – Salary and Job Market
The Polish pastry sector offers much broader opportunities than the salary of an entry-level employee alone might suggest. Experience and specialisation can increase earnings several times over.
Salary Ranges: From Pastry Assistant to Master Pastry Chef
At the beginning of a career, a realistic salary is PLN 4,000–4,800 gross per month, while experienced pastry chefs can earn PLN 8,000–12,000 gross per month or more. In 2026, the average pastry chef salary can be estimated at around PLN 4,806 gross per month, while half of employees earn approximately PLN 4,806–5,570 gross.
Job offers nevertheless show that the market is diverse. For example, job advertisements from 2026 offer pastry chefs salaries starting from PLN 4,806 gross, while positions requiring experience may offer higher rates, such as PLN 4,806–6,400 gross.
Broader salary data indicates an average range of around PLN 4,500–7,000 gross per month, while experienced specialists and master pastry chefs can earn PLN 8,000–12,000 gross. At prestigious hotels and specialised pastry shops, the upper limit can be even higher.
Hotel, Artisan Pastry Shop or Own Business – Where Can You Earn the Most?
In Poland, the greatest earning potential comes from specialisation and running your own pastry shop, rather than necessarily working as an employee in a small pastry shop. A small local business usually offers lower pay than a five-star hotel or a renowned cake-making studio.
If you develop skills in custom-made cakes, individual desserts, pastry decoration or premium desserts, you can enter a segment where customers primarily pay for quality and individual craftsmanship.
Running your own business offers even greater potential. It is estimated that gross margins in the pastry business can reach around 60–75%, but this does not mean that this percentage goes directly into the owner’s pocket. Revenue must cover rent, energy, ingredients, packaging, marketing, salaries and taxes.
The same applies to B2B work. A higher invoice amount does not automatically mean higher net earnings, as the business owner remains responsible for social security contributions, taxes, accounting and other operating costs.
The Netherlands or Poland – Where Will a Pastry Chef Earn More in 2026?
In 2026, the Netherlands offers noticeably higher pay levels for entry-level and intermediate positions, while Poland can be highly competitive for master pastry chefs and people running their own pastry businesses. Therefore, it is not worth comparing just one average salary.
If you are a beginner pastry chef, you can start at around EUR 14.99–16.16 gross per hour in the Netherlands, while a realistic starting salary in Poland is approximately PLN 4,000–4,800 gross per month. With independent work in the Netherlands, the rate can increase to around EUR 20.54–20.63 gross per hour, which translates into approximately EUR 3,000–3,500 gross per month for full-time employment.
The difference is particularly noticeable when comparing similar positions. However, this does not mean that every pastry chef will automatically receive the highest Dutch rates after moving abroad. Accommodation, health insurance, transport and everyday living costs also affect how much money you actually have left after receiving your salary.
In Poland, the greatest potential lies with people who build their own brand, specialise in artistic cakes or progress to master-level positions. Therefore, the pastry job market should be analysed in terms of position, specialisation and employment model, rather than simply by country.
If your main priority is a higher salary as an employee and you are willing to move abroad, the Netherlands is an attractive destination in 2026. If, however, you have experience, an established customer base and a plan to open your own pastry shop, staying in Poland can also be financially rewarding.
Before making a decision, check current pastry chef vacancies in the Netherlands using the europa.jobs job search engine and compare not only the gross rate but also the number of working hours, additional allowances, accommodation and language requirements.
Related articles:
- https://blog.europa.jobs/en/sick-pay-in-poland-the-netherlands-and-germany-how-much-will-you-actually-receive-while-on-sick-leave/
- https://blog.europa.jobs/en/art-worker-accommodation-in-the-netherlands-10-things-worth-checking-before-you-leave/
FAQ
How Much Does a Pastry Chef Earn Per Hour in the Netherlands?
Since July 2026, anyone aged 21 or over must receive at least EUR 14.99 gross per hour. Basic pastry and production positions offer around EUR 14.99–16.16 gross per hour, while independent production roles can offer around EUR 20.54–20.63 gross per hour.
Do You Need to Speak Dutch to Work as a Pastry Chef in the Netherlands?
Not always. Dutch is not required for some production positions, but it is a major advantage when working with customers. Some job offers require only a good command of English.
How Much Does a Pastry Chef Earn in Poland at the Start of Their Career and with Experience?
At the beginning, you can expect around PLN 4,000–4,800 gross per month. With experience, the salary can increase to around PLN 4,500–7,000 gross, while experienced specialists and master pastry chefs can earn PLN 8,000–12,000 gross per month or more.
Is It Worth Becoming a Master Pastry Chef to Earn More?
Yes, especially if you want to move into positions requiring greater independence, develop a specialisation or open your own pastry shop. However, the title itself does not guarantee a specific salary – earnings also depend on experience, skills and the place of work.
Where Will a Pastry Chef Earn More – in a Hotel or an Artisan Pastry Shop?
There is no single rule, but a five-star hotel or renowned specialised pastry studio may offer better conditions than a small local pastry shop. The biggest differences result from the level of the position and specialisation, such as artistic cake making.
Does Working as a Pastry Chef in the Netherlands Require Additional Qualifications or Certificates?
Not every position requires an additional certificate. However, an employer may expect experience, knowledge of recipes, hygiene and food safety rules and, for more specialised positions, documented qualifications. At larger production facilities, employment conditions may also be regulated by a CAO, the Dutch collective labour agreement that sets employment conditions within a particular industry.
