Freelancers in Utrecht and Noord-Brabant charge highest hourly rates in the Netherlands

Self-employed workers in Utrecht and Noord-Brabant have the highest average hourly rates in the Netherlands at 84 euros, while those in Friesland charge the lowest at 71 euros, according to a Knab press release based on its survey of more than twenty thousand freelancers.

The nationwide average hourly rate for freelancers is 81 euros, with Noord-Holland following Utrecht and Noord-Brabant at 82 euros. Meanwhile, Groningen ranks just above Friesland at 76 euros per hour. Despite lower rates, freelancers in Flevoland report some of the highest profits, benefiting from strong net profit margins and high billable hours. Drenthe-based freelancers also maintain competitive earnings with a 77 euro rate and a high profit margin.

“Hourly rates and profits are key indicators, but they don’t tell the whole story,” said Knab financial expert Oskar Barendse. “Lower living costs in some provinces allow freelancers to sustain their business with lower rates. Billable hours and cost efficiency also play a crucial role.”

Freelancers in Utrecht earn the highest annual profit, averaging 64,264 euros, while Friesland ranks lowest at 53,727 euros. Drenthe and Flevoland have the highest net profit margins, at 65 and 63 percent, respectively. Those in Limburg bill the fewest hours per week (27.5), while freelancers in Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland, Utrecht, and Drenthe bill the most (30).

The business services sector dominates most provinces, but in Groningen, Drenthe, and Limburg, construction is the largest industry. Profitability varies by sector, with business services and IT freelancers earning more than those in construction, healthcare, and personal services.

In Zuid-Holland and Noord-Brabant, more than half of freelancers work primarily with businesses (B2B). In contrast, in Groningen, Friesland, and Limburg, many serve individual consumers (B2C). Government contracts account for 7 to 12 percent of freelance work nationwide.

Additionally, 86 percent of freelancers feel positive about their business outlook, but 29 percent worry about the Wet DBA, which aims to combat false self-employment. Concerns are reportedly highest in Flevoland, Friesland, and Zuid-Holland, where B2B freelancing is more common.