Jobs for 16-year-olds

Earning money alongside school? Find fun small jobs in your area that fit your timetable. You agree a rate yourself; the Dutch legal minimum wage for 16-year-olds is €5.17 per hour (since 1 July 2026).

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Minimum wage per hour

Age 15€4.50
Age 16€5.17
Age 17€5.92
Age 18€7.50

Since 1 July 2026, Dutch government (in Dutch).

What are you allowed to do at 16?

There are a few Dutch rules, but they are there to protect you.

Working hours: Max 9 hours per shift, 45 hours per week (40 on average). School time counts, not at night.
School days: You can work after school, but make sure your homework is done.
Safety: No dangerous work or operating heavy machinery.
Permission: Your parents must know where you work.

Popular small jobs for 16-year-olds

These small jobs are safe, fun and fit well around your school timetable:

Babysitting: Keeping children entertained while their parents are out.
Walking dogs: Walking dogs from your neighbourhood.
Grocery shopping: Shopping for older people or busy families.
Mowing lawns: Garden maintenance for neighbours, with their mower.
Washing cars: Washing cars in your area.
Tutoring: Helping younger pupils with their homework.

You agree what you ask yourself. For comparison: babysitting at 15 to 17 usually pays €4.50 to €7.50 per hour.

How much can you earn?

A realistic example for a school pupil earning alongside school:

Jobs per week2-3 jobs

Hours per week4-6 hours

Hourly rate€5.17 to €7.50

Earnings per month€90 to €195

* This is alongside school, at weekends and on free afternoons

Frequently asked questions

How much can you earn when you are 16?

At 16 you can earn as much as you like. There is no fixed tax-free amount, but because of the tax credits, school pupils with a small annual income usually pay no income tax. What you earn with small jobs you do declare when you file a tax return.

How many hours can you work when you are 16?

At 16 or 17 you may work at most 9 hours per shift and 45 hours per week, and over 4 weeks no more than 40 hours per week on average. School time counts as working time and working at night is not allowed (Dutch government).

What kind of work can you do at 16?

Popular small jobs are: babysitting, walking dogs, grocery shopping, mowing lawns, washing cars and light household work. Dangerous work is not allowed.

Do I need permission from my parents?

Yes, your parents must know about your work. For an official employment contract they sometimes also need to sign.

Do I have to pay tax on what I earn?

There is no fixed tax-free amount. Because of the tax credits you usually pay no income tax on a small annual income. What you earn with small jobs you do declare when you file a tax return.

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