Do you work 39 hours a week on minimum wage and wonder how much you really earn? The 39-hour net minimum wage is the minimum wage for a weekly working time of 39 hours. It is higher than the 35-hour net minimum wage, but it also involves constraints and costs. In this article, we will explain to you how to calculate the 39h net minimum wage, compare it with the 35h net minimum wage, and give you some advice to optimize your remuneration.
How to calculate the 39h net minimum wage?
The gross and net hourly minimum wage on May 1, 2023 is €11.52 gross and €9.11 net . To calculate the gross and net monthly minimum wage on a 35-hour basis, you must multiply the gross or net hourly minimum wage by 151.67 hours (number of monthly hours corresponding to 35 hours per week). The result is €1,747.20 gross and €1,383.08 net .
To calculate the gross and net monthly minimum wage on a 39-hour basis, you must multiply the gross or net hourly minimum wage by 169 hours (number of monthly hours corresponding to 39 hours per week). The result is €1,996.80 gross and approximately €1,580 net .
What is the difference between the 39h net minimum wage and the 35h net minimum wage?
The difference between the two net salaries is approximately €197 per month . That's about 14% more . Is it worth working more to earn more? Here are some pros and cons to consider:
- Advantages: you increase your purchasing power, you enhance your professional involvement, you benefit from an increase in overtime (25% or more depending on the collective agreement).
- Disadvantages: you reduce your free time, you increase your fatigue, you pay more taxes and social security contributions, you risk exceeding the annual ceiling of 220 overtime hours.
How to optimize your remuneration if you are on the 39-hour net minimum wage?
If you are on the 39-hour net minimum wage, here are some tips to improve your financial situation:
- Negotiate a salary increase or bonus with your employer, highlighting your performance and motivation.
- Ask to benefit from the days package system, which allows you not to count your working hours, but only the number of days worked in the year (218 days maximum). This will allow you to earn more without working overtime.
- Take advantage of the social assistance to which you are entitled, such as the activity bonus, which supplements the income of low-income workers.
- Reduce your unnecessary expenses and save money, for example by using mobile applications that help you manage your budget.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of working 39 hours on minimum wage?
Working 39 hours on minimum wage has advantages and disadvantages, depending on your personal and professional situation. Here are some elements to take into account when making your choice:
- Benefits :
- You earn more money than if you worked 35 hours on minimum wage. You can thus improve your standard of living, save or invest.
- You show your motivation and commitment to your employer. You can therefore hope for a salary increase, a bonus or a promotion.
- You benefit from an overtime increase. Depending on the applicable collective agreement, you can receive up to 50% more for each hour beyond the legal duration.
- Disadvantages:
- You have less free time for your hobbies, your family or your personal projects. You may feel stress, fatigue or burnout.
- You pay more income tax and social security contributions. Your net salary may be reduced by these compulsory deductions.
- You risk exceeding the annual ceiling of 220 overtime hours. Beyond this threshold, you can no longer benefit from the overtime increase or the corresponding tax reduction.
Conclusion
The 39-hour net minimum wage is the minimum wage for a weekly working time of 39 hours. It is higher than the 35-hour net minimum wage by around 14%, but it also involves constraints and costs. There are ways to optimize your remuneration if you are on the 39-hour net minimum wage.
What do you think ? Are you satisfied with your salary? Do you want to work more or less?