You work 39 hours a week at minimum wage and you're wondering how much you actually earn? The 39-hour net minimum wage is the minimum salary for a 39-hour work week. It's higher than the 35-hour net minimum wage, but it also comes with constraints and costs. In this article, we'll explain how to calculate the 39-hour net minimum wage, compare it with the 35-hour net minimum wage, and give you some tips to optimize your earnings.

How do you calculate the minimum wage for a 39-hour week (net)?

The gross and net hourly minimum wage as of May 1, 2023, is €11.52 gross and €9.11 net . To calculate the gross and net monthly minimum wage based on a 35-hour week, multiply the gross or net hourly minimum wage by 151.67 hours (the number of monthly hours corresponding to a 35-hour week). The result is €1,747.20 gross and €1,383.08 net .

To calculate the gross and net monthly minimum wage based on a 39-hour week, you must multiply the gross or net hourly minimum wage by 169 hours (the 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 minimum wage for 39 hours net and the minimum wage for 35 hours net?

The difference between the two net salaries is approximately €197 per month . This represents about 14% more . Is it worth working more to earn more? Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider:

• Advantages: you increase your purchasing power, you enhance your professional involvement, you benefit from an increase in overtime pay (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 limit of 220 overtime hours.

How can you optimize your earnings if you are on minimum wage for a 39-hour net work week?

If you are earning minimum wage for a 39-hour week net, here are some tips to improve your financial situation:

• Negotiate a salary increase or bonus with your employer, highlighting your performance and motivation.
• Ask about the annual work schedule agreement, which allows you to be paid only for the number of days worked in the year (up to 218 days), rather than your actual working hours. This way, you can earn more without working overtime.
• Take advantage of the social benefits to which you are entitled, such as the activity bonus, which supplements the income of low-income workers.
• Reduce 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 at minimum wage?

Working 39 hours at minimum wage has advantages and disadvantages, depending on your personal and professional situation. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

• Benefits :
  • You earn more money than if you worked 35 hours at minimum wage. This allows you to improve your standard of living, save, or invest.
  • You demonstrate your motivation and commitment to your employer. This can lead to a salary increase, bonus, or promotion.
  • You are entitled to overtime pay. Depending on the applicable collective agreement, you can receive up to 50% more for each hour worked beyond the legal working hours.
• Disadvantages:
  • You have less free time for your hobbies, family, or personal projects. You may experience stress, fatigue, or burnout.
  • You pay more income tax and social security contributions. Your net salary may be reduced by these mandatory deductions.
  • You risk exceeding the annual limit of 220 overtime hours. Beyond this threshold, you will no longer be eligible for overtime pay or the corresponding tax reduction.

Conclusion

The 39-hour net minimum wage is the minimum wage for a 39-hour work week. It is approximately 14% higher than the 35-hour net minimum wage, but it also entails constraints and costs. There are ways to optimize your earnings if you are earning the 39-hour net minimum wage.

What do you think? Are you satisfied with your salary? Do you want to work more or less?