Living and working in Belgium offers a plethora of benefits, including a high quality of life, central location in the heart of Europe, excellent medical and educational systems, and a robust, resilient economy. However, the cost of living can be high compared to other European countries. If you’re planning a relocation, understanding the average salaries and living expenses in Belgium is key to long-term success. Here we explore the top five highest paying jobs in Belgium, supported by official salary data and labour market insights, to help you plan your next move with confidence.
The medical sector in Belgium is extremely robust, with high standards of care provided across the country. Medical specialists, such as surgeons, anaesthesiologists, and cardiologists, are among the highest paying medical professionals in the field. While average salaries are hard to give as each will depend upon the specialisation, location, and experience, salaries range between EUR150,000 to EUR300,000 per year for these types of roles.
Those working in senior management or leadership roles within the pharmaceutical sector can be extremely well paid. Some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies have their headquarters in Belgium, including GSK Vaccines, UCB, and Janssen Pharmaceutical (which is part of the Johnson & Johnson group). The sector employs over 35,000 people across the country, and so managerial roles here can be very demanding. Overseeing the development, sales, and distribution of products, salaries for CEOs that work in the pharmaceutical field average around EUR200,000 per year, with some even hitting close to half a million euros a year.
Average annual salary: €100,000 – €150,000+ (excluding bonuses)
With Brussels serving as the de facto capital of the European Union, the city hosts numerous multinational organisations and regulatory bodies. This concentration of global business activity drives strong demand for experienced corporate and commercial lawyers, particularly those specialising in EU law, mergers and acquisitions, and cross-border transactions.
Corporate lawyers often receive generous performance-based bonuses, making this one of the most lucrative professions in Belgium. The demand for bilingual and trilingual legal professionals (French, Dutch, English) further enhances earning potential.
Professionals working in the banking and finance world are well paid across the world, with investment bankers, financial analysts, and wealth managers often earning the highest salaries. Their roles can be extremely demanding and complex, dealing with millions of euros in transactions and assets daily. Most professionals within this sector in Belgium are rewarded with high bonuses on a quarterly or annual basis, and so average salaries are difficult to produce. However, such a versatile and strong sector in Belgium, you can be certain that those working as banking and finance executives here are very well remunerated.
Senior managers and leaders within the technology sector in Belgium are well sought-after and well paid. From cyber security and data analysts to app development and tech innovation, the IT sector in Belgium is booming and is expected to grow over 26% (by a total of USD2.3 billion) by 2028. Salaries in the sector are robust and senior managers can expect to receive a 6-figure annual salary as well as enticing bonuses and corporate benefits.
Whether you're looking to thrive in healthcare, tech, law, or finance, these roles represent the top professions in Belgium—consistently ranked among the highest paying jobs Belgium has to offer. With a mix of global industries, world-class infrastructure, and career advancement opportunities, Belgium remains an excellent destination for ambitious professionals.