An average starting salary* is around € 2500. This is based on a 40-hour work week. Over time, this would increase to € 3500 to € 4800 as you develop and take on a more senior position.

Here are some salary ranges for specific positions:

* The salaries shown here are for the Netherlands. Salaries in other countries could be very different. Also, the amounts here are gross, so before taxes are deducted.
Source: www.nationaleberoepengids.nl (in Dutch), 2022.

As a behavioral or social specialist, you can end up working in a wide variety of industries. Whatever you like best! You could work in:

• Public health
• Mental health
• Community development
• Government
• Education

Behavior and social sciences graduates work in many industries. During your studies, you gain valuable interpersonal skills such as active listening, negotiating, and motivational interviewing. These skills are highly in demand in fields like human services, criminal justice and social services.

International social workers are particularly in demand. In a 2022 survey on social services across 22 European countries, a whopping 85% reported staff shortages.