Expected rate increase in 2025 maximum 1.5 percent

The hourly rates of flexible workers, self-employed workers and professionals employed by secondment agencies, rose an average of 3.6 percent in 2024 compared to 2023. This increase lags behind average collective bargaining wage increases and rate increases for (practically skilled) self-employed workers. A limited rate increase is expected for 2025, between 1 and 1.5 percent. This is according to the latest Talent Monitor from labor market data specialist Intelligence Group and HR-tech service provider HeadFirst Group.

Rate development lags behind CAO wages
According to CBS figures, the average wage increase in collective bargaining agreements in 2024 was 6.6 percent, significantly higher than the 3.6 percent rate increase for highly skilled self-employed and seconded workers. The rate increase of (practically skilled) self-employed workers also came out higher at 6.5 percent. The average hourly rate of a highly skilled self-employed worker is currently €99.65. Top formBottom form

"The slight increase in hourly rates in 2024 can be explained by shrinking demand and increased supply of self-employed workers, falling inflation and the effects of the (announcement) of enforcement on the DBA law" says Geert-Jan Waasdorp, director and founder of Intelligence Group. "Because the labor market is expected to become slightly less scarce in 2025, we expect moderate growth in average rates of 1 to 1.5 percent. Due to union demands, the differences in increases between salaried and self-employed workers will increase further in 2025."

Demand for flexible talent unabatedly high
Waasdorp notes that despite a slight slowdown in growth in the labor market and a decrease in the number of open vacancies, the scarcity of flexible workers continues. "On average, self-employed people are approached 16 times a year for a new assignment, which illustrates how high the demand for flexible talent remains," Waasdorp said.

Marion van Happen, CEO of HeadFirst Group, adds: "The labor market remains tight and therefore talent is still in control. Despite the ongoing discussion and enforcement around the DBA law, the choice for self-employment remains popular. Zzp'ers choose their own path, driven by freedom and flexibility. Companies that want to attract highly skilled professionals must adapt to the reality of a flexible labor market and develop strategies to retain both permanent and flexible talent."

More insights into professionals' rate trends over 2024 and into 2025? Download the Talent Monitor at headfirst.group.