Are you attracted by the benefits of freelancing, but you still have doubts about the financial side? We get it. Because when you’re self-employed, your income can fluctuate from one month to the next. And this financial uncertainty holds some people back from making the leap.
That said, some independent professions seem to earn more than others. Is this really the case and to what extent? Accountable has done some digging for you. Here are the top 5 independent professions in Belgium that (typically) earn the most.
The average income of a self-employed person
Are you wondering how much a freelancer earns in Belgium? The first thing to look at is the average hourly rate. Because freelancers charge different rates. The amount you can charge depends on aspects like your experience, expertise and age. Not to mention the sector of activity, which plays an important role in the rates you set when you’re self-employed.
However, don’t forget that there are exceptions to every rule. And that’s normal, because being your own boss means that you decide your own hourly or daily rate. The average amounts below are just an indication, nothing more. Rates are per hour, excluding VAT.
The highest paid independent professions
1. Liberal professions
What are the most lucrative professions for the self-employed? At the top of the list are liberal professions, such as notaries, bailiffs and architects.
It’s worth mentioning that there are quite significant differences between these different categories. In addition, hourly rates within the same independent profession vary greatly depending on individual specialisations.
The average hourly rate for notaries tends to be the highest, at around €200 to €250 per hour. Next come bailiffs, with an average rate of €175 per hour, then lawyers, at €125 per hour. Architects, on the other hand, charge average prices of between €75 and €120 per hour.
However, it’s rare that you pay an architect, bailiff or notary by the hour. Typically, these independent professionals work on the basis of fixed prices for a specific service, or charge a percentage of the total price of your project.
2. Paramedical professions
Self-employed doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, speech therapists or nurses: the medical sector is always looking for personnel. In recent years in particular, Belgium has experienced a serious shortage of healthcare workers. As a result, these independent health professionals can charge high rates.
Sources like Jobat mention that specialised doctors, such as surgeons or cardiologists, can easily earn up to €250 per hour.
A self-employed dentist charges on average €100 to €125 per hour and a nurse €60 to €70 per hour. And there’s often a supplement for night or weekend shifts.
3. Tradespeople
A good tradesperson is priceless, right? This is reflected in the hourly rates of tradespeople like carpenters, plumbers, roofers, and electricians.
What are the highest paying trades? According to figures from Bouwunie, the federation of SMEs active in construction in Flanders, electricians, plumbers and HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) technicians generally earn between €50 and €90 per hour. However, complex installations command higher rates. Demolition workers and earthmovers are also among the highest paid tradespeople (around €65 per hour).
However, tradespeople more often charge a price per project. In addition to their time, this price includes other costs, such as materials and travel.
4. Consultants and freelancers
Consultants or freelancers are active across various sectors, from IT to marketing and from graphic design to education. In recent years, there has even been an increase in the number of independent workers in the hospitality industry, such as self-employed cooks and waiters.
With the exception of most liberal professions, most freelance work is accessible without a degree. You just need to be an ace at photo and video editing, for example, to start a career as a freelance content creator.
With so many freelancers falling into this category, it can be tricky to identify an average hourly rate. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of average rates for some of the most in-demand consultants and freelancers. For this we used several sources including Jellow, Malt and FreelanceNetwork.
- Freelance marketing or IT consultant: €65 – €85 per hour
- Freelance copywriter: €55 – €65 per hour
- Freelance coach (e.g. career coach or sports coach): around €80 per hour
- Graphic designer: €65 per hour
- HR manager: €85 per hour
5. Independent professions in the financial sector
Self-employed people in finance generally earn a good living. Even a beginner can already charger €50 per hour. With more seniority, this rate can climb to €90 per hour.
On Jellow, average hourly rates are around €75 for independent financial advisors, €65 for tax specialists and €70 for (chartered) accountants. Chief financial officers (CFOs), financial risk managers and auditors earn an average of €90/hour.
💡Psst, when you’re self-employed in Belgium, you’re not obliged to use an accountant. It’s perfectly possible to manage your accounts yourself, especially if you’re a sole trader. All you need is a reliable tool, like Accountable’s tax and accounting platform.
Starting out as a freelancer? Accountable makes it easy for you
Do you want to become self-employed and maybe even carry out one of the best-paid independent professions in Belgium? Excellent idea! Working for yourself means enjoying the freedom and flexibility to determine your own schedule and set your rates.
Before you begin, consider these questions:
- Is it better to start with being self-employed in a secondary or main occupation?
- As a sole trade or as a company?
- What steps do you need to take to start your freelance career?!
In any case, know that you’re not alone. On our free blog you’ll find lots of tips and tricks. We suggest starting with our guide to becoming self-employed in Belgium.
What’s more, everyone who starts using Accountable receives a Starter Pack with exclusive advantages to help you take your first steps with peace of mind. So grab your chance and your Starter Pack now!
