An employee with UDT qualifications who operates forklifts, reach trucks or other material handling equipment is highly sought after in the Netherlands. Thanks to certifications and experience, you can earn noticeably more than a regular warehouse worker. In 2025, rates for such employees are increasing along with the minimum wage in the Netherlands and growing demand in the logistics sector. This is a good time to check how much you can realistically earn with Polish UDT qualifications while working in a Dutch warehouse. Read the full article to compare job offers consciously and avoid accepting less than your skills are worth.
What are the earnings of a worker with UDT qualifications in the Netherlands in 2025?
Earnings for workers with UDT qualifications in the Netherlands in 2025 depend mainly on the hourly rate offered by the employer and the number of hours worked. In job advertisements, you will most often see rates ranging from approximately EUR 15 to EUR 18 gross per hour, which translates to around PLN 68 to PLN 81 per hour. In many companies, shift allowances, holiday pay and performance bonuses are added on top of this, increasing the final income. The more experience you have operating forklifts and the better your language skills, the more likely you are to reach the upper end of the salary range.
To better understand where the differences in pay come from, pay attention to several key factors:
- the type of position, meaning whether you work as a regular warehouse worker with UDT qualifications or as an operator responsible for more complex tasks;
- the location of the workplace, for example a large city or a smaller town;
- the shift system, for example day shifts only or also night and weekend shifts;
- the number of hours worked per month and the possibility of overtime.
Together, these factors determine whether your salary will be closer to the market minimum or the upper end of the range. By working in large distribution centres with high goods turnover, you can expect higher rates and more working hours. In smaller companies, the pace of work may be calmer, but earnings are often slightly lower.
How much does a worker with UDT qualifications earn in the Netherlands depending on experience?
Experience and confidence in operating equipment have a major impact on earnings. Someone who has only recently obtained qualifications usually starts at rates closer to the lower end of the range. Over time, as you learn procedures, warehouse systems and how to work quickly and safely, you can negotiate higher pay. Specialization also matters, for example operating reach trucks at height or working in cold-storage facilities.
Below you will find approximate salary ranges for workers with UDT qualifications in the Netherlands in 2025, converted into Polish zlotys:
| Experience level and type of work | Gross hourly rate in euros | Gross hourly rate in Polish zlotys (approx.) | Gross monthly salary for full-time work |
| Beginner worker with UDT qualifications, simple warehouse work | EUR 15–16 | approx. PLN 68–72 per hour | approx. PLN 10,000–11,000 |
| Worker with UDT qualifications and 1–2 years of experience | EUR 16–17 | approx. PLN 72–77 per hour | approx. PLN 11,000–12,500 |
| Experienced UDT operator in a large warehouse or logistics centre | EUR 17–18 | approx. PLN 77–81 per hour | approx. PLN 12,500–13,500 |
| Highly experienced UDT specialist, shift work including nights and weekends | EUR 18–20 | approx. PLN 81–90 per hour | approx. PLN 13,500–15,500 |
Keep in mind that these are approximate figures based on typical rates from job advertisements and conversion into Polish zlotys. Your actual salary depends on the exact number of hours worked, additional payments and whether you work only one shift or also nights and weekends. In many cases, overtime and seasonal work can push your earnings above the upper end of the range. That is why it is always worth asking the employer about every component of the remuneration package.
What does the daily salary of a worker with UDT qualifications in the Netherlands depend on?
Your salary as a worker with UDT qualifications in the Netherlands depends not only on the hourly rate itself, but also on how the work is organized. One situation is working in a warehouse with a fixed, repetitive schedule and a predetermined number of hours. Another is working in a large logistics centre with intensive operations, where there are more opportunities for overtime and night shifts. The greater the demand for labour, the easier it is to get additional hours and therefore increase your monthly income.
It also matters whether you are employed directly by a Dutch employer or through an agency. Direct employment often means slightly higher basic rates and a broader benefits package. Agencies, on the other hand, may offer an easier start and more flexibility, but rates can be slightly lower. Holiday allowances, afternoon shifts and weekend work can also significantly increase your salary.
The working environment and safety culture are also important. In companies that invest in training and modern equipment, work is safer and more comfortable, which supports longer-term employment. These are also the workplaces where it is easier to gradually increase your earnings through promotions or by moving into more demanding positions.
What interesting facts are associated with the earnings of workers with UDT qualifications in the Netherlands?
An interesting fact is that a warehouse worker with UDT qualifications earns noticeably more in the Netherlands than someone without such qualifications working at the same facility. The difference in hourly rate can amount to several euros, which over a full-time month can translate into several hundred or even several thousand Polish zlotys. In practice, one training course and a passed UDT exam can therefore significantly increase your earnings.
Another interesting observation concerns language skills. People who can communicate in Dutch in addition to English often receive better job offers or are promoted more quickly to supervisor or shift leader positions. As a result, a worker with UDT qualifications can gradually move from typical warehouse work into more organizational and better-paid roles. This shows that combining technical and language skills is highly valuable in this industry.
How do working conditions and the shift system affect the salary of a worker with UDT qualifications?
Working conditions and the shift system have a direct impact on how much you earn as a worker with UDT qualifications in the Netherlands. Working only Monday to Friday on day shifts means a more predictable schedule but fewer additional payments. If afternoon, night or weekend shifts are included, your effective hourly rate increases thanks to percentage-based allowances. In many companies, this is one of the easiest ways to increase your monthly salary without changing your position.
The type of warehouse also matters. In retail distribution centres, the work can be intensive, but salaries are often closer to the upper end of the range. In cold-storage facilities or warehouses with stricter health and safety requirements, you may receive additional payments for working conditions. In smaller local warehouses, the pace may be calmer, although the rates are not always the highest.
It is also worth remembering that employers value flexibility. If you show that you can occasionally stay longer or take an additional shift, it may be easier to receive a bonus or pay rise. Stable, reliable cooperation is often more valuable to a company than frequent staff turnover, so loyalty and dependability can translate into higher earnings over time.
What can you do to earn more as a worker with UDT qualifications in the Netherlands?
You have a real influence on your earnings and can consciously shape them. The key is to combine strong technical preparation with a willingness to develop. The better you understand warehouse operations, procedures and safety requirements, the more valuable you are to an employer. Over time, you can move into more responsible positions where the rates are higher.
If you want to increase your earnings as a worker with UDT qualifications in the Netherlands, consider several steps:
- keep your UDT qualifications up to date and expand them to include additional types of forklifts;
- improve your English and then start learning Dutch;
- choose job offers from large logistics centres where rates and available hours are higher;
- declare your willingness to work shifts, including weekends.
This approach allows you to gradually move from the lower rates to the middle of the salary range and later get closer to the highest pay levels in the industry. For many workers with UDT qualifications, consistency and willingness to develop are what make it possible to earn significantly more after a few years than at the beginning of their careers.
Is working with UDT qualifications in the Netherlands a good financial opportunity?
Working with UDT qualifications in the Netherlands can be a very good financial opportunity, especially if you are looking for stable earnings and do not mind physical work. Rates are noticeably higher than those typically offered for similar positions in Poland, and with full-time employment and additional payments, your monthly gross salary can reach five figures in Polish zlotys. At the same time, it is important to remember that living and accommodation costs reduce the amount you can ultimately save. However, with good budget planning, you can still regularly put money aside for your goals.
For many people, working in the Netherlands with UDT qualifications is also a good starting point for further development in logistics. Over time, you can be promoted to shift leader, coordinator or transport planning specialist. This means it does not have to be only a temporary job, but can also become a genuine career path with increasing earnings.
Frequently asked questions about the earnings of workers with UDT qualifications in the Netherlands
Before deciding to move to the Netherlands for work with UDT qualifications, it is worth clarifying several important issues related to salary. This will make it easier to assess whether a particular job offer meets your financial expectations. Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
1. How much does a beginner worker with UDT qualifications earn in the Netherlands?
A beginner worker with UDT qualifications who is just starting work in a warehouse in the Netherlands usually earns around EUR 15–16 gross per hour. After conversion, this is approximately PLN 68–72 per hour. With full-time employment, gross monthly income can reach around PLN 10,000–11,000. Over time, with good feedback from supervisors, you can expect your hourly rate to increase quickly.
2. How much does an experienced worker with UDT qualifications earn in a large logistics centre?
An experienced worker with UDT qualifications in a large logistics centre usually earns around EUR 17–18 gross per hour. This translates to approximately PLN 77–81 per hour. With full-time employment and additional allowances, monthly gross earnings can reach around PLN 12,500–13,500. In shift systems that include nights and weekends, these amounts can be even higher.
3. Do UDT qualifications really increase earnings in the Netherlands?
Yes, having valid UDT qualifications clearly increases your value on the Dutch labour market. A forklift or reach truck operator usually earns several euros more per hour than a warehouse worker without such qualifications. Over the course of a month, the difference can amount to several thousand Polish zlotys. This is why investing in training and passing the UDT exam can pay for itself very quickly.
4. How does location in the Netherlands affect the earnings of a worker with UDT qualifications?
Location is important because rates are higher in large cities and around major logistics hubs. Demand for UDT operators is greater near ports, large distribution centres and retail warehouses. This makes it easier to find well-paid full-time work with additional allowances. In smaller towns, rates may be closer to the lower end of the range, although competition for positions is often lower.
5. Can you realistically save money while working with UDT qualifications in the Netherlands?
As a worker with UDT qualifications in the Netherlands, you can realistically save money, especially with full-time employment and shift work. After deducting accommodation, food and transport costs, there can still be money left to put into savings. The higher your hourly rate and the more hours you work, the faster you will notice the difference in your bank account. That is why it is worth negotiating conditions before leaving and choosing job offers with clear remuneration rules.
