Salary commercial employee: what can you really earn?

What determines your salary as a commercial employee?

Your salary as a commercial employee depends on several factors. The most important are your experience, the sector you work in, whether you work inside sales or field service, and the region where you are active. Your level of education and possible specializations can also make a difference. Below we explain each factor with concrete figures.

Average salary commercial employee: inside sales vs. field service

An inside sales commercial employee earns on average between 2,200 and 2,800 euros gross per month at the start. With 5 to 10 years of experience, that rises to 2,800 to 3,500 euros. Senior profiles can earn up to 4,000 euros gross per month. In field service roles, the base salary is often slightly higher, but the real difference is in the commission: good salespeople can double or even triple their pay. Some field service employees earn 60,000 to 80,000 euros gross per year or more.

Read also: the 5 best-paid jobs as a commercial employee right now.

Salary per experience level

• Starter (0-2 years): 2,100 - 2,600 euros gross per month
• Medior (3-7 years): 2,600 - 3,500 euros gross per month
• Senior (8+ years): 3,500 - 5,000 euros gross per month

These are averages; in some niche sectors such as IT or pharma, salaries are higher. With a relevant bachelor's degree you often start immediately at the top of the scale.

Regional differences in Flanders

In the provinces of Antwerp and Flemish Brabant, salaries for commercial employees are generally 5 to 10 percent higher than in Limburg or West Flanders. This is due to the higher concentration of headquarters and international companies. Some examples:

• Antwerp (port/petrochemical region): starters up to 2,800 euros, experienced workers up to 4,200 euros
• Ghent (tech & creative): 2,500 - 3,800 euros for medior positions
• Leuven (research & pharma): often 10% above the Flemish average
• Limburg (logistics & production): slightly lower base salary, but often with attractive shift premiums

Via our salary simulator you can calculate the expected salary in your exact region.

Extralegal benefits: often more than 20% of your package

The gross salary tells only half the story. Almost every employer offers extralegal benefits that significantly boost your net income. Think of:

• Meal vouchers (average €8 per worked day)
• Eco vouchers (up to €250 per year)
• Group insurance (pension accrual, often 2-3% of your gross salary)
• Hospitalization insurance
• Company laptop and smartphone
• Company car with fuel card (especially in field service)
• Net expense allowance (often €150-€250 per month)

At some employers these benefits together are worth 500 to 800 euros extra per month. That makes a world of difference for your purchasing power.

How to increase your salary as a commercial employee

Do you want a higher salary? These are the most effective strategies:

1. Obtain a relevant diploma or certificate. A bachelor's degree in sales, marketing or business management opens doors to better-paid positions. VDAB offers recognized training courses for commercial employee that can increase your salary by 10-15%.
2. Specialize in a niche market. In-depth product knowledge in a specific sector (such as construction materials, machine parts or software) makes you more valuable and less replaceable.
3. Switch to field service. If you have commercial talent, a switch to a representative role with commission can spectacularly increase your income. Check out our vacancies for field service commercial employee.
4. Change employer. Loyal employees often get smaller salary increases than job hoppers. On average, a switch yields 8-12% more.

Our salary simulator: your real market value in 30 seconds

Seen enough averages? With our unique salary simulator you get a personal estimate based on your experience, education, desired region and function type. The tool uses live data from thousands of vacancies and certified salary surveys, so you know exactly what you are worth. Try the salary simulator now and discover whether you are currently underpaid or overpaid.

Of course a good salary is only one element of a nice job. With our personal job matcher we search for vacancies that match your commercial profile AND your salary requirements. This way you don't just find any job, but THE job that fits you perfectly.