Base salary is only part of what a field service engineer takes home. Overtime, standby pay, travel allowances and a company car often add a large share on top, and how they are paid differs a lot between countries.
What to compare between offers
- Base salary: in the Netherlands and Belgium most offers are quoted as a yearly gross figure including holiday pay; in Germany check whether the 13th month is included.
- Overtime and standby: ask how hours above 40 are paid and whether weekend callouts carry a higher rate.
- Daily allowance: many employers pay a tax-free daily allowance when you work away from home.
- Company car: check whether private use is allowed and how the tax addition is handled in your country.
When you compare two jobs, add up a typical month including travel, not just the base salary in the advert.
