Agency worker or self-employed in construction: which suits you best?

Sooner or later the question arises, usually in the van or during coffee: shouldn't I start my own business? The hourly rate of a self-employed person (zzp'er) in construction is higher, that's true. But whether you actually end up better off at the bottom line depends on much more than that single number.

In this blog we compare temporary agency workers and self-employed professionals. You will read where the differences lie in wages, security, freedom, and rules, so you can make a choice that fits your situation.

The difference in brief

1. What do you actually earn?

A self-employed rate of 45 euros per hour sounds better than a gross hourly wage of 25 euros. Yet you are comparing apples with oranges. That rate is not a wage, but turnover.

From that turnover, you still have to deduct:

• income tax and your Health Insurance Act contribution

• an occupational disability insurance, or a buffer for when you are unable to work

• pension accrual, if you arrange that yourself

• tools, workwear, a van, insurance, and fuel

• hours you cannot invoice, such as quotes, administration, and the weeks between two projects

As a temporary worker, you do not have those costs. Moreover, you are entitled to the hiring pay-scale: you earn the same as someone directly employed by the construction company doing the same work, including allowances and travel hours.

Tip: calculate it calmly at the kitchen table. Not hourly rate against hourly wage, but what is left over per month after everything has been paid. That figure is the only one that counts.

2. How much security do you want?

For most people, this is the real turning point.

If you are unable to work as a temporary worker due to illness or an accident, your wages will continue under the collective agreement. You build up a pension, you get holiday pay, and through the phased contract system, you build up more contract security over time.

If you are unable to work as a self-employed person, your income stops on the day you stay at home. Unless you have occupational disability insurance or have saved enough to bridge a few months.

In a physical profession like construction, that is not a theoretical risk. Especially not if you are past forty. Do you have a mortgage or a family that depends on your income? Then this point weighs heavier than the difference in rate.

3. How much freedom do you need?

On this point, self-employment certainly scores. You choose which assignments you take on, you negotiate your own rate, and you decide when you take holidays. For craftsmen who know exactly what they are worth, that is worth a lot.

As a temporary worker, you also have that freedom, only it goes through your contact person. You indicate what you are looking for, how far you want to travel, and what work you would rather not do. A good agency respects that. An agency that just puts you anywhere is not the right agency.

4. What should you look out for as a self-employed person regarding rules?

This point has become more important in recent years. The Dutch Tax Authorities (Belastingdienst) have been actively enforcing rules against false self-employment since 2025, and construction is one of the sectors being scrutinised the most.

False self-employment means: on paper you are independent, but in practice you simply work as an employee. What do they look at?

• you work structurally for one client

• the client determines how, where, and when you do the work

• you only use materials and tools provided by the client

• you cannot actually be replaced by someone else

If it turns out in hindsight that there was false self-employment, this has consequences for the client as well as for you. Many construction companies have therefore become more cautious about hiring self-employed professionals.

Are you truly an entrepreneur, with multiple clients, your own equipment, and your own insurance? Then there is nothing to worry about. Are you unsure? Then seek advice from an accountant.

5. Which option suits you best?

Choose temporary work if you:

• have fixed expenses you prefer not to gamble with

• do not want the hassle of administration, quotes, and invoices

• want to progress towards a permanent contract with a construction company

• are just starting out in the trade, or are changing careers

Choose self-employment if you:

• have or can get multiple clients

• already have your own tools, van, and insurance

• are good at negotiating and easily keep a clear overview

• have a financial buffer for quiet months and for when you are unable to work

And the great thing is: you do not have to make the choice forever. Many professionals start in employment, later go independent, and switch back years later because they prefer the peace of mind. That is not a step backward, it is just a different phase.

Summary

As a self-employed person, you have more freedom and a higher rate, but you arrange everything yourself and carry the risk. As a temporary worker, you sacrifice a bit of freedom in exchange for security, accrual, and convenience.

The best choice therefore does not depend on what pays out the most on paper, but on what remains at the end of the month and how much risk you want to take.

Curious about what makes sense in your situation?

We work with temporary workers and self-employed professionals. In the initial conversation, we will look together at what suits you. No sales pitch, just an honest comparison, because a wrong structure ultimately benefits no one.

Get in touch or view the vacancies first.

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