Do you keep more as autónomo or employee?
For the same gross amount, what lands in your account differs between being self-employed and being an employee. Compare with 2026 figures.
Employee
Autónomo
2026 estimate. The employee gross and the autónomo billing are treated as the same amount; it excludes employer cost and benefits. Not tax advice.
Autónomo or employee: which leaves more net?
It's one of the big questions when starting out. The honest answer: it depends on the amount and how you value what doesn't show on a payslip. At the same gross, an employee usually keeps a bit more at low incomes (the autónomo cuota weighs heavily when you earn little), while an autónomo can match or beat it at middle-to-high incomes thanks to deductible expenses.
What this comparison does capture
The worker's contribution (6.5% of gross in 2026), employee IRPF with the €2,000 other-expenses deduction, and on the autónomo side the bracketed cuota and the same IRPF. All on 2026 figures.
What it doesn't capture
The cost the company bears for you (around 30% extra you never see), unemployment cover, paid sick leave, holidays, or the flexibility and risk of self-employment. So it's a snapshot of net pay, not a full life decision.
Questions, answered
Why compare the same gross amount? +
Does it include the cuota and the flat rate? +
Is this a recommendation? +
Think you're overpaying?
Most autónomos are. Get matched with an online gestoría from €29/month.
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