The professionalization contract is an effective solution for combining training with corporate experience. But what is the salary for a work-study student under this type of contract in 2025? Similar to an apprenticeship contract, the pay of an employee on a professional contract depends on several criteria, including age and level of qualification.
What does the professionalization contract involve?
The professionalization contract combines theoretical instruction with hands-on experience in a company. It targets:
- Youths aged 16 to 25 aiming to complete their initial training.
- Job seekers aged 26 and over, to facilitate their integration or career transition.
- Certain recipients of social benefits or individuals with disabilities.
This contract can be agreed upon as a fixed-term contract (CDD) (6 to 12 months, renewable up to 36 months) or as a permanent contract (CDI) with a professionalization phase at the beginning of the contract.
What is the salary under a professionalization contract?
The salary for a work-study student on a professionalization contract is linked to the SMIC (minimum wage) or the minimum conventional wage (SMC) of the professional branch, if the latter is more advantageous.
Salary Scale 2025
In 2025, the gross monthly minimum wage is set at €1,801.80. Here are the applicable salary levels:
Level of Qualification | Under 21 years old | 21 to 25 years old | 26 years and over
|
|---|---|---|---|
Degree below A-level (or level IV) | €990.99 (55% of SMIC) | €1,261.26 (70% of SMIC) | €1,801.80 (100% of SMIC or 85% of SMC if applicable) |
A-level or Higher Degree | €1,171.17 (65% of SMIC) | €1,441.44 (80% of SMIC) | €1,801.80 (legal minimum) |
Good to know:
If the company follows a collective agreement that sets a higher minimum conventional wage (SMC), that rate applies.
Remuneration is calculated before the deduction of social contributions, which determine the net salary received by the work-study student.
Does the salary evolve?
Yes, the salary of a work-study student on a professional contract evolves in two situations:
- Age bracket change: when a student turns 21, their salary automatically increases from the first day of the month following their birthday.
- Turning 26: unlike the 21-year threshold, the raise is not automatic. It depends on an agreement made with the employer at the contract signing or through a later amendment.
How is the salary funded?
The cost of a professionalization contract is shared between the company and the OPCO (Competency Operators), which cover all or part of the training expenses.
Employer incentives
- Training expenses covered by the OPCO according to current scales.
- Exemptions from social contributions for certain groups (people under 26, people with disabilities, etc.).
- Financial incentives for hiring a work-study student that can reach up to €6,000 under certain conditions.
These measures encourage companies to recruit via work-study programs, thus reducing their overall wage costs.
What are the employer charges?
Since the reform of the “Avenir Professionnel” law, some exemptions have been removed. Now, the professionalization contract only benefits from the general reduction of employer contributions applicable to wages below 1.6 times the SMIC. Social charges include:
- Social security contributions (health, retirement, family allowances).
- Unemployment insurance.
- Contribution to the National Housing Aid Fund (FNAL).
Note: The professional contract is not included in the company’s headcount for legal obligations. URSSAF offers an online simulator to calculate applicable reductions.
How to negotiate your salary in a professional contract?
Inquire about conventional wage scales
Before any negotiation, it is crucial to verify if the company’s professional branch applies a higher SMC (minimum conventional wage) than the SMIC.
Highlight skills and experiences
A work-study student with previous internships or professional experience can emphasize their strengths to justify a higher salary.
Request additional benefits
If the company cannot increase gross salary, it’s possible to negotiate:
- Performance or end-of-mission bonuses.
- Reimbursement of transportation expenses (coverage beyond the legal minimum of 50%).
- Meal vouchers or gift vouchers.
- Access to an advantageous health insurance plan.
Conclusion
The professionalization contract remains a valuable opportunity for young people and job seekers in career transition. In 2025, the salary scale follows the evolution of the SMIC, ensuring a minimum income for work-study students.
While remuneration is strictly regulated, there’s room to enhance it through additional benefits or by joining a company offering a more advantageous wage scale.
Good to know: a well-negotiated professional contract is often a gateway to a permanent position within the host company.
