The Highest and Lowest Earning Jobs (and Nationalities) in Germany
Ever wondered which jobs and groups earn the most in Germany? A new analysis sheds light on salary disparities across professions, sectors, and demographics, providing a comprehensive look at income levels in the country.
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Earnings Across Professions
Full-time employees in Germany earn a median gross salary of €45,800 per year, with the average gross salary being higher at €52,300 due to high outlier incomes. However, earnings vary greatly by profession. Doctors claim the top spot with a median income of €98,750 annually. Following closely are employees in banking and insurance, who earn a median salary of €59,500. Engineers (€58,500) and management consultants (€58,250) also enjoy high salaries. Employees in banking lead sector-wise, with a median income of €65,500, while the aerospace and pharmaceutical industries offer median salaries exceeding €60,000.
In contrast, lower-paying sectors include the hotel and catering industries, where the median salary is €37,250. Agriculture, horticulture, and skilled trades also fall on the lower end of the spectrum, with median salaries just under or slightly above €40,000.
Impact of Education and Management Roles
Education significantly influences earnings. Workers with university degrees have a median income of €60,500, about 40% higher than those without degrees, who earn €43,100. Meanwhile, management roles also pay better: employees leading teams earn a median salary of €53,250, compared to €43,300 for those without personnel responsibilities.
Regional Disparities
Where you live in Germany greatly affects income levels. Hamburg leads with a median gross salary of €52,000, followed by Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and Bavaria, all offering salaries of at least €50,000. Western German states generally have higher incomes, with medians between €43,750 and €52,000. In the eastern states, salaries are significantly lower, with Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and others reporting medians between €39,500 and €41,000.
Gender Pay Gap and Salary Satisfaction
The gender pay gap in Germany remains notable. Men earn a median salary of €48,000, while women earn €42,100, reflecting a 12.4% disparity. Even after adjusting for factors like age and industry, the gap persists at 5.7%. Despite economic challenges, salary satisfaction has slightly improved: 33.6% of workers in 2024 reported being satisfied with their earnings, up from 31.7% in 2023, though dissatisfaction still dominates.
Earnings Among Foreign Residents
Foreign nationals in Germany earn a median monthly salary of €3,034, about €900 less than German citizens. However, some immigrant groups earn significantly more. Indians top the list with a median monthly income of €5,359, attributed to their high representation in STEM fields, which command lucrative salaries. Americans, Austrians, Irish, and British nationals also rank highly, benefiting from similar trends in high-paying professions.
Conversely, workers from Bulgaria (€2,520), Romania (€2,611), and Syria (€2,657) earn the least. These groups are more likely to work in jobs requiring less formal education, contributing to their lower median salaries. Notably, wages for these groups have risen faster year-over-year compared to higher-earning groups, with Syrians seeing a 5.5% increase and Bulgarians a 7.7% rise in 2024.
The Role of STEM and High-Skilled Jobs
STEM fields remain the most lucrative career path in Germany, with median wages exceeding €7,100 for professionals over 45. Employment in these fields among foreigners grew by 215.7% from 2012 to 2023, compared to a 41.7% increase among Germans. This growth highlights the increasing importance of skilled immigration for Germany’s economy and labor market.
Conclusion
Earnings in Germany are influenced by a variety of factors, including profession, education, region, and nationality. While high-paying jobs and sectors offer lucrative opportunities, significant disparities remain across different demographics and regions, underlining the complex dynamics of income distribution in the country.
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