Salaries in Germany 2024

Salaries in Germany 2024: How much can you really earn?

Salaries in Germany in 2024 are a topic that attracts attention from both residents of the country and those planning to move. Germany, being one of the world’s largest economies and the wealthiest country in the European Union, offers diverse career opportunities. However, wage differences are significant, depending on the region, education, age, and gender. Let’s take a closer look at salaries in Germany in 2024.

East vs. West: Differences in Earnings

Salaries in Germany in 2024 still vary significantly between the eastern and western states. After the reunification of Germany in 1990, the western part of the country was much more economically developed than the eastern part. Although these differences are gradually decreasing, they are still evident. Average earnings in western Germany can be 20-30% higher than in eastern Germany.

According to the latest data from 2022, the difference in average wages between eastern and western Germany was 13,015 euros gross per year. This means that the average annual gross salary in western Germany was 58,085 euros, while in the eastern part it was 45,070 euros.

Average Salaries in Germany 2024

How much can you earn in Germany? The average salary in Germany is around 3,975 euros gross per month. However, these earnings can vary significantly depending on the industry, region, and work experience.

What Does Salary Depend on in Germany?

Education

Education plays a key role in determining salaries. People with higher education can earn up to 50% more than those with secondary education. Investing in education often yields tangible financial benefits.

Age

Salaries in Germany increase with work experience. People aged 45-54 can earn on average 25% more than younger workers aged 25-34. Long-term experience is often valued and well compensated.

Gender

Gender wage differences in Germany still exist, although they are gradually decreasing. On average, women earn about 21% less than men. Nevertheless, more and more companies are striving to close these gaps by introducing pay equality policies.

Region

As mentioned earlier, salaries in western Germany are higher than in the eastern part. Additionally, in large cities such as Munich or Frankfurt, wages are usually higher than in smaller towns.

Best-Paid Jobs in Germany

Doctors and Surgeons

Doctors and surgeons are among the highest-paid professions in Germany. The average salary for a surgical specialist can be up to 115,000 euros per year. For some specialties, such as plastic surgery or cardiology, these amounts can be even higher.

Managing Directors

Managing directors of companies are also among the highest earners. Their salaries can range from 90,000 euros to even 200,000 euros per year, depending on the size of the company and the industry.

Engineers

Engineers are highly valued specialists in Germany. Depending on the specialization and experience, they can earn between 50,000 and 90,000 euros per year. Engineers in industries such as industrial automation or energy are particularly well compensated.

IT Specialists

IT specialists are among the highest-earning professionals in the digital age. Programmers, database administrators, or cybersecurity specialists can earn between 55,000 and 100,000 euros per year.

Pharmacists

Pharmacists in Germany are also high on the list of best-paid jobs. Average salaries in this field range from 70,000 to 90,000 euros per year.

Lowest-Paid Jobs in Germany

Hospitality Workers

Salaries in the hospitality sector are among the lowest in Germany. They often hover around the minimum wage of about 9.60 euros per hour, which translates to around 20,000 euros per year.

Cleaning Workers

Cleaning workers also earn little, usually not exceeding 25,000 euros per year. This is one of the most undervalued professions in terms of wages.

Cashiers

Cashiers in stores typically earn between 20,000 and 25,000 euros per year. Despite being demanding, this job is not well paid.

Production Workers

Production workers earn an average of between 25,000 and 30,000 euros per year. Salaries can vary depending on the industry and region.

Caregivers for the Elderly

Caregivers for the elderly can expect to earn between 25,000 and 30,000 euros per year. This is a job with high demand but low pay in Germany.

Average Salary in Germany

The average salary in Germany is about 3,975 euros gross per month. However, this number is averaged and may be distorted by extremely high salaries in certain industries or regions.

Real Earnings in Germany 2024

While the average salary gives some idea of the situation, median wages are closer to the reality of most Germans. Median earnings are around 3,300 euros gross, meaning that half of working Germans earn below this amount and half above.

It is also worth noting that Germany has one of the lowest income inequality ratios in the European Union. This means that differences in wages between the wealthiest and the poorest are relatively small.

Salaries in Germany 2024: What is the Situation for Poles?

How Much Do Poles Earn in Germany?

Poles working in Germany often earn less than their German counterparts, mainly due to language barriers and restrictions resulting from a lack of local qualifications. The average salary of Poles in Germany is around 2,500-3,000 euros gross per month, depending on the industry and work experience.

In Which Industries Do Poles Earn the Most?

Poles employed in the construction, engineering, and IT industries can expect higher salaries. Specialists such as C+E drivers, electricians, and welders are particularly sought after and well paid.

Sample Salaries for Selected Positions

Below are the average gross salaries for selected positions in Germany:

Salaries in Germany are a complex topic and depend on many factors. Nevertheless, they are among the highest in the European Union and offer many opportunities for people with various skills and experiences. For many Poles, working in Germany is an attractive option both financially and in terms of career development.

Also read: How much does a construction worker earn?