Germans generally feel uncomfortable discussing money openly. If you ask a German about their salary, they’ll likely respond vaguely that they earn a sufficient income. However, they won’t specify the exact amount. In today’s blog, I want to give you a clear idea about this topic. This will help you understand what actual income you can expect in Germany.
One thing to keep in mind is that your salary in Germany depends on several factors, such as the sector you work in, your years of experience, and the city you live in. Based on these factors, salaries can vary widely. Generally, the average starting salary in Germany ranges from 3500 to 5000 euros per month. Naturally, as you gain experience, your salary will increase. The highest salaries can range from 7,000 to 10,000 euros per month. However, these figures do not include taxes. After deducting taxes, your actual take-home pay will be slightly lower.
In Germany, there are generally two types of jobs: part-time and full-time. Part-time jobs typically pay by the hour, with the minimum hourly wage being around 12 euros. On the other hand, salaries for full-time jobs are usually calculated on an annual basis. In this blog, I’ll provide you with an approximate idea of monthly salaries in various sectors of full-time jobs.
Finance & Banking Sector
Firstly, I want to talk about the Finance & Banking sector. Salaries in this sector vary significantly. Generally, salaries for fresh graduates can range from 3500 to 4500 euros per month. With time, salaries increase, reaching up to a maximum of 6000-7000 euros per month, which allows one to live comfortably in any city in Germany.
IT Sector
Now, let’s discuss the IT sector. In the IT sector, various types of jobs can be found such as software development, cybersecurity, data science, web development, etc. When starting out in these roles, monthly salaries typically range from 3500 to 5500 euros, depending on the specific job and the institution. Salaries increase as individuals gather experience, and in this sector, the maximum salary can reach around 10000 euros per month, which is certainly attractive.
Engineering Sector
Next, I’m going to talk about the engineering sector. The starting salary in this sector generally ranges from 3500 to 5000 euros. This can vary based on location and experience. This is the starting salary. As experience increases over time, say after 5-7 years of experience, salaries can range from 7500 to 8500 euros monthly.
Construction Workers’s Salary
If you start working as a construction worker, your starting salary could be between 1500 and 1800 euros per month. With time, your salary can increase up to 2500 euros.
Healthcare Sector
In my view, salaries in the healthcare sector are the highest in Germany. When someone starts working in this sector, their starting salary is approximately 5000-6000 euros. This is for junior doctors. As they gain more knowledge and experience over time, their salary will increase as well. Around 8-10 years later, salaries can reach approximately 10000-12000 euros per month.
Legal Sector
If I talk about the legal sector, jobs in this sector often come with lucrative salaries. Lawyers’ salaries can vary significantly. In Germany, junior lawyers generally earn between 4500 and 5000 euros. As you gain experience, your salary will increase accordingly. Eventually, it can range up to 9000-10000 euros over time.
Driving Sector
The salary in this sector depends on the type of vehicle you are driving. In Germany, a bus driver’s monthly salary generally ranges around 2500 euros. If you are driving smaller vehicles, the salary can be up to 2200 euros.
Teaching Sector
Next comes the teaching sector. Salaries in this sector vary widely depending on whom you are teaching—whether kindergarten students or university students. Additionally, it depends on the subject you are teaching and your educational qualifications. Roughly speaking, as an idea, you can earn between 3500 and 5000 euros per month starting out. With promotions and more experience, salaries can increase up to approximately 6500–7500 euros per month.
Marketing Sector
Now I’m going to talk about the marketing sector. In the marketing sector, starting salaries can range from 3500 to 5000 euros. As you gain experience, the salary can increase to 6000–7000 euros.
Consulting Sector
In Germany, the consulting sector has many sub-sectors, each with varying salaries. Your salary will depend on which sub-sector you are consulting in and your level of experience. Roughly speaking, the average salary in this sector is around 3500-4000 euros. However, with increasing experience, salaries can go up to approximately 6000–7000 euros per month.
Accountant’s Salary
If you want to start working as an accountant in Germany, keep in mind that the starting salary for accountants is generally between 3000 and 3500 euros. As you gain experience, the salary can increase to 5000–5500 euros.
Sales & Customer Service Sector
Now I’m going to talk about sales and customer service. Salaries in this sector vary depending on your skills, role, educational qualifications, and experience. Generally, starting salaries in these jobs range from 3000 to 4000 euros. As you gain 6-8 years of job experience, the salary can increase to approximately 6500-7000 euros.
Media & Communication Sector
Now I will talk about the media and communication sector. This sector generally seeks experienced individuals. After gathering experience, your starting salary can range from 2500 to 4000 euros. And in this sector, your maximum salary can reach up to 5000-6000 euros.
Manufacturing Sector
Next, I’ll discuss the manufacturing sector. Salaries in this sector can vary based on job roles and experience. Typically, starting salaries in this sector range from 2500 to 3500 euros per month. As you gain more experience, the salary can increase. Fully experienced employees in manufacturing can earn up to 5000–6000 euros monthly.
Administrative Sector
Within the administrative sector, various sub-sectors can be observed. Salaries in these sub-sectors vary. Generally, salaries for entry-level administrative jobs range from 3500 to 4000 euros. With experience, these salaries can increase to approximately 5500-6000 euros.
Hospitality & Tourism Sector
Lastly, I will talk about the hospitality and tourism sector. This sector is very diverse. There are many professions within this sector where salaries can vary depending on your job role. Generally, starting salaries in this sector range from 2000 to 3000 euros. After gaining experience, your salary will naturally increase. It can reach up to a maximum of 4500-5000 euros.
This is a rough salary framework in Germany. After this, you will have to pay taxes. The tax rates in Germany usually range from 14% to 42%. After deducting taxes, it is hoped that you will be able to lead a good life.
I hope you have understood what kind of salary you can expect if you work in Germany. For job satisfaction, it is essential to consider both your sector and location carefully. Then, hopefully, you can find a suitable job in Germany.
