All information on the average German salary

"Germany has a strong economy and you earn good money here" - you've probably heard this or a similar statement about Germany as a place to work. In principle, we can also agree with this statement, but it also depends very much on your own expectations of Germany as a business location. 

The average salary in Germany also depends on the position, the region and the industry. In some large cities, the salary for jobs in Munich or Hamburg is usually a little higher due to the higher cost of living. Jobs that require training or even a degree are also generally better paid. 

In April 2024, the average salary in Germany was EUR 4,323 per month (Statista, data April 2024). This applied to all employees in Germany. It should be noted that this is a rough average. There can be a large variance in actual salaries, meaning that the average salary in Berlin differs from the average salary in Munich.

The average salary depending on the industry

In Germany, too, certain sectors tend to pay more than others. In a Germany-wide comparison, professions in financial and insurance services and in information and communication are the best paid. At the bottom of the league are professions in agriculture, forestry and fishing, where the average gross annual salary is only 37,005 euros (statista, 2023). Here we have put together an overview of the sectors with the highest salaries:

You can see the full list of annual salaries by industry in Germany here . Source: statista, 2023.

Average annual salary by federal state

The average annual salary in Germany is €59,094, across all professions, sectors and federal states combined (statista, 2023). The differences between the federal states can be seen above all in the salary difference between east and west. In the eastern federal states (also known as the 'new federal states') of Thuringia, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxony-Anhalt, Germans tend to earn less than in the west. On the other hand, the cost of living is also lower there - and you can't make a statement about the quality of life based on money anyway!

The federal states where you earn the most are Hamburg, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse and Bavaria - these regularly alternate at the top. All salary information below is taken from Stepstone's 2023 Salary Report. 

We have compiled more detailed information on average salaries in specific cities in the following paragraphs. All salary information below is taken from the 2023 Salary Report.

The average salary in Hamburg

Hamburg is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and is located in the north. Jobs in Hamburg offer you a wide range of opportunities, as numerous renowned companies are based there. 

The Hanseatic city is known for its international port, which is one of the largest in Europe. This naturally results in a number of jobs in various sectors, including retail, gastronomy, media and logistics.

The average salary in Hamburg is €48,132 per year, making it the top performer according to 2023 data!

The average salary in Frankfurt

As a well-known and at the same time very important location for the financial and business sector in Germany, Frankfurt offers attractive earning opportunities. 

Salaries in Frankfurt are above average in a nationwide comparison and are among the highest in Germany at €54,045 per year (Stepstone Salary Report 2023). 

What you should not forget about jobs in Frankfurt: The salary always depends on your professional experience, qualifications and industry. The IT, media, finance and logistics sectors make the city a very interesting job market for employees from a wide variety of fields.

The average salary in Stuttgart

Stuttgart is an up-and-coming city and is known as the center of the automotive industry in Germany. The major German car brands offer jobs at all times, from production assistants and delivery drivers to IT controllers and HR managers, you will find the right position for you. The average annual salary here is €54,088. Stuttgart is not only a city to work in, but also offers you a high quality of life. The cultural offerings and green spaces give the city a great atmosphere and there are many jobs available in Stuttgart.

The average salary in Leipzig

Leipzig is a city in Saxony and salaries are slightly below the national average. The cultural and creative scene is very well known there and as a citizen you have an incredible number of affordable options for living and working. 

Even if you have not completed training or a degree, you will definitely find a suitable job in Leipzig. The average annual salary in Leipzig is €38,831.

Renowned companies are looking for employees as cashiers, delivery drivers or logistics specialists. There are also a number of training opportunities for young people in Leipzig after leaving school. As a result, you will be offered many jobs in Leipzig.

Find jobs in major German cities

Major German cities such as Hamburg, Berlin, Düsseldorf and Munich offer you a huge selection of job opportunities. With the help of WorkerHero, you can find the right job in your field, whether blue, gray or white collar. We pay attention to your skills and requirements and connect you with the perfect employer. Registering on WorkerHero also takes less than 2 minutes and saves you the hassle of writing a cover letter. Work and live in a big city and start your professional career. ‍

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