This is the average salary in Cologne

Cologne is not only known for its cathedral, carnival and the Rhine - it is also an important place to work in North Rhine-Westphalia. But how much do you actually earn on average in Cologne? And how does Cologne compare to cities like Düsseldorf, Bonn or Berlin?

In this article, you will find out what the average salary in Cologne really is, which sectors pay particularly well and where you can find suitable jobs in the city - especially in manual or technical professions.

The average salary in Cologne: annual and monthly salary

According to the Stepstone Salary Report 2024, the average gross annual salary in Cologne is around €52,500, which corresponds to a gross monthly salary of around €4,375. After deducting taxes and social security contributions, this leaves around €2,650 to €2,850 net , depending on the tax bracket. With a 40-hour week, this results in an average gross hourly wage of around 25 euros.

Of course, the actual salary depends heavily on your industry, professional experience and training. In technical professions such as industrial mechanics, earnings are often between 2,800 and 3,400 euros gross per month. You can find more detailed information on the salary of an industrial mechanic here.

In comparison: Salaries in Cologne vs. other major cities

Cologne is in the upper midfield of German cities in terms of average salary. Here is a quick comparison with neighboring cities and the largest metropolitan areas:

• Düsseldorf: approx. 55,200 €/year
• Bonn: approx. 53,000 €/year
• Frankfurt a. M.: approx. 63,000 €/year
• Berlin: approx. 50,000 €/year
• Munich: approx. 66,000 €/year
• Dortmund: approx. 47,000 €/year - more about the salary in Dortmund
  
  

The cost of living also plays a role: according to numbeo.com, you need around 1,050 to 1,150 euros a month in Cologne if you live alone - without any extras or luxuries. This puts Cologne below Munich, but above Dortmund or Leipzig.

Industries with the best average income in Cologne

Particularly well-paying sectors in Cologne are:

• Pharmaceutical and chemical industry - many international companies are based here
• Media & Communication - Cologne is a TV and radio metropolis
• IT & telecommunications - the market is also growing steadily here
• Technology & Logistics - particularly interesting for specialists in the blue sector
  
  

If you work as a mail carrier or in logistics, the salary is usually lower - between 2,300 and 2,800 euros gross per month. You can find out more about this in our article on the salary of a mail carrier.

Find jobs in Cologne - WorkerHero

Are you looking for a job in Cologne or would you like to improve your career? WorkerHero shows you all vacancies in Cologne - from warehouse to technology, from skilled trades to delivery.

You will also find easy-to-understand information about the daily tasks and salaries in many professions - regardless of whether you have been in Germany for a long time or are just starting out here. We will help you to find your way professionally, recognize your opportunities and find the right job - without complicated language or unnecessary bureaucracy. Take a look at the current jobs in Cologne and start your new path - with WorkerHero by your side.