Salary negotiations in the skilled trades: how to increase your salary

In the recent troubled years between epidemics, wars, cost increases and inflation, salaries never seem to be enough to cover expenses and build up savings (especially in big cities like Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, where renting an apartment now requires horrendous sums). In this situation, asking for a higher salary is often the solution, as changing jobs would be too stressful - and for companies too, a salary increase is cheaper than hiring and extensively training a new employee, as some leave because of the salary. 

In many skilled trades, the topic of salary is often neglected - but there are many opportunities to increase your income through skillful salary negotiations, especially in view of the shortage of skilled workers in many industries in Germany.

It's always important to know when and how to negotiate your salary to get the most out of your job. Whether it's crisis time or not - in this article, you'll learn valuable tips and tricks for your next salary negotiation in the skilled trades.

Why is salary negotiation important in the skilled trades?

In the skilled trades, people often underestimate how valuable your work is to society (and especially to your employer). Your daily efforts have a huge impact, but your salary doesn't always reflect this. This is exactly why salary negotiations are so crucial: they give you the opportunity to have your performance recognized and ensure that you receive a fair salary. By negotiating regularly, you can not only improve your current income but also earn more in the long term (which is a must given inflation!), especially if you gain additional qualifications through further training or work experience.

The best time for a salary negotiation

Most people don't approach a salary negotiation until you have an offer from another company (and that's still a good strategy because it shows your boss that someone else is willing to pay more). But there are other tactically smart times when you don't have to put time and effort into applying for other jobs first!

So when should you negotiate your salary in the skilled trades? A good time is always after successfully completed projects, when you have shown what value you bring to the company. Annual employee appraisals are also often an ideal recurring opportunity. Instead of at the regulars' table or in the canteen, we would recommend that you look for an undisturbed moment (but of course you know your boss better than we do - some people are said to have received a pay rise at the Oktoberfest).

It is important that you do not go into the negotiation unprepared. Think about the arguments in your favor in advance to make the most of the right time. Always keep an eye on inflation and possible tax class changes. If you're thinking about repeating the terminology and gross-net back and forth calculations here, our article What is gross and net? will help you.

Preparing for a salary negotiation

The key to a successful salary negotiation in the skilled trades and in all other areas lies in the right preparation. Research the average salary in your professional field and in your region (you can find out more about salaries in our article on average salaries in Berlin and Germany) so that you have a realistic idea of what is possible. You can also simply ask your colleagues carefully. Although it is legally permitted to talk openly about salary, many employees and companies in Germany remain unnecessarily silent in this regard. Also think about the arguments in favor of a pay rise: Have you taken on special responsibilities? Have you undergone further training or learned new skills? Have you perhaps motivated the lazy trainee to work? Good preparation will give you the self-confidence you need for a successful negotiation. 

Also take into account that it is rather unlikely to get a very large salary increase, for example +50%. Therefore, try to stick to realistic figures, usually between +10% and +30%. Remember that your boss (or the responsible person from HR) will also try to negotiate. So be prepared to defend your position or negotiate further.

You can find more salary negotiation tips on how to conduct your salary negotiations with strong arguments here.

Confident and secure negotiation

If you are well prepared, it's all about going into the salary negotiation with confidence. Try to remain calm and objective and make your point clearly. Show your employer why you are worthy of earning more and use concrete examples from your day-to-day work.

A successful salary negotiation in the skilled trades requires preparation, self-confidence and the right timing. If you pay attention to these factors, you can increase your salary and ensure that your hard work is appropriately rewarded.

Remember: A salary negotiation is not an argument, but a professional exchange. Therefore, stay on a factual level. Avoid undercutting yourself, but stick to your value. This will help you reach your goal with confidence and self-assurance.

What to do if the negotiation fails?

Sometimes a salary negotiation doesn't go as planned. This is no reason to be ashamed or angry with your boss or the HR department. Think about what you can learn from the situation and, if necessary, ask why your request was not met. Maybe it's just a matter of timing and you can try again in a few months. Some companies have a set system and only allow raises at certain times of the year for budget reasons - you can also ask to put it in writing that you will get a raise later in the year if the reason is actually timing.

If budget is really the problem (and we all know the economy has been tough lately), you can also try to negotiate other benefits like more vacation days or flexible working hours. It's not directly about the money, but it will make your working days easier - or give you more freedom... to find a new job!

‍Andif you want to change jobs...

If you are still looking for your next job in the skilled trades, WorkerHero is the perfect platform for you! Whether you want to work in the skilled trades or in a technical profession (so-called "gray-collar" jobs), you'll find the best job offers here. WorkerHero not only helps you to find the right job, but also helps you to better integrate into the German job market - with useful tips on salary, employment contracts and much more!