How much does a workshop foreman earn?

Are you a motor vehicle mechatronics technician who wants to become a master mechanic and are wondering how much you can look forward to as a master mechanic? Then you've come to the right place: we've put together the most important information on the salary of a workshop foreman in Germany! Generally speaking, the salary of a garage foreman varies depending on the region, experience, size and type of garage. It is also important to bear in mind that many workshop foremen are the boss of their own business - i.e. self-employed. The wages of the self-employed vary greatly depending on the order situation and management, which means that average values for wages and salaries are not extremely meaningful. Below we show you the main factors that influence the income of a workshop manager and offer you an overview of the salary prospects in this professional field.

The salary as a car workshop manager

Briefly summarized: A master mechanic is a senior specialist with a master's degree in vehicle technology who takes on both technical and organizational tasks. As a master craftsman, you are allowed to carry out all work on vehicles without restriction, run your own business and hire employees and trainees - in other words, the top class of the trade , so to speak.

The tasks of a workshop manager also include coordinating work processes, managing the team and taking responsibility for diagnosing and repairing complex vehicle problems. He also advises customers, prepares cost estimates and explains technical issues clearly. Another important part of his work is the training and education of apprentices and specialists to ensure that all work meets quality and safety standards. You can find more information on the tasks of a vehicle mechatronics technician in our detailed article.

A master mechanic in Germany earns an average of between €2,800 and €4,080 gross per month (source: Gehaltsvergleich.de). This range can vary greatly depending on the location and the responsibility that the master craftsman has. The main factors that influence this salary are

• (Your own) independence
• Type of garage: free, authorized garage (brand garage) or franchise
• Professional experience
• Specialization - KFZ / NFZ
• Size and location of the workshop

The salary of a master mechanic according to professional experience: 

All salary information above from Stepstone, 2024. 

Salary as a workshop manager: differences in the federal states

The salary of a vehicle workshop manager varies significantly between the individual federal states. While salaries tend to be higher in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, master mechanics earn at least as much in Hamburg and Hesse. Earnings in the new federal states are also often below the national average for this profession, with Thuringia and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania bringing up the rear. By way of comparison: the average German salary across all professions is around 3,700 euros gross.

Your career opportunities in the automotive sector as a workshop manager / workshop foreman

As a workshop manager, you have reached the pinnacle of the trade - however, the typical German saying also applies here: you never stop learning! As a workshop manager, you also have good opportunities to develop your career. One option is to become self-employed with your own car workshop. Although this requires an initial investment and a lot of commitment, it can lead to higher earnings and greater professional freedom. 

In addition, you always have the opportunity to improve your specialist knowledge with ongoing further training and certificates - regardless of whether you are self-employed or not. As a fully trained master craftsman, it is also easy to get assembly jobs outside the automotive sector. If you no longer feel like it, a lateral entry can also be worthwhile. Find out more about the salary as an industrial mechanic and other related professions to explore your options.

Find jobs in the automotive sector with WorkerHero

Whether you are already an experienced automotive mechatronics technician or want to enter the industry as a career changer, you will find a wide range of job offers at WorkerHero. Our portal offers access to numerous jobs throughout Germany, especially for skilled workers in the blue and gray collar sector - i.e. production, trade and service with or without training!

At WorkerHero, we help you find the ideal job that matches your skills and career goals. Visit our website to discover the wide range of opportunities and take the next step in your career.