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Minimal wages in Germany have increased by 3.3 per cent in 2025, reaching a total of €12.82 per hour, which is the highest recorded in the last decade.
Based on data from the Federal Statistical Office, Destatis, the minimum monthly salary for employees who work 40 hours per week totals €2,222, while the annual minimum wage is €26,666, Studying-in-Germany.org reports.
The minimum wage in Germany is reviewed one to two times per year, and the country has one of the highest minimum wages in Europe.
Salaries in Germany Are Determined by These Factors
In the last decade, the minimum wage in Germany has increased by 50.8 per cent, starting from €8.50 in 2015 to €12.82 in January of 2025.
The highest minimum wage increase was recorded between July and October of 2022, when the wages rose from €10.45 to €12, representing a 14.8 per cent increase recorded within one year.
Salaries in Germany can depend on several factors, such as the kind of job, work experience, qualifications and even the city where you live. The minimum wage applies to all workers above 18 years old, and the salaries can be higher if the worker also has adequate education and gains work experience.
Moreover, some industries pay more than others. For example, workers in finance, technology and science jobs get paid more than the average workers, one of the reasons being the labour shortages noticed across these industries.
The geographical location also plays an important role, with workers in bigger cities such as Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg paying more than other places. This could be related to the fact that living costs are higher in certain cities than in others.
These Are the Average Salaries for Highest-Paying Professions in Germany
As mentioned above, the average wage can vary also based on the industry, with some industries paying more than others. According to data shared by the Federal Statistical Office, Destatis, banking workers have the highest salaries. Investment bankers and asset managers, on average, can get paid up to €63,250 on an annual basis.
The second and third occupations with the highest salaries are those in the aerospace and medical fields, which can get paid €57,750 and €57,250 annually, respectively. However, it is worth noting that some medical professionals, such as surgeons and physicians, can get paid up to €94,750 per year.
Those in transportation and logistics occupations can earn an average of €38,500, while researchers and workers in science-related occupations have an average salary of €57,000.
