Regalis, as of
In brief
The pay atlas of the Federal Employment Agency shows what employees in your occupation earn. The statutory minimum wage applies to employees, and many companies pay according to a collective agreement. The employer must record the composition and amount of pay in writing.
Why there is no fixed figure
Pay in Germany differs by federal state, region, industry and size of company. Training, experience and whether a collective agreement applies also play a part.
That is why we do not state any amounts in this guide. We show where you find up-to-date information.
The pay atlas of the Federal Employment Agency
In the pay atlas you enter your occupation and see what employees in Germany earn in it. The figures come from the statistics of the Federal Employment Agency.
The figures show what is usual, not what a particular company pays. They are a good benchmark for talking about an offer.
Collective agreements
Many industries have collective agreements that set pay according to job and experience. If a collective agreement applies in the company, a reference to it belongs in the written terms of employment.
For skilled workers from countries outside the EU, the Federal Employment Agency checks before giving its approval whether the working conditions match those of comparable employees.
The statutory minimum wage
In Germany every employee is entitled to at least the statutory minimum wage per hour. The Federal Government sets its level on the proposal of a commission and adjusts it.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs gives the current figure. Higher minimum wages apply in some industries.
Gross and net
Pay in Germany is usually stated gross, that is before the statutory deductions. What is paid out is the net pay.
How high the deductions are depends, among other things, on your personal situation. Before you sign, ask which gross pay applies, and have the first statement explained to you.
What must be in the contract
The employer must record the essential terms in writing, sign them and hand them to you. They include the composition and amount of pay, when it is due, how it is paid and the agreed working hours.
Read the contract before you sign and ask if anything is unclear. We are glad to explain the offer to you in your language.
Questions before you sign
These questions help you assess an offer:
- Which gross pay applies, per hour or per month?
- Does a collective agreement apply in the company?
- How are overtime and night or weekend work paid?
- How many hours do the agreed working hours cover?
- When and how is the pay paid out?
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the usual pay in my occupation?
In the pay atlas of the Federal Employment Agency. There you enter your occupation and see what employees in Germany earn in it.
How high is the minimum wage in Germany?
The Federal Government sets the level and adjusts it. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs gives the current figure.
Does Regalis tell me what I will be paid?
You agree the pay with the company. We explain the offer to you in your language but do not promise any level of pay.
- For Candidates Candidates create a profile with Regalis, upload their documents and are presented to employers in Germany. Employment directly with the company.