Over 64% of workers in Germany express dissatisfaction with their current salaries, and this discontent appears to be on the rise. The annual salary report from the German recruitment platform Stepstone reveals insights into the professions offering the highest pay in Germany and highlights the federal states where workers have the potential to earn the highest incomes.
Only four percent of employees in Germany express being “very satisfied” with their salaries, while an additional 31.8 percent report being at least “satisfied.” However, a notable 47.1 percent state their dissatisfaction, and a significant 17 percent even label themselves as “very dissatisfied.” As per the 2024 annual Stepstone-Gehaltsreport, the average salary in Germany currently stands at €50,250. The median gross salary, often considered a representative midpoint, is recorded at EUR 43,750.
The highest paying professions in Germany in 2024
In Germany, the top earners are doctors, with an average annual gross income surpassing EUR 100,000. Following closely are professionals in the banking and insurance sectors, enjoying an average yearly gross income of EUR 63,000.
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Employees in the catering and hotel industry secure the next position, earning an average salary of EUR 39,750. Subsequently, those engaged in wholesale and retail sales claim the sixth spot, boasting an average annual salary of EUR 40,250. In the sales and distribution industry, employees can anticipate an average yearly salary of EUR 50,750.
According to Stepstone’s findings, large companies boasting over 5,000 employees command an average gross salary of EUR 53,500. In contrast, employees in smaller companies with up to 50 employees receive a salary that is EUR 15,000 lower on average.
Difference in earnings between women and men in Germany
Stepstone’s annual report goes beyond offering median wages based on profession and sector; it also sheds light on the gender and education demographics of workers in Germany. According to the most recent rankings, a significant and persistent gender pay gap exists in the Russian Federation. On average, men in Germany earn €52,750 annually, while women earn €45,000, resulting in a pay gap of approximately 12%.
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You can earn more in these federal states
The difference between East and West Germany remains pronounced in terms of earnings discrepancies. According to the report, wage inequality in Germany extends beyond occupation and education, permeating geographical regions. Since the reunification of Germany in 1989, wage disparities have endured between the former eastern and western states.
Notably, wages in Hamburg and Hesse are approximately ten percent higher than the national average, with Baden-Württemberg securing the third position. On the other end of the spectrum, employees in Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Thuringia earn the least.
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Differences in earnings are also evident in major cities. Munich leads the pack with an average salary of €56,250, followed by Stuttgart (€54,500). Frankfurt am Main (€53,250) and Wiesbaden (€53,500) claim the next positions in terms of salary levels.