Minimum wage increase in Germany. Working in Germany. In 2025, several important updates will come into effect for workers in Germany, focusing on improving rights and working conditions. These changes aim to provide better support across different job sectors. One of the key updates is the increase in the minimum wage for some groups of workers, even those without formal qualifications. Starting next year, these workers will be entitled to a minimum wage of €16.10 per hour.
Minimum Wage in Care Sector to Rise Starting July 2025
Significant changes are coming in 2025 for the care sector. Following the minimum wage adjustment for care staff in July 2024, further pay increases and better working conditions will be introduced. These measures aim to make nursing more appealing as a profession and to improve the financial well-being of care workers.
Starting July 1, 2025, the minimum wage in geriatric care will rise again. Professional caregivers will earn at least €20.50 per hour, which equals a gross monthly salary of about €3,476 for a standard 39-hour workweek, according to the United Services Union, “Verdi.”
Qualified nurses who have completed at least one year of training will see their hourly wage set at €17.35. For unqualified nursing staff, an hourly rate of €16.10 has been established. Verdi highlights that these adjustments aim to provide fairer pay that reflects workers’ qualifications.
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Upcoming Changes for Nursing Assistants
Alongside financial improvements, the federal government has announced an extension of paid leave for nursing staff. Employees working a 5-day week will gain an extra nine days of paid leave per year, exceeding the legal minimum. However, this benefit will only apply if existing collective or company agreements do not already offer better leave entitlements.
The federal government explained that the additional leave is intended to provide nursing staff with more time to recover, acknowledging the physically and emotionally challenging nature of their work, as reported by echo24.de.
The Nursing Commission has highlighted that the new regulations will apply nationwide, ensuring consistent implementation and equal treatment across all federal states. A commission spokesman stated, “Nursing staff have gained more than just these improvements.” The federal government emphasized that unanimous approval of these changes by all commission members reflects genuine appreciation for the vital work of care staff.
Unions like “Ver.di” have welcomed the increase in the minimum wage but argue that more needs to be done. Sylvia Bühler, a member of Verdi’s federal board, stated, “Protecting wages from falling is important. However, the minimum wage does not reflect the high demands and challenges of caregiving.” She also noted that many workers employed by private care providers still lack the protections of collective agreements, highlighting the need for further improvements in the sector.