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Minimum wage in Germany to increase in May: Even unskilled workers set to earn EUR 2,500

Work in GermanyMinimum wage increase in May 2024. Starting May 1, the minimum wage will rise for all employees, including those without formal training. This means that unskilled full-time workers will see their pay increase to EUR 2,480 gross per month.

Minimum wage increase in May 2024

In 2024, the general minimum wage in Germany is EUR 12.41 per hour, roughly amounting to EUR 1,985 per month. However, in the care industry, minimum wages are substantially higher. Starting in May, they will rise again. Caregivers, including those without qualifications, will see their minimum wage increase to EUR 15.50 per hour. With full-time employment, this translates to an impressive monthly salary of EUR 2,480, as reported by “Der Westen“.

Minimum wage for unqualified caregivers:

  • Currently: 14.15 euros per hour , minimum salary 2,264 euros per month
  • From May 2024: 15.50 per hour, minimum wage 2,480 euros per month
  • From July 2025: 16.10 per hour , minimum wage 2,576 euros per month

The Minimum salary for medical staff with one or two years of training:

  • Currently: 15.25 euros per hour , minimum salary 2,440 euros per month
  • From May 2024: 16.50 per hour , monthly minimum wage 2,640 euros per month
  • From July 2025 per hour: 17.35 euros per hour , monthly minimum wage 2,776 euros per month

Minimum salary for qualified medical personnel:

  • Currently: 18.25 euros per hour , minimum salary 2,920 euros per month
  • From May 2024: 19.50 euros per hour , minimum wage 3,120 euros per month
  • From July 2025: 20.50 euros per hour , minimum wage 3,280 euros per month

More vacation days

Geriatric care workers will also receive extra paid leave days. If they work five days a week, they are entitled to eight additional days off. However, if a collective or company agreement already covers extra leave days, this entitlement does not apply, as clarified by bundesregierung.de.

The nursing industry in Germany is facing a severe shortage of staff. As a result, qualified workers are predominantly recruited from abroad. Nevertheless, many institutions are struggling to fill positions, even for unskilled employees.
Read also: Germany to Increase Minimum Wage Again in 2025

The care industry in Germany is grappling with a severe shortage of staff. As a result, qualified workers are primarily recruited from abroad. Nevertheless, many institutions are encountering significant challenges in filling positions, even for unskilled employees.