Germany’s 2026 salary ranking: Doctors earn the most

University graduates earn a median salary of €68,250. Employees without a university degree earn an average of €51,200.

The figures are €41,500 for dental assistants, €43,250 for office employees and €39,750 for bakers.

Options for workers without a university degree

Anna Wittich, a labour market expert at Stepstone, points to master craftsperson positions as well as technical, industrial and sales occupations.

A female service technician earns €56,250, while a master motor vehicle mechanic receives €54,500.

Industry, personnel responsibility and company size can raise salaries for employees without a university degree. Specialisation and training in artificial intelligence or digital tools can also increase their value in the labour market.

Pay differences between industries

Banking, aerospace and insurance are the highest-paying industries in Stepstone’s ranking.

Banking leads with a median gross salary of €70,250, just over 30% above the national median. Hospitality stands at €45,500.

Salary transparency in job advertisements

From June, companies in Germany will be required to state an average salary in job advertisements, according to the article.

Approximately 16% of German employers on Indeed already publish salary information, compared with around 70% in the United Kingdom and 35% in France.

Pay is the most frequently cited reason for changing employers in a study by recruitment consultancy Randstad.

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29 July 2026 at 16:14

29 July 2026 at 15:11