Average Salary in Germany 2026 | Earnings & Income Guide
Germany is now one of the best places for skilled workers to go if they want to settle down for good, have a stable job, and balance work and life. The first thing you should know if you're looking for work here is how much people really make in Germany.
This guide gives you a clear look at the average salary in Germany, how wages vary by industry and region, and which jobs pay the most. It all makes sense in a simple way, so you can make better choices before you move.
How much do most Germans make?
In 2026, the average salary in Germany will be between EUR 51,000 and 54,000 a year. This means that before taxes, a full-time worker in Germany makes between EUR 4,200 and 4,500 per month on average.
These numbers give you a rough idea, but your salary in Germany will depend on your level of experience, skill, the type of work you do, and the city you choose to live in.
So, if someone asks, "How much does the average person in Germany make?"
A simple answer is: About EUR 51,000 a year, but it depends a lot on what you do.
Median Wage in Germany: A More Realistic View
Very high earners can change the average. The median wage in Germany gives a better picture of what most workers make.
The average income for 2026 is about EUR 44,000 to 46,000 per year.
Half of the workers make more than this and half make less. This helps you see how much money most people make in regular jobs, not just the highest earners.
Average Salary in Germany by Job
The amount of money you can make in different fields varies a lot. Here's a quick look at how much professionals usually make in the US:
- IT and software: €55,000 to €95,000
- Engineering: €50,000 to €85,000
- Healthcare (Doctors, Nurses): €45,000 to €120,000 or more
- Finance and accounting: EUR 48,000 to 85,000
- Skilled Trades: 38,000 to 60,000 euros
- Teaching and Education: €40,000–€60,000
- Hospitality and retail: €28,000 to €40,000
These numbers are a good way to see how your job compares to other jobs in Germany in terms of pay.
Differences in Pay by Region in Germany
In Germany, pay varies a lot depending on where you live and work.
Germany in the West
Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Cologne, and Düsseldorf are some of the cities that usually pay more.
The normal range is between EUR 50,000 and 70,000.
Strong fields: finance, engineering, IT, and manufacturing.
East Germany
Salaries are getting better, but they are usually a little lower than in the West.
The usual range is EUR 40,000 to 50,000.
Strong industries include logistics, energy, services, and manufacturing.
Big Cities
- Munich is one of the cities in Germany that pays the most.
- Frankfurt: A strong city for banking and finance
- Berlin: IT, startups, and creative industries are growing.
- Hamburg: shipping, trade, logistics, and air travel
These differences give you a better idea of what the average salary in Germany is like based on where you live.
Average Income for Households in Germany
In 2026, the average household income in Germany is expected to be between EUR 67,000 and 72,000 per year.
Household income includes all of the money you and your spouse or family make together, which is helpful if you're planning to move with them.
This also shows that the country has a strong middle class and a stable economy.
Who makes the most money in Germany?
Germany is a great place for skilled workers to find work. In Germany, some of the best-paying jobs are:
- Senior Engineers
- IT Architects
- Financial Controllers
- Medical Specialists
- Data Scientists
- Project Managers
- Automation Engineers
These jobs always pay well and let you grow in your career over time.
The Most Paying Jobs in Germany (Top Fields)
Here are the types of jobs that usually pay the most in Germany if you're interested in finding out more:
- Healthcare and Medical
- Engineering (Automotive, Mechanical, Electrical)
- Information Technology
- Banking and Finance
- Scientific Research
- Management and Consulting
People who work in these fields are often in high demand, which naturally drives up salaries.
What Factors Affect Salaries in Germany?
There are a number of things that affect how much you can make:
- Experience level: Senior workers make a lot more money.
- Education and qualifications—Germany puts a lot of value on skilled training
- Demand in the industry: Industries that are growing pay more quickly.
- Location: Western Germany usually pays more than Eastern Germany.
- Company size: Bigger companies tend to pay better.
If you know these things, you'll be able to better guess how much money you could make.
FAQs
- How much do Germans make on average in 2026?
Depending on the industry and where you live, it costs between EUR 51,000 and 54,000 a year.
- What is the average wage in Germany?
The median wage is about EUR 44,000 to 46,000 a year, which is a good estimate of what most people make.
- What jobs in Germany pay well?
Some of the highest-paying jobs are in medicine, IT, engineering, and finance.
- Do some cities in Germany pay more than others?
Yes. In general, Munich, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart pay more than other areas.
- How much money do most households in Germany make?
The average household income is between EUR 67,000 and 72,000 per year.
Are you ready to find out if you can move to Germany?
If you want to work or live in Germany, knowing how much people make is only the first step.
Your work experience may already be in high demand, and you might be closer to getting a German visa than you think.
Get a free eligibility check today to find out which paths fit your profile.
