For many years, the German labour market has been one of the most popular destinations for Polish workers moving abroad for employment. The country’s proximity, high social standards, and economic stability mean that more than one million Poles still work in Germany. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), Polish citizens are one of the larger groups of foreign workers employed in Germany.
However, this migration is no longer purely seasonal. More and more people decide to settle in Germany permanently and develop their professional careers there. What makes this destination continue to attract so much interest?
Minimum Wage (Mindestlohn) and Average Salaries in Germany
One of the main factors attracting workers is a clear wage system and a minimum wage that is regularly increased. Since January 2024, the statutory minimum wage has been EUR 12.41 gross per hour. The federal government has already announced another increase: from the beginning of 2025, the minimum wage will rise to EUR 12.82 gross per hour.
It is worth knowing, however, that many sectors have collectively agreed wages, known as Tariflohn, which are significantly higher than the national minimum. This applies, among others, to construction, electrical installation, and cleaning services.
The average monthly salary in Germany for a full-time employee is currently around EUR 4,100 gross, although the final amount depends on skills, industry, and region. Stable employment in Germany can provide earnings that are many times higher than wages offered for similar positions in Poland.
In Germany, Shift Allowances and Overtime Matter a Lot
Many workers in Germany earn much more than their basic hourly rate suggests. In logistics, warehouses, and production, bonuses for night shifts, Sundays, and public holidays play a major role.
According to labour market analyses, night shift allowances can range from 25% to even 50% of the basic rate, while work on public holidays is often paid double. As a result, people who regularly work shifts or do overtime can increase their salary by several hundred euros.
In many workplaces, manual workers can reach around EUR 3,000 gross per month thanks to these bonuses, even when their basic wage is much lower.
The Most Popular Sectors in Germany – Average Salary Overview
People planning to work abroad often look for employment in sectors that have faced staff shortages for years. When analysing popular professions in Germany, it is easy to see that stable jobs and attractive rates are available both for skilled workers and support staff.
Construction and Finishing Works
The construction sector is still looking for bricklayers, plasterers, reinforcement workers, and fitters. A qualified construction worker can expect an hourly wage from EUR 16.00 to even EUR 22.00 gross. Average monthly earnings in this sector range from EUR 2,800 to EUR 3,800 gross.
Logistics, Warehousing, and Transport
Professional drivers with a C+E licence and forklift operators are highly valued. A truck driver in international transport earns on average between EUR 2,700 and EUR 3,500 gross per month, often receiving additional tax-free allowances. Warehouse workers can expect hourly rates of around EUR 13.50–15.50 gross.
Elderly Care and Healthcare
Germany’s ageing population creates a huge demand for elderly care workers. Live-in carers usually earn between EUR 1,600 and EUR 2,200 net per month, with free accommodation and meals provided.
Qualified nurses, on the other hand, earn between EUR 3,200 and EUR 4,200 gross per month.
Production and the Metal Industry
Work on production lines, component assembly, or operating CNC machines is a popular choice for people who do not speak German. Starting rates are usually around EUR 13.00–14.50 gross per hour, while experienced CNC operators earn from EUR 18.00 gross per hour upwards.
How Much Can a Manual Worker Realistically Save?
Here is a simple example: a warehouse worker with a salary of EUR 2,300 gross, which is approximately EUR 1,650 net in tax class I. If the employer provides low-cost employee accommodation, costing around EUR 350 deducted from the salary, the budget looks as follows:
- Net salary: EUR 1,650
- Accommodation cost: -EUR 350
- Food and household products: -EUR 250
- Transport and phone: -EUR 70
- Other expenses: -EUR 100
In this case, the worker can save around EUR 880 per month, which at the current exchange rate equals more than PLN 3,700 in clear monthly savings. For couples or people with higher skills, this amount may even double.
Work in Germany: The 2026 Labour Market and Salary Overview
How to Find a Job Abroad Safely? The Role of europa.jobs
The decision to move abroad should be supported by finding verified employment. The europa.jobs portal is an excellent tool for people looking for work outside their home country. The website collects only verified job offers from legally operating employment agencies and direct employers from Germany.
Using the filters on the portal, you can easily adjust job offers according to your language skills, available accommodation, or a specific location. The portal makes it easier to contact recruiters directly and provides greater assurance that employment conditions will comply with German labour law.
Is Working in Germany Still Worth It?
Looking at the balance between income and expenses, the answer is yes. Although the cost of living abroad has increased, regular increases in the minimum wage and high demand for workers mean that legal employment in Germany remains a very profitable financial opportunity for Polish workers.
The key to success is proper preparation, a realistic calculation of costs, and choosing safe offers through trusted platforms such as europa.jobs. Thanks to this, labour migration can become a stable foundation for building a better financial future.
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FAQ
How much can you earn working in Germany?
The level of earnings depends on the industry and experience. Manual workers can expect several thousand euros gross per month, while specialist professions offer even higher wages.
Is the cost of living in Germany high?
The biggest expense is usually rent, especially in large cities. Despite this, many people are still able to regularly save a significant part of their salary.
Which jobs are most in demand in Germany?
The greatest demand is in sectors such as construction, logistics, elderly care, production, and technical industry.
Is working in Germany still worth it?
Yes. A stable labour market, a regularly increasing minimum wage, and strong demand for workers make Germany an attractive destination for labour migration.
