Teaching in Germany has been highly sought after for many years. The main reasons are stable employment conditions, good salaries, and a clear career system. However, many people wonder how much a teacher actually earns in Germany, what daily work in public schools looks like, and whether teachers from outside Germany have a chance of being employed.
Below, we explain the main aspects of working in the German education system.
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Teachers in Germany – Salaries in 2026
Teacher salaries in Germany are among the highest in Europe. The amount of salary depends primarily on the type of school, professional experience, and the federal state (Land) in which the teacher works.
Average teacher salaries in Germany:
- Primary school teacher (Grundschule): approx. €4,000–4,800 gross per month
- Secondary school or high school teacher (Gymnasium): approx. €4,500–5,500 gross per month
- Vocational school teacher: approx. €4,200–5,000 gross per month
An experienced teacher can earn even more—especially if they have civil servant status (so-called Beamter). In such cases, additional benefits are provided, such as better health insurance or a higher pension.
Teacher Salaries in Germany (TV-L)
A large number of teachers employed in Germany under a work contract are paid according to the federal state pay scales (TV-L, Tarifvertrag der Länder). This is a wage tariff used in the public sector in many federal states.
Rates in this system depend on:
- Level of education
- Years of professional experience
- Position in the school
- Region of Germany
Teachers working in primary schools are usually classified in pay group A12, while teachers in high schools and secondary schools are in group A13. Over the years, as they gain experience, their salary systematically increases, and after several years of work, a teacher’s salary can exceed €5,000 gross per month.
Differences in Teacher Salaries Across German States
It is important to remember that Germany is a federal country. This means that the education system and teacher salaries partially depend on the authorities of the individual federal states.
As a result, differences in teacher salaries across German states can reach several percent. Generally, the highest salaries are offered in western states such as:
- Bavaria
- Baden-Württemberg
- North Rhine-Westphalia
Slightly lower salaries are found in eastern states, e.g., Saxony or Brandenburg.
Public Schools and Working Conditions for Teachers in Germany
Many people also wonder what public schools in Germany look like and what the daily work of teachers involves.
German schools are usually well-equipped, with modern infrastructure—computer labs, libraries, and sports halls. Class sizes are often smaller than in many Central European countries, which makes teaching easier.
Regarding working conditions, teachers in Germany typically teach about 24–26 hours per week. In addition, they spend extra time preparing teaching materials, grading students’ work, and consulting with parents.
Total working time is close to 40 hours per week, but part of the work is performed outside the school.
Education System and Career Path for Teachers in Germany
To become a teacher in Germany, several stages of education must be completed.
First, the prospective teacher completes a degree in education and then begins the teacher traineeship (Referendariat). This is a practical training period in a school, usually lasting 18–24 months.
After completing it, one can start full professional work. Over time, promotion to positions such as:
- Teacher with a higher professional rank
- School principal
- School inspector
…is possible.
Teacher Holidays in Germany – Duration of Breaks
Teacher holidays are a frequently discussed topic. In practice, they follow the school calendar of each federal state.
Students and teachers have several longer breaks throughout the year, including:
- Summer holidays
- Winter holidays
- Autumn and spring breaks
Altogether, this totals about 12–13 weeks off during the school year, although teachers often use part of this time for lesson preparation or training.
Recognition of Teacher Qualifications from Other EU Countries in Germany
For many people from the EU working as teachers, a common question is whether their qualifications can be recognized in Germany. Teachers from many EU countries can work in German schools, but usually they need to go through the diploma recognition procedure (Anerkennung).
Typically required:
- Degree in education
- Knowledge of the German language at a minimum of B2 or C1 level
- Documents confirming professional experience
The recognition process can take from a few months up to about a year.
If you are interested in working abroad, it is worth checking current job offers regularly. On our platform europa.jobs, you will find the latest job listings in Europe, including Germany, with positions for teachers.
