For years, Germany has ranked among the European leaders in terms of the level of minimum wage, which is why it consistently remains one of the most popular destinations for labor migration. The year 2026 brings further changes to minimum wage rates, aimed at protecting employees against rising living costs and ensuring stable employment conditions. In this article, we present the minimum wage in Germany in 2026.
In Germany, the nationwide minimum wage has been in force since 2015 and is regularly adjusted. Each increase results from recommendations issued by a special Minimum Wage Commission, which analyzes the economic situation, inflation, and the labor market.
Minimum wage in Germany in 2026
From January 1, 2026, the statutory minimum wage in Germany amounts to: EUR 13.90 gross per hour.
This rate applies to the majority of employees—both those working full-time and those employed part-time. With a standard working time of 40 hours per week, this translates into approximately EUR 2,405 gross per month.
This change is part of a multi-year schedule for increasing wages. The next stage of the reform is planned for 2027, when the statutory minimum hourly wage will be raised to EUR 14.60.
In 2025, the rate was EUR 12.82, which means an increase of EUR 1.08 per hour, or nearly 8.4%.
Minijob in 2026
The higher hourly rate also affects people employed under Minijob contracts, i.e., low-income employment arrangements. Although Minijob remains a flexible form of employment, every hour worked must be paid in accordance with the current minimum wage.
From January 2026, the upper limit of monthly earnings under a Minijob will be increased from EUR 556 to EUR 603.
Minimum wages in selected industries in Germany in 2026
In addition to the general minimum wage, Germany has industry-specific minimum rates established under collective labor agreements. In 2026, these include, among others:
- Construction and technical professions:
painters and varnishers – EUR 16.13/hour;
electricians – EUR 14.93/hour - Cleaning industry:
indoor cleaning – EUR 15.00;
outdoor cleaning and window cleaning – EUR 18.40 - Elderly care:
assistants – EUR 16.95;
qualified assistants (after one year of education) – EUR 18.26;
qualified caregivers – EUR 21.58
The rates provided may vary depending on the region and the employer; however, they constitute the commonly applied minimum in a given industry.
Who is covered by the statutory minimum wage?
The German minimum wage applies to all individuals performing work within the territory of Germany, regardless of their nationality or where their employer is registered. These regulations also apply to employees posted to work from other countries, including Poland. In such cases, it is necessary to report the employment to the relevant supervisory authorities before work begins.
Who is not covered:
- young people under 18 years of age without vocational qualifications,
- vocational school students – regardless of age,
- long-term unemployed persons – during the first six months after ending unemployment,
- interns,
- volunteers.
Looking for a job in Germany?
Knowledge of current wage rates is the foundation of informed planning and negotiating employment conditions. If you are considering working in Germany in 2026, it is worth regularly monitoring the labor market and available job offers.
Check the latest job offers on europa.jobs and find a position that matches your expectations.
