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Minimum wages in Germany in 2023

Minimum wages in Germany are usually negotiated every two years. In October 2022, the minimum rate was increased from EUR 10 to EUR 12 gross. In 2023 there will be no further rate increase. But! Some professional groups are covered by other regulations. Read the article!

Minimum wages in Germany – not for everyone!

The statutory minimum wage does not apply to:

  • young people under 18 without professional education
  • apprentices on vocational training – regardless of their age
  • long-term unemployed people – for the first 6 months after the end of unemployment
  • interns
  • volunteers

Important! From 2019, in any industry (apart from the above-mentioned groups), the employer may not pay less than the statutory minimum wage!

Is it possible to work in Germany without knowing the language?

Minimum rates in Germany in 2023

Listed below are all professions covered by the statutory minimum rate. All quoted rates are gross amounts.

Education

  • teacher with a bachelor’s degree – EUR 18.41

Roofer 

  • EUR 14.80 – for qualified workers 
  • EUR 13.30 – for unskilled workers

Electrician – EUR 13.40

Butcher – EUR 12.30

Cleaning industry

  • cleaning and interior maintenance – 13.00 EUR
  • cleaning of facades and glass surfaces – EUR 16.20
  • street cleaning (including the waste industry) – EUR 10.45

Temporary workers (employment through an employment agency) 

  • EUR 12.43 (until 3/2023) 
  • EUR 13.00 (from 4/2023)

Caretaker/elderly carer 

  • for supportive care staff – EUR 13.70
  • for qualified carers-helpers (after a one-year course) – EUR 14.60 
  • for qualified carers and caregivers – EUR 17.10

Work in Germany – first formalities

An industry minimum rate in Germany

Construction industry

  • construction worker – EUR 12.85
  • skilled construction worker – EUR 15.70 (west federal states) and EUR 15.55 in Berlin

Painters and varnishers

  • workers without qualifications – EUR 11.40
  • skilled worker (with a professional diploma) – EUR 13.80

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