At the time of writing, data from analytics firm Statista says that Germany is the 6th-highest paying country in the EU.
It is also, remarkably, the 7th-highest paying country in the entire world, behind only Luxembourg, Belgium, The Netherlands, Norway, Austria, and the USA.
So then, Germany offers some of the best salaries in the world.
However — every career does not pay the same. If you’re looking for the absolute highest-paying jobs in Germany, you need proper information.
The kind that we’re about to give you.
We’ll talk about which industries are the best, which roles pay the highest, and where you have the most earning potential.
We’ll cover everything, including average salaries, the most in-demand jobs, the best places to live, and of course, the highest-paying jobs in Germany.
For professionals and international job seekers, salary expectations depend on experience, qualifications, and industry demand.
Some roles will have you at six-figure salaries well before your 35th birthday, while others will guarantee raises every year with steady growth.
Germany truly has something for everyone.
Explosive earning potential? There’s something for you.
Prefer long-term stability? There’s something for you.
Want retirement security? Germany has something for you.
No matter if you’re looking for a career in Germany or want to switch your field, knowing salary trends will help you.
Now, let’s break down the top highest-paying jobs in Germany and what makes them worth pursuing.
Top 10 highest paying jobs in Germany
We’ve taken data from various sources, including PayScale.com, GlassDoor, ZipRecruiter, and the German Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). There is data from other reputable sources in there, but these were the most recognizable names.
And it’s worth noting that while this list is tailored to be the highest-paying jobs in Germany, it’s equally applicable to the rest of the world.
The jobs on this list are high-paying career options regardless of country.
Anyhow, we’ve collated this data and below is a curated list of the top highest-paying jobs in Germany:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 100,000 | 95,000 | 90,000 |
| 5-7 years | 150,000 | 140,000 | 130,000 |
| 8+ years | 200,000 | 180,000 | 170,000 |
Required Education: Typically, a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or a related field. Thus, it’s no surprise that a post-MBA German salary tends to top this list.
Surgeon
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 80,000 | 75,000 | 70,000 |
| 5-7 years | 120,000 | 110,000 | 100,000 |
| 8+ years | 180,000 | 160,000 | 150,000 |
Required Education: Medical degree with specialized surgical training. Indeed, any medical degree will be among high-paying degrees. But especially as far as Germany is concerned, surgeons will be getting very close to, if not the highest average salary in Germany.
Investment Banker
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 70,000 | 65,000 | 60,000 |
| 5-7 years | 110,000 | 100,000 | 90,000 |
| 8+ years | 150,000 | 140,000 | 130,000 |
Required Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, or Business Administration.
IT Manager
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 60,000 | 55,000 | 50,000 |
| 5-7 years | 90,000 | 85,000 | 80,000 |
| 8+ years | 120,000 | 110,000 | 100,000 |
Required Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
Engineer
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 50,000 | 48,000 | 45,000 |
| 5-7 years | 70,000 | 65,000 | 60,000 |
| 8+ years | 90,000 | 85,000 | 80,000 |
Required Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, specific to the field of practice.
Lawyer
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 60,000 | 55,000 | 50,000 |
| 5-7 years | 90,000 | 85,000 | 80,000 |
| 8+ years | 120,000 | 110,000 | 100,000 |
Required Education: Law degree and passing the state examination.
Professor
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 50,000 | 48,000 | 45,000 |
| 5-7 years | 70,000 | 65,000 | 60,000 |
| 8+ years | 90,000 | 85,000 | 80,000 |
Required Education: Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in the relevant field.
Pilot
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 60,000 | 55,000 | 50,000 |
| 5-7 years | 90,000 | 85,000 | 80,000 |
| 8+ years | 120,000 | 110,000 | 100,000 |
Required Education:
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
- Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) for higher roles
- Flight training from an accredited aviation school
- Several hours of supervised flying experience
Sales Manager
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 65,500 | 60,000 | 55,000 |
| 5-7 years | 80,000 | 75,000 | 70,000 |
| 8+ years | 95,000 | 90,000 | 85,000 |
Required Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
Pharmacist
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 50,000 | 48,000 | 45,000 |
| 5-7 years | 65,000 | 60,000 | 58,000 |
| 8+ years | 80,000 | 75,000 | 70,000 |
Required Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pharmacy and licensure to practice.
And that was the list of the highest-paying jobs in Germany. However, these high salaries, without fail, mean astronomical competition, long hours, and lots of stress.
But salary isn’t everything—some careers offer strong job security, steady growth, as well as high demand across industries.
But salary isn’t everything. Some careers offer stability, steady growth, and long-term demand across industries—which is just as important when planning your future.
That’s why choosing the right degree matters just as much as choosing the right career. If you’re planning to study in Germany, picking a university that aligns with your goals can give you a competitive edge. But how do you find the best fit?
That’s where GradRight’s university-search platform helps.
Why use GradRight?
- AI-powered university shortlisting—Compare universities based on job outcomes, career growth, and industry demand.
- 8 million+ data points analyzed—Find universities that maximize your ROI and long-term employability.
- Match scores—See how well each university aligns with your skills, goals, and career prospects.
- Fundable shortlist—Ensure your university is eligible for education loans.
- Exclusive perks—Get application fee waivers and scholarships.
With GradRight, you don’t just pick a university—you pick a career-ready university.
Now, let’s look at the most in-demand jobs in Germany, where skilled professionals are urgently needed.
Most in-demand jobs in Germany
When you couple high demand with low supply and a high-paying country, especially when it comes to jobs, you’ve hit the trifecta.
The jobs on this list are taken from the “Shortage Occupation List” (called the “Mangelberufeliste” in German). The list is published by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy (Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Wirtschaft).
So, while the jobs are from the shortage list, the salaries are taken from sources like ZipRecruiter, PayScale, GlassDoor, and Salary.com.
Here is a list of the most in-demand high-paying jobs in Germany:
Data Scientist
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 55,000 | 52,000 | 50,000 |
| 5-7 years | 70,000 | 68,000 | 65,000 |
| 8+ years | 90,000 | 85,000 | 80,000 |
Cybersecurity Specialist
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 60,000 | 58,000 | 55,000 |
| 5-7 years | 75,000 | 72,000 | 70,000 |
| 8+ years | 95,000 | 90,000 | 88,000 |
Renewable Energy Engineer
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 50,000 | 48,000 | 45,000 |
| 5-7 years | 65,000 | 63,000 | 60,000 |
| 8+ years | 80,000 | 78,000 | 75,000 |
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialist
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 58,000 | 55,000 | 53,000 |
| 5-7 years | 75,000 | 72,000 | 70,000 |
| 8+ years | 92,000 | 88,000 | 85,000 |
Robotics Engineer
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 55,000 | 53,000 | 50,000 |
| 5-7 years | 70,000 | 68,000 | 65,000 |
| 8+ years | 88,000 | 85,000 | 82,000 |
Biotechnology Specialist
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 52,000 | 50,000 | 48,000 |
| 5-7 years | 68,000 | 65,000 | 63,000 |
| 8+ years | 85,000 | 82,000 | 80,000 |
Cloud Computing Specialist
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 57,000 | 55,000 | 52,000 |
| 5-7 years | 73,000 | 70,000 | 68,000 |
| 8+ years | 90,000 | 88,000 | 85,000 |
UX/UI Designer
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 48,000 | 45,000 | 43,000 |
| 5-7 years | 60,000 | 58,000 | 55,000 |
| 8+ years | 75,000 | 72,000 | 70,000 |
Logistics and Supply Chain Manager
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 50,000 | 48,000 | 45,000 |
| 5-7 years | 70,000 | 65,000 | 60,000 |
| 8+ years | 90,000 | 85,000 | 80,000 |
Healthcare and Nursing Professionals
Average Annual Salary (€):
| Experience Level | Frankfurt | Berlin | Other Cities |
| <2 years | 42,000 | 40,000 | 38,000 |
| 5-7 years | 55,000 | 52,000 | 50,000 |
| 8+ years | 70,000 | 65,000 | 60,000 |
Many of these in-demand niche jobs offer strong career growth, job security, and competitive salaries. Unlike some of the highest-paying jobs in Germany, these roles often have lower barriers to entry while still providing excellent earning potential.
Next, let’s explore the average salaries for high-paying jobs in Germany and how they compare across different industries.
Also Read: Jobs (With Salaries) After MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA
Average salaries for high-paying jobs in Germany
Though we’ve already been through the average salaries for the highest-paying jobs in Germany, let’s recap.
Here is a table outlining the average take-home for the top 10 roles highest-paying roles we’ve mentioned so far:
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (€) |
| Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | 170,000 |
| Surgeon | 140,000 |
| Investment Banker | 120,000 |
| IT Manager | 100,000 |
| Engineer | 80,000 |
| Lawyer | 95,000 |
| Professor | 75,000 |
| Pilot | 100,000 |
| Sales Manager | 85,000 |
| Pharmacist | 65,000 |
Here is a table outlining the average take-home for the top 10 in-demand roles in Germany:
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (€) |
| Data Scientist | 75,000 |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | 85,000 |
| Renewable Energy Engineer | 70,000 |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialist | 80,000 |
| Robotics Engineer | 78,000 |
| Biotechnology Specialist | 72,000 |
| Cloud Computing Specialist | 80,000 |
| UX/UI Designer | 60,000 |
| Logistics and Supply Chain Manager | 75,000 |
| Healthcare and Nursing Professionals | 55,000 |
And with that covered, let’s move on to the best places to live and work in Germany.
Best places to live and work in Germany
Choosing the best region/city to work and live within in Germany is a highly subjective choice. However, in terms of expat workers, we’ve ranked the top 5 cities in Germany that you might want to live and work in.
Here’s the list:
Berlin
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Vibrant multicultural environment | Higher unemployment rate compared to other major cities |
| Extensive public transportation system | Bureaucratic hurdles in administrative processes |
| Thriving startup and tech scene | Higher cost of living in central areas |
| Rich cultural and historical landmarks | Language barrier in certain sectors |
| Large international and Indian communities | Winters can be particularly cold |
City Overview:
Berlin, Germany’s capital, is renowned for its dynamic cultural scene and historical significance. The city boasts a substantial Indian population, with approximately 13,450 Indian nationals residing here
This has led to a proliferation of Indian restaurants, cultural festivals, and community events, providing a familiar environment for Indian expatriates.
Berlin’s diverse economy offers opportunities across various sectors, including technology, arts, and academia. However, newcomers should be prepared for bureaucratic processes and ensure they have the necessary documentation for a smooth transition.
Munich
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| High quality of life | High cost of living, especially in housing |
| Strong economy with numerous job opportunities | Competitive job market |
| Proximity to natural attractions | Traditional Bavarian culture may require adjustment |
| Efficient public transportation | Language barrier, especially outside professional settings |
| Low crime rate | Limited availability of affordable housing |
City Overview:
Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is known for its cleanliness, safety, and robust economy. The city is home to approximately 11,228 Indian nationals and hosts various cultural associations that facilitate community bonding. Munich’s economy is bolstered by industries such as automotive, engineering, and information technology, offering numerous employment opportunities. While the cost of living is higher than in other German cities, many find the quality of life and professional prospects to be worth the investment.
Frankfurt
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Major international financial hub | High cost of living, particularly in housing |
| Excellent international connectivity via Frankfurt Airport | Perception of being more business-oriented than cultural |
| Diverse expatriate community | Limited affordable housing options |
| Central location with easy access to other European cities | Language barrier in daily life |
| High employment opportunities in finance and related sectors | Higher cost of living compared to other cities |
City Overview:
Frankfurt is often referred to as the financial capital of Germany, hosting numerous banks and financial institutions. With a significant expatriate population, including around 7,412 Indian nationals the city offers a welcoming environment for professionals from diverse backgrounds. Frankfurt’s central location and major international airport make it a strategic base for both business and leisure travel. While the city is known for its business-centric atmosphere, it also offers cultural attractions such as museums, theatres, and a vibrant culinary scene.
Hamburg
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Major port city with strong maritime industry | Weather can be unpredictable and often rainy |
| Rich cultural scene with numerous theaters and music venues | Higher cost of living in central areas |
| Extensive green spaces and parks | Language barrier in certain sectors |
| Growing expat community | Winters can be long and gray |
| High quality of life | Limited affordable housing options |
City Overview:
Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city, is a major port and commercial center. The city is home to approximately 6,100 Indian nationals, contributing to a growing multicultural community. Hamburg offers a high quality of life, with abundant green spaces, cultural events, and a strong economy centered around maritime industries, media, and logistics. While the weather can be variable, residents often appreciate the city’s vibrant atmosphere and scenic waterfronts.
Stuttgart
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Hub for automotive and engineering industries | Language barrier, especially in smaller companies |
| High standard of living | Limited nightlife compared to larger cities |
| Proximity to picturesque landscapes and vineyards | Higher cost of living in certain districts |
| Strong economy with numerous job opportunities | Housing market can be competitive |
| Presence of reputable universities and research institutions | Traditional Swabian culture may require adjustment |
City Overview:
Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, is renowned for its automotive industry, and housing giants like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. The city has a smaller Indian community, with about 3,624 Indian nationals, but it remains welcoming to expatriates. Stuttgart offers a blend of industrial prowess and natural beauty, with numerous parks, vineyards, and nearby forests.
And that was the list of the best places to live in Germany.
In our last section, we’ll look at what factors influence salaries, particularly for the highest-paying jobs in Germany.
Also Read: Jobs (With Salaries) After MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA
Factors influencing salaries in Germany
There are five main factors that influence your compensation package in Germany. These are:
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Your Role and Industry
Not all jobs pay the same, even if you’re highly skilled. A software engineer and a doctor both require years of education, but one might hit six figures much faster. If you’re in hospitality, retail, or social services, salaries are lower despite long hours. The key? Choose an industry where demand outpaces supply—Germany rewards specialized skills well.
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Your Years of Experience
This one seems obvious, but here’s the part most people never consider—Germany values stability. If you stay longer in one company or industry, your salary doesn’t just increase—it compounds. Many professionals job-hop every 2-3 years expecting big raises, but in Germany, loyalty is rewarded with structured pay scales, annual increments, and pension benefits. Employers look at how many years you’ve committed to your craft.
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Your City/Region
You already know Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt pay well, but did you know location also affects your tax burden? In cities like Hamburg or Düsseldorf, you might earn a bit less than in Munich, but your cost of living is also significantly lower. Rural regions, particularly in eastern Germany, may offer fewer high-paying jobs but provide massive tax benefits and lower rent. If remote work is an option, choosing a lower-cost city while earning a metropolitan salary is an underrated strategy.
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Your Benefits Package
A six-figure salary is great, but what about what you’re not paying for? Many German companies offer housing stipends, meal allowances, travel passes, and even private healthcare upgrades. Some will fully or partially pay for your education if you pursue a master’s or PhD while working. Others contribute to retirement plans that add thousands to your net worth without you lifting a finger. If your company offers you perks that keep your costs down, they may offer a slightly lower salary. And in this case, it’s probably worth taking up.
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Your Negotiation Skills
Here’s where most people leave money on the table. Germany is structured, but salary offers aren’t set in stone. Many expats accept the first number they’re given, but negotiating—especially in high-paying fields—can mean earning 10-20% more right from the start. Germans respect confidence backed by data. Research industry standards, highlight your unique contributions, and be prepared to justify your ask.
And with that, we come to the end of this article on the highest-paying jobs in Germany. We hope you found it useful, and we’ll see you in the next one.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the highest-paying jobs in Germany?
The highest-paying jobs in Germany are in medicine, finance, IT, and engineering. Doctors, investment bankers, CEOs, and software engineers consistently earn six-figure salaries. Surgeons and senior physicians can make over €100,000 per year, while top executives and investment bankers can earn even more.
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Which industries offer the most lucrative career opportunities in Germany?
Industries that offer the best salaries include healthcare, finance, engineering, and technology. Germany has a strong demand for IT professionals, artificial intelligence specialists, and renewable energy engineers. The finance sector in cities like Frankfurt offers some of the best salaries in Europe, and the automotive industry still provides excellent career opportunities.
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What is the average salary for professionals in Germany?
The average annual salary in Germany is around €50,000, but this depends on the industry and experience level. Entry-level jobs may start at €35,000–€45,000, while experienced professionals in high-paying industries can make €70,000 or more. In-demand tech and finance jobs often go well beyond the national average.
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Which jobs are in high demand in Germany in 2025?
The most in-demand jobs in Germany for 2025 include software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, mechanical and electrical engineers, nurses, and logistics professionals. Germany has a growing demand for healthcare workers due to an aging population and for tech professionals as companies invest more in AI and cloud computing.
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What qualifications are required for high-paying jobs in Germany?
Most high-paying jobs require at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field. Doctors need a medical degree and licensing, engineers need a technical degree, and finance professionals often have MBAs or CFA certifications. In IT, many professionals succeed with certifications in cloud computing, AI, or cybersecurity even without a formal degree. Germany values experience, specialized skills, and professional certifications in competitive industries.
