Here is a clear breakdown of the minimum wage Germany 2026 rules and what they mean for your pay. Germany’s minimum wage went up significantly this year. Since 1 January 2026 the legal minimum is €13.90 gross per hour, and on 1 January 2027 it rises again to €14.60.
If you work in a warehouse, a hotel, a restaurant or a delivery job, or if you are a student with a side job, this directly affects your pay slip. Here is what the numbers mean in practice.
Minimum Wage in Germany: 2024 to 2027
| From | Gross per hour |
|---|---|
| 1 January 2024 | €12.41 |
| 1 January 2025 | €12.82 |
| 1 January 2026 | €13.90 |
| 1 January 2027 | €14.60 |
That is an increase of about 8.4% in 2026 and roughly 5% more in 2027, close to 14% over two years. The government followed the recommendation of the independent Minimum Wage Commission and fixed both steps in law.
What It Means for Your Monthly Salary
For a full-time job of 40 hours a week, €13.90 an hour works out to about €2,400 gross per month. From 2027, at €14.60, it is about €2,530.
Your take-home pay depends on your tax class, whether you pay church tax and your health insurer. Use an official gross-to-net calculator to see your exact figure. Health, pension, unemployment and care insurance are deducted automatically, which is why net pay is lower than many newcomers expect.
Minijobs: The New €603 Limit
A Minijob is a small job where you pay almost no deductions. The earnings limit is linked to the minimum wage, so it has risen too:
- 2026: up to €603 per month (about 43 hours a month at minimum wage)
- 2027: up to €633 per month
For international students, a Minijob is a popular way to cover part of the rent. Remember that student visa holders must still respect their yearly working-day limit.
Who Does the Minimum Wage Not Apply To?
- Trainees in Ausbildung: they have their own minimum training pay instead. Read our Ausbildung guide.
- Under-18s without a completed vocational qualification.
- Mandatory internships that are part of a study programme, and voluntary internships of up to three months.
- Long-term unemployed people during their first six months in a new job.
Everyone else, including foreign workers, part-timers and Minijobbers, is entitled to at least €13.90 per hour.
Sector Minimums Can Be Higher
Some industries have their own minimum wages agreed by collective agreement, and these are often higher than the general minimum. Care work, construction trades, cleaning and security are common examples. If you work in one of these sectors, check the sector rate, not only the general one.
How This Affects Jobs We Place Candidates In
- Warehouse and logistics: entry-level warehouse roles now start at or above the new minimum. See our warehouse and logistics jobs guide.
- Hotels and restaurants: housekeeping, kitchen and service staff benefit directly. See our hospitality jobs guide.
- Job seekers on the Opportunity Card: part-time work of up to 20 hours a week must also pay at least the minimum wage. See our Opportunity Card guide.
What If Your Employer Pays Less?
Paying below the minimum wage is illegal in Germany. Keep a record of your hours, check your pay slip every month and ask your employer in writing if something is wrong. The customs authority (Zoll, Finanzkontrolle Schwarzarbeit) checks compliance. Employers who break the rules face heavy fines.
Key Takeaways
Here is the minimum wage Germany 2026 situation at a glance:
- The minimum wage Germany 2026 rate is €13.90 gross per hour, in force since 1 January 2026.
- It rises to €14.60 per hour on 1 January 2027.
- The Minijob earnings limit is now €603 per month.
- Some sectors have higher sector-specific minimums, so always check your contract.
For official information, visit the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) website.
Minimum Wage Germany 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
Is €13.90 gross or net?
Gross. Taxes and social contributions are deducted from it.
Does the minimum wage apply to foreigners?
Yes. It applies to everyone working in Germany, regardless of nationality.
Does it apply to working students?
Yes, unless the job is a mandatory internship that is part of your degree.
Looking for a Job in Germany?
Tejas Germany helps candidates find fairly paid jobs in logistics, hospitality, farming and nursing, and supports the visa process from start to finish. Book a free consultation.
Note: net pay figures are estimates. Use an official gross-net calculator for your exact situation.
