Germany's Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has published statutory branch-specific minimum wages across several industries, revealing that long-term care workers earn the highest rates among listed sectors, with wages reaching €20.50 per hour depending on the role. The country's general statutory minimum wage has stood at €12.82 (N20,217) per hour since 1 January 2025, according to Germany's Federal Statistical Office. Sector-by-sector agreements negotiated between employers and trade unions push earnings significantly higher in many fields, with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs overseeing these binding rates.
Long-Term Care Leads with Highest Pay Range
Among the sectors with agreements still in force, long-term care commands the widest pay range, from €15.50 (N24,443.50) to €20.50 (N32,328.50) per hour depending on the care role, making it the highest-paying sector in the published data. Educational staff earn €19.37 per hour (N30,553.49) under agreements valid through 31 December 2025, rising to €20.24 (N31,925.48) from 1 January 2026. Those with additional qualifications earn slightly more, at €19.96 per hour (N31,478.92) and €20.86 per hour (N32,900.22) throughout this year, 2026.
Cleaning and Trade Sectors See Varied Rates
Glass and facade cleaning workers receive between €17.65 (N27,834.05) and €18.40 (N29,016.80) per hour under a deal running through 31 December 2026. Industrial cleaning, which covers indoor work, pays between €14.25 (N22,472.25) and €15.00 (N23,655.00) per hour under the same end date. The electrical trade sets minimum wages between €14.41 (N22,724.57) and €16.10 (N25,389.70) per hour, with that agreement locked in all the way through 31 December 2028, one of the longest-running deals in the list.
Validity Periods and Future Updates
Roofing is split by skill level: unskilled workers earn €14.35 per hour (N22,629.95), while skilled roofers receive €16.00 per hour (N25,232.00), both under terms valid through the end of 2025. Scaffolding workers are covered at €13.95 per hour (N22,004.15) through 30 September 2025, while workers in temporary employment agencies earn €14.53 per hour (N22,919.81) through the same month. Some agreements listed in the original Ministry data, such as those covering painting and varnishing, pay between €13.00 (N20,501.00) and €15.00 (N23,655.00) per hour. Chimney sweeping pays €14.50 per hour (N22,866.50) and has validity periods that would end before August 2026, meaning updated rates may apply under newer agreements not yet reflected in the May 2025 snapshot.
