Wondering What Is a Good Salary in Germany? Learn What You Really Need
A good salary in Germany depends on where you live, how you live, and who you live with. On average, a gross annual salary of €64,000–€70,000 is considered good for a single person in a major city. But this number changes dramatically by location and lifestyle.
To give a direct answer:
- €3,500 to €4,200 net per month is what is a good salary in Germany for most people to live comfortably in big cities.
- In smaller towns, a net income of €2,500 to €3,000 is usually enough for a good quality of life.
- For families, a combined net household income of €5,500 or more is considered good.
How Much Salary Is Good in Germany on Average?
To understand how much salary is good in Germany, start with the national average. The average salary in Germany is about €53,000 gross per year, or roughly €3,500 per month before taxes. However:
- The median salary is lower, around €47,700.
- That means 50% of full-time workers earn less than €47,700.
So, while €53,000 is the average, only around 40% of people earn this or more.
What is considered a good salary in Germany should be above €60,000 gross, especially if you’re working in large cities or supporting a family.
How Many People Earn a Good Salary in Germany?
Only about 25% to 30% of full-time employees in Germany earn what is considered a good salary—€64,000 gross or more per year. That means 7 out of 10 workers do not reach this income level.
This estimate is based on national salary and tax data, and it reflects the reality of the German job market across all sectors.
Average and Median Salaries in Germany
Understanding what is a good salary in Germany begins with knowing the national averages:
- Average gross annual salary: €49,260
- Average net annual salary: €32,141
- Median gross annual salary: €43,740
The median salary represents the midpoint—50% of employees earn less than €43,740, while the other half earn more. This confirms that the average salary in Germany is pulled upward by a smaller number of high earners.
What Is Considered a Good Salary in Germany?
According to KUMMUNI Research Department, what is considered a good salary in Germany is defined as a gross annual income between €64,000 and €70,000. This corresponds to a net salary of approximately €40,000 to €43,000 per year, or €3,300 to €3,600 per month after taxes and social contributions.
This level of income allows for a comfortable lifestyle in most major German cities. However, very few employees actually reach this level.
Income Breakdown: Who Earns What in Germany?
Here’s how full-time employees in Germany are likely distributed across income levels:
| Annual Gross Salary | Share of Full-Time Employees (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Under €43,740 | ~50% |
| €43,740 – €63,999 | ~20% – 25% |
| €64,000 – €99,999 | ~25% – 30% (good salary range) |
| €100,000 – €149,999 | ~3% – 5% (high earners) |
| €150,000 and above | ~1% – 2% (top earners) |
- The median salary in Germany is €43,740, which means half of all full-time workers earn less than this.
- The average salary is €49,260—still well below the good salary threshold.
- Earning €100,000 or more puts you in the top 5%.
- Salaries over €150,000 are extremely rare and reserved for the top 1% to 2%.
How This Estimate Was Calculated
Germany does not publish exact figures for every income tier, but the following official data sources were used:
- National employment reports (from the Federal Employment Agency)
- Income tax statistics (from the Federal Central Tax Office)
- Population data from Destatis (Federal Statistical Office)
We used:
- The total number of full-time employees (~24 million)
- Verified median and average salary values
- Published tax brackets and earnings thresholds
The estimated percentages reflect full-time employment only. Part-time workers, freelancers, students, and non-working individuals are excluded to keep the analysis focused on the core workforce.
Final Insight
If you’re aiming for a good salary in Germany, the bar starts at €64,000 gross per year. Reaching that level places you among the top 25% to 30% of full-time earners.
While this income is attainable in industries like tech, finance, law, and engineering, it remains out of reach for most workers in sectors like retail, hospitality, education, and public services.
Understanding where you stand—or where you want to be—can help you better negotiate salaries, choose career paths, or decide where to live in Germany.
What Is a Good Salary in Germany After Tax?
When evaluating what is a good salary in Germany, gross income alone doesn’t tell the full story. The real question is: how much of that salary do you actually take home? Germany’s progressive tax system—combined with mandatory social security contributions—can reduce your gross salary by 35% to 45%.
That’s why understanding your net salary is essential when deciding whether an offer or income level truly qualifies as “good.”
How Much Tax on Salary in Germany?
Germany’s income tax system works on a progressive scale, meaning:
- The more you earn, the higher the percentage you pay
- In addition to income tax, employees must contribute to:
- Pension insurance
- Health insurance
- Unemployment insurance
- Long-term care insurance
For employees without children, in Tax Class I (single, no dependents), here’s what the take-home pay looks like in 2025:
| Gross Salary (€) | Approx. Net Salary (€) | Effective Tax + Contributions (%) |
|---|---|---|
| €40,000 | ~€27,000 | ~32% |
| €60,000 | ~€38,500 | ~36% |
| €80,000 | ~€48,500 | ~39% |
| €100,000 | ~€58,000 | ~42% |
Net salary is what’s left after tax and deductions
The higher your gross salary, the smaller the increase in net income—due to rising tax rates
What Is Considered a Good Net Salary in Germany?
A good net salary allows you to:
- Pay rent and utilities without stress
- Save monthly
- Afford insurance, transport, and quality food
- Enjoy leisure and occasional travel
For a single professional in a major German city, a net monthly salary of €3,300 to €3,600 is typically considered good. This aligns with a gross annual salary of around €64,000 to €70,000—which is the accepted range for a good income before taxes.
Why You Should Always Calculate Net Salary
When you receive a job offer in Germany, the gross number may look attractive—but it’s the net salary that determines your real lifestyle. Depending on your:
- Tax class
- Health insurance choice (public or private)
- Marital status
- Number of children
Your deductions will vary. Two people with the same gross income can end up with very different take-home pay.
Summary: Good Salary After Tax?
If you’re aiming to live comfortably in Germany:
- Good gross salary: €64,000 to €70,000
- Expected net salary: €40,000 to €43,000 per year
- Monthly net income: €3,300 to €3,600
This range allows for a stable lifestyle in most German cities. However, in high-cost areas like Munich or Frankfurt, even this level might feel average. In more affordable cities like Leipzig or Dresden, it can stretch much further.
What Salary Is Considered Rich in Germany?
A gross salary of €150,000 or more per year is generally considered rich in Germany. This income level places you within the top 1% to 2% of taxpayers, according to national tax statistics.
However, being “rich” in Germany isn’t just about numbers—it’s also about context. Where you live, how many dependents you support, and your financial obligations all affect how wealthy that income feels.
High Earner vs. Rich: What’s the Difference?
- €100,000+ per year: This is considered a high income in Germany. It puts you in the top 5% of earners and typically applies to senior professionals, doctors, executives, and highly skilled specialists.
- €150,000+ per year: This is what salary is considered rich in Germany. It’s a level that few reach, and it often applies to partners in law or consulting firms, top-tier executives, or successful entrepreneurs.
How “Rich” Depends on Where You Live
High income doesn’t always translate to luxury. In cities like Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg, even a six-figure salary can feel stretched:
- Munich: Monthly rent for a large apartment can exceed €3,000
- Private schooling or international schools can cost €15,000–€20,000 annually
- Top-tier health insurance, household help, and vehicles increase monthly expenses
By contrast, in smaller cities like Leipzig, Nuremberg, or Kiel, the same income goes much further.
What a €150,000+ Salary Looks Like After Tax
Germany’s top marginal income tax rate is 45%, applying to income over €277,825 (as of current brackets). However, those earning €150,000–€200,000 still face an effective tax rate of 42–45%, including solidarity and social contributions.
Estimated net income on €150,000 gross (single, no kids, Tax Class I):
- Approx. €80,000 to €85,000 per year net
- Roughly €6,700 to €7,100 per month take-home
This remains a high standard of living—but it is not “ultra-rich,” especially when compared to tax-free investment income or generational wealth.
Who Is Considered Rich in Germany?
| Gross Annual Salary (€) | Income Tier | Estimated Share of Earners |
|---|---|---|
| €100,000 – €149,999 | High income | Top 5% |
| €150,000 – €277,824 | Rich / top earners | Top 1%–2% |
| €277,825+ | Top tax bracket | Top 0.5% |
To be considered rich in Germany, your income needs to exceed €150,000 gross per year—and even then, lifestyle and location will heavily influence how wealthy that income feels.
What Is a Good Salary in Germany by City?
The cost of living in Germany can vary significantly from one city to another. What counts as a good salary in Germanydepends not just on your job title, but also on where you live. Rent, transportation, taxes, and general expenses differ widely between cities.
Below is a breakdown of what a good net monthly salary looks like in some of Germany’s major cities—based on real living costs and current market data.
Berlin
- Good Salary (Net): €3,200+ per month
- Why? Berlin remains relatively affordable compared to other capital cities in Europe, but rents have increased rapidly. A net salary of €3,500 allows for a comfortable middle-class lifestyle, especially in central districts or larger flats.
Munich
- Good Salary (Net): €4,000+ per month
- Why? Munich is Germany’s most expensive city. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment often exceeds €1,800, and groceries, dining, and transport are among the priciest in the country. A net income of €4,500 or more is often needed to enjoy a balanced lifestyle.
Hamburg
- Good Salary (Net): €3,500+ per month
- Why? Hamburg has a strong job market and high quality of life, but city-center housing and service costs are high. A salary over €3,500 net is recommended to cover rent, insurance, and regular expenses without financial stress.
Frankfurt am Main
- Good Salary (Net): €3,800+ per month
- Why? As Germany’s finance capital, salaries in Frankfurt are generally higher. But so are living costs, especially for families. International schools, private healthcare, and higher real estate prices mean a good income needs to start at around €3,800 net.
Stuttgart
- Good Salary (Net): €3,800+ per month
- Why? Stuttgart is home to many engineering and automotive companies. Salaries are strong, but housing supply is limited and expensive. A net income above €3,800 allows access to better neighborhoods and family-friendly amenities.
Leipzig & Dresden
- Good Salary (Net): €2,500+ per month
- Why? These eastern cities offer much lower rents and daily costs. A net salary of €2,500 is enough for a decent apartment, reliable transport, and regular savings. Even professionals earning €2,800 net can enjoy a very comfortable standard of living.
City Comparison Table: Good Net Salary Estimates
| City | Estimated Good Net Salary | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | €3,200+ | Rent rising, but still cheaper than Munich |
| Munich | €4,000+ | Highest rent and living costs in Germany |
| Hamburg | €3,500+ | Premium city with higher costs in central areas |
| Frankfurt | €3,800+ | Finance sector salaries, offset by high schooling and rent |
| Stuttgart | €3,800+ | Strong incomes, but limited affordable housing |
| Leipzig/Dresden | €2,500+ | Best value for money—low rent, affordable lifestyle |
Summary: Good Salary by Location in Germany
A good salary in Germany isn’t the same across the board. For example:
- €3,500 net in Berlin equals a middle-class lifestyle
- The same salary in Munich could feel tight
- But in Leipzig, it places you in a top income bracket locally
When relocating or negotiating your salary, always compare your net income against the actual cost of living in your target city.
What Is a Good Salary in Germany in 2025?
A net monthly income between €3,500 and €4,200 is widely accepted as what is a good salary in Germany for single professionals living comfortably in most cities. For couples or families, this benchmark increases to €5,500 or more per household to maintain a stable and fulfilling lifestyle—especially in larger or high-cost cities.
But income distribution remains uneven. Less than 10% of employees earn more than €70,000 gross per year, and only 1.5% of the population reaches or exceeds €150,000, the level considered rich in Germany.
While gross figures are important for contracts and negotiations, your net income is what truly defines your lifestyle. Always factor in your tax class, social contributions, and location to evaluate the real value of your salary. Understanding how much tax on salary in Germany you’ll pay is essential for making smart career and financial decisions.
Whether you’re planning to relocate, renegotiate your job offer, or simply benchmark your earnings, knowing what is a good salary in Germany in 2025 helps you stay one step ahead.
