Wage Gap Between German and Foreign Workers in Germany Remains at 23.6% in 2025
Median monthly earnings for Germans reached €4,396, compared to €3,358 for foreigners, highlighting persistent pay disparities.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) reported that the wage gap between German and foreign full-time employees in Germany stood at 23.6% at the end of 2025. According to the ministry's data, the median monthly salary before taxes for Germans was €4,396, while for foreign workers it was €3,358.
This persistent discrepancy aligns with previous years' figures since 2020, which ranged between 23.1% and 25.5%. Despite the gap, median wages have increased for both Germans and foreign employees over this period.
Income Distribution and Sectoral Differences
In 2025, 30.6% of foreign employees working full-time were in low-wage jobs, compared to just 12.3% of German workers. The Institute for Employment Research (IAB) analysis attributes much of the wage disparity to the fact that immigrants are less likely to be employed in high-paying industries or hold high-paying positions.
"The wage gap is significantly influenced by the lower representation of immigrants in high-paying sectors and senior roles," the IAB stated.
Moreover, the Federal Employment Agency highlights that earnings depend heavily on education, qualifications, and professional experience. For example, employees without vocational qualifications had a median salary of €3,133 in 2025. Those with recognized vocational qualifications earned a median of €4,069, while university graduates commanded a median salary of €6,146.
The data underscores the structural factors affecting wage disparities and suggests that improving professional qualifications among foreign workers could be a key factor in closing the earnings gap in Germany's labor market.
