German medicine is known far beyond the country's borders. Highly qualified specialists who annually train abroad work on modern equipment, which ensures the high efficiency of treatment. However, is this the only issue? It would be logical to assume that the salaries of doctors in Germany are the “carrot” that spurs them on much better than the Russian “stick”.
Some international medical statistics
It is a generally accepted fact that the profession of an anesthesiologist is the most prestigious and highly paid. In some regions of the world, the average salary of this specialist exceeds 160 thousand euros per year. Gynecologists are in second place, followed by surgeons, and then dentists.
Why do doctors working in Germany complain about their salaries? And they don’t just babble among themselves, but are openly indignant, running to work in Switzerland, the UK and the Netherlands. It turns out that it is the Federal Republic that is the weak link in international medical and economic statistics? It turns out that the salaries of doctors in Germany are an order of magnitude lower than in other European countries? Is it really?
What is net profit?
Just the other day, all German media unanimously declared that the “net” (not average) salary of a doctor in Germany fluctuates around 5,500 euros per month. Is it a lot or a little? It is clear that for a Russian specialist this is a cosmic sum. But how are things going with the German medical luminaries?
To understand how well a doctor earns in Germany, you should compare two concepts: net profit and the net income of the average German family, excluding benefits. Using simple mathematical calculations, it can be calculated that the salary of an ordinary German family is almost 2,900 euros, which is half the income of a medical worker.
It is impossible to say that these statistics are reliable. After all, the income of a person with a secondary education is taken into account and compared with the income of a person who has a prestigious higher education. To understand what the salaries of doctors are in Germany, it is necessary to compare the incomes of specialists in related professions.
How good are dentist salaries in Germany?
Having studied 148 vacancies, average figures were obtained in different segments from low to high salaries (incomes are indicated without taxes):
- Dentists who earn little money take home an average of 2,911 euros per month;
- Dentists in the average salary segment in the country receive 4,430 euros per month;
- And dentists with high incomes receive about 9,917 euros per month.
Use a currency converter to convert to the equivalent of a currency unit that you understand, for example, the Russian ruble
Salaries of dentists by federal states of Germany
Regions of Germany in which dentists' salaries are fixed from minimum to maximum.
| Region of Germany | Low paid | Average income | Highly paid |
| Bavaria | 3 193 € | 4 595 € | 12 994 € |
| Baden-Württemberg | 2 444 € | 4 765 € | 11 657 € |
| Hesse | 3 310 € | 5 055 € | 11 318 € |
| Rhineland-Palatinate | 2 850 € | 4 352 € | 9 742 € |
| Saar | 2 764 € | 4 220 € | 9 446 € |
| Lower Saxony | 2 665 € | 4 069 € | 9 108 € |
| Thuringia | 2 352 € | 3 591 € | 8 036 € |
| Saxony | 2 316 € | 3 536 € | 7 913 € |
| Brandenburg | 2 297 € | 3 507 € | 7 848 € |
| Saxony-Anhalt | 2 279 € | 3 479 € | 7 785 € |
| Schleswig-Holstein | 2 276 € | 3 474 € | 7 774 € |
| Mecklenburg-Vorpommern | 2 199 € | 3 356 € | 7 509 € |
| North Rhine-Westphalia | 3 023 € | 4 332 € | 5 938 € |
German cities with dentist salaries
Several large cities in Germany with salaries for dentists from top to bottom.
| City | Low paid | Average income | Highly paid |
| Hamburg | 3 059 € | 4 672 € | 10 459 € |
| Berlin | 2 740 € | 4 184 € | 9 366 € |
| Bremen | 2 543 € | 3 882 € | 8 689 € |
Development of dentist's salary in Germany with age
As far as can be seen from the data obtained, even young specialists start with good salaries, and with experience they only grow. At the age of 25-30 , dentists' salaries are 3363-3917 euros per month. Dentists aged 35-40 years old receive an average of 4486-4533 euros per month, excluding taxes. Specialists aged 45-50 years earn an average of 4807-4923 euros per month.
Average, minimum and maximum living standards in Germany
The average salary of citizens of the Federal Republic is 2,800 euros (as of 2021). This applies to general indicators, excluding tax deductions and other mandatory payments. It is important to consider here that German taxes are an extremely delicate thing. The percentage of income tax directly depends on the amount of income, social status, marital status and some other points. It is for this reason that many qualified professionals complain that taxes often eat up half of their earnings. Needless to say, this takes a toll on the family budget.
On average, Germans pay the state about 20-25% of their income monthly. It is clear that not everyone is forced to pay high taxes. For example, the average salary of a hairdresser is just over 1,000 euros. Accordingly, he pays less tax.
A salary exceeding 6 thousand euros is considered high and prestigious. People with such earnings are considered to be the elite. Since 2021, a single minimum wage of 1,500 euros has been in effect throughout the state.
Surgeon - salary according to the size of the medical institution
As a rule, the larger the company, the higher the salary. In this professional area, the difference in the net income of surgeons between medical institutions of different staff sizes is insignificant. But in any case, when choosing this specialty, a significant financial gap can be observed in relation to expenses in the country.
| State | Monthly before taxes | Monthly after taxes |
| Up to 499 employees | 6 521 € | 3 730 € |
| From 500 to 999 employees | 6 224 € | 3 586 € |
| From 1,000 employees | 7 018 € | 3 980 € |
What determines the salaries of doctors in Germany?
The amount of monthly earnings may vary depending on the region, location of the clinic and its profile. For example, specialists in rehabilitation centers earn an order of magnitude less than their colleagues working in the medical field. A young specialist with no work experience can count on a salary of just over 4,000 euros. Of this, 25-30% will have to be given to the state, another 10-15% to pay for utilities and other mandatory payments. Taking into account all deductions, the young specialist remains “net” 2,500 euros. But that’s not all.
As a rule, wages are raised annually in Germany. A medical specialist who has just received his education cannot claim a high income. However, after 6 years of practice, his qualifications are equivalent to the highest category. Accordingly, the income level increases to 9,000 euros.
It is difficult to answer the question of what the average salary of doctors in Germany is, since much also depends on the doctor’s specialization.
Surgeon - salary by age
Use a currency converter to convert to the equivalent of a currency unit that you understand, for example, the Russian ruble
The experience gained with age has a positive effect on the surgeon’s salary, as can be seen from the following average statistics:
| Age | Monthly before taxes | Monthly after taxes |
| 25 | 3 893 € | 2 431 € |
| 30 | 4 739 € | 2 845 € |
| 35 | 6 114 € | 3 533 € |
| 40 | 6 585 € | 3 761 € |
| 45 | 8 075 € | 4 568 € |
| 50 | 8 925 € | 5 042 € |
The most in-demand professions
Today, Germany is in dire need of medical specialists. Private and public clinics are looking for qualified employees. The Federal Republic is doing everything possible to attract as many foreign specialists as possible. Thus, graduates of Russian and Belarusian universities are valued. It is clear that these are real graduates, and not those who acquired their diploma during the transition.
Among the variety of medical profiles, specialists in the following areas are most likely to get a job in Germany:
- anesthesiologists;
- therapists;
- gynecologists;
- family doctors;
- psychiatrists;
- neurologists.
If you consider that the salary of a gynecologist in Germany is much higher than what our domestic specialist receives, then you shouldn’t be surprised why the highest minds are flowing to Europe.
How to get a job?
You will have to go through a number of bureaucratic procedures. Whether it is worth it or not is a personal matter. But as migration practice shows, not many are eager to return to Russia. One diploma will not be enough. You need to obtain another similar document, only of an international standard. It is advisable to study a foreign language at this stage. And not superficially, but in depth - with the involvement of a tutor and speaking practice.
In addition, you need to obtain a visa with the right to further employment. Register with the government departments of the Federal Republic, as well as find a potential employer who will agree to hire a foreign specialist, taking into account the time required for internship.
If everything is done promptly and punctures are eliminated at each stage, then in one and a half to two years you can admire the view of the Rhine from the window of your own office in a prestigious clinic.
Advantages and prospects
Many who are thinking about international medical practice and working abroad know that the salary of a surgeon in Germany is much higher than that of a domestic specialist. However, income level is not the only positive side. Besides:
- decent standard of living;
- the opportunity to move with the whole family;
- equal powers with other German specialists;
- the opportunity to gain invaluable medical experience and internship outside Germany;
- social guarantees.
You've probably wondered why the Federal Republic is trying to attract as many qualified specialists as possible by any means possible. The fact is that Germany is one of the “aging” countries. More than 40% of medical specialists have crossed the age of 50. That is why good medical education and work experience are so valued in the country.
Doctors of all countries, unite!
Today, about 8,000 specialists from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, etc. work in German clinics. This only means that every medical school graduate can count on the fact that one day he will receive a position in a German clinic. The main thing is to start learning the language as early as possible and diligently take classes.
Knowing what the average salary of doctors is in Germany, it is easy to guess that students of Russian universities are already thinking about moving to another country in their first years. Fortunately, the Federal Republic creates all conditions for the immigration of doctors from the CIS countries.
General information about working as a nurse in Germany
The nursing profession is recognized as a shortage in Germany: nurses in Germany are required in all clinics, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes.
The starting salary for a nurse ranges from 2,500 to 3,000 euros gross, depending on the state and city. This is about 1750-2100 euros net, for which you need to rent an apartment (from 400 euros) and food (approx. 150 euros). The rest: for clothes, entertainment, etc. Working week 38-40 hours per week.
Based on a work contract, a foreign nurse receives a temporary residence permit (RP), which over time can be changed to a permanent residence permit (PR), and then to citizenship. Immediately after returning to work you have the right to family reunification.
Despite the fact that finding a job as a nurse in Germany is not an easy process, with enough time, persistence and money, you can go through this path on your own.
Or you can contact us and we will help you save time and money.
Employment rules:
Foreign nurses wishing to work in Germany must obtain a permit to work in their specialty, the so-called Anerkennung (recognition of qualifications).
To obtain recognition of qualifications, a package of documents is compiled. This package of documents is submitted in the country where the candidate is expected to work (for example, there is a preliminary agreement with the clinic, which will hire her after completion of all formalities or other prerequisites).
A B2 German language certificate is submitted along with the package of documents.
The result of reviewing the documents is a decision on whether the candidate meets or does not meet the required standards of German medicine. If a discrepancy is recognized, the gaps/disparities in education must be covered. There are two options for this:
- exam
After successfully passing the exam, the candidate receives an Anerkennung. However, passing the exam in German without practical professional German skills is not possible.
or
- internship in a hospital
The practice must be completed not in any hospital, but in an appropriately approved hospital. You need to find this hospital and apply for internship. The duration of the internship is determined by reviewing the documents. This can be from 3 to 12 months. After completing the internship (without an exam), the candidate receives an Anerkennung.
Passing an internship is a good alternative to an exam, since during the internship a nurse receives a salary of about 1000-1200 euros per month. In addition, hospitals often provide housing during the internship.
As you can see, it is difficult to walk this path on your own. But we will help!
Our offer:
We offer you the optimal solution for gaining practical professional and language skills during the Voluntary Social Year in a hospital or nursing home.
The voluntary social year is great for learning German and preparing for a professional career in Germany: having the opportunity to stay in Germany legally for a year, with accommodation, health insurance and pocket money, you can learn the language in courses and practice it in the workplace, and also get acquainted with work in Germany.
Read more about the Voluntary Social Year here.
If for some reason you cannot go to the Social Year, we can also handle your employment in Germany.
In addition, we help in preparing a package of documents for obtaining recognition of qualifications, looking for a place of practice to cover shortages, selecting a workplace, providing visa support, etc. You receive full employment support from your first contact with us until you start working in Germany and your family moves.
Watch our video about finding a job as a nurse in Germany.
