Wage Gap Between Germans and Foreign Workers in Germany Remains at 23.6% in 2025

The wage gap between German and foreign full-time employees in Germany stood at 23.6% at the end of 2025, according to data released by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS). The ministry's recent figures reveal that the median monthly gross salary for Germans was 4,396 euros, compared to 3,358 euros for foreigners.

Persistent Wage Disparities and Influencing Factors

This wage disparity aligns closely with levels recorded since 2020, when the gap fluctuated between 23.1% and 25.5%. Both German and foreign workers have seen increases in their median monthly earnings over this period, but the relative difference remains steady.

Furthermore, labor market analysis highlights a significant difference in employment quality between the two groups. In 2025, 30.6% of foreign full-time employees were classified as low-wage workers, more than double the rate of 12.3% observed among German full-time employees.

"The wage difference is largely attributed to the fact that immigrants are less often employed in high-paying sectors or positions," noted the Institute for Employment Research (IAB).

According to the Federal Employment Agency, wages strongly correlate with education, qualifications, and professional experience. In 2025, employees without professional qualifications earned a median salary of 3,133 euros. Those with recognized vocational qualifications earned 4,069 euros, while university graduates earned a significantly higher median of 6,146 euros.

The persistence of these wage gaps underscores ongoing challenges in equalizing labor market outcomes for foreign workers in Germany. Sectoral employment patterns and qualification levels remain key drivers of these disparities, influencing wage structures amid evolving market conditions.

As Germany continues to address labor market integration, monitoring such wage discrepancies provides critical real-time insights into workforce dynamics and sectoral shifts.