Highest Paying Jobs in Germany for International Students

The German economy, despite the country's relatively smaller size, stands at  5th in the world when it comes to its annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP)! As the graduate unemployment rate here is just 2.3% while 2.8% is for people over the age of 25. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that many students within and abroad look for the highest paying jobs in Germany for international students.

Why Work in Germany?

Germany's a powerhouse beyond its legendary beer halls. It's a thriving marketplace with several highest paying jobs in Germany. Here are some of the key reasons and highlights about the jobs in Germany:

• Germany has over 770,301 job vacancies across various sectors, according to Eurostat.
• Engineering jobs lead the list of highest paying jobs in Germany, with IT jobs close behind.
• The average annual salary for the highest paying jobs in Germany is between €64,000 and €81,000.
• Cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich have many high-paying job openings.
• Frankfurt offers the highest average gross salary in Germany at around €66,529, followed by Stuttgart and Munich.
• Average salary for full-time employees in Germany: €3,830/month (€45,900/year).
• Average salary for part-time employees: €16/hr, €2,600/month (€31,200/year).
• Leading employers with highest paying jobs in Germany: McKinsey & Company, Porsche, BMW, SAP, Audi, Siemens Healthineers, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Salesforce.

10 Top Paying Jobs in Germany

Germany is a hub for international talent, attracting over 340,000 international students annually. It offers a robust job market with over 1.3 million job openings every year. Germany is indeed an attractive destination for job seekers as it has the fourth-largest economy in the world. Here, we've compiled a list of the 10 high salary jobs in Germany:

1. Pilot

Average Salary: €83,300
Salary Range: from €27,600 to €160,900 annual salary
Qualifications: Graduation from flight school/aviation-related college program/airline cadet pilot program
Growth Rate: 6% in the next ten years
Pilots are responsible for manoeuvring and flying commercial/military aeroplanes and helicopters. Famous companies like Lufthansa, EasyJet, AIR HAMBURG, and Condor offer the highest salaries in Germany to pilots, ranging between €70,663 and € 105,561.
Key Responsibilities:

• Required particular training
• Excellent mental and physical fitness
• Operate Cargo carriers or private jets

2. Doctor

Average Salary: €85,100
Salary Range: from €47,400 to €142,200 annual salary
‍Qualifications: Medical degree at a German university, pass the Approbation exam, fluency in German and English.
Growth Rate: 6.9% YoY
Like most nations, the medical field is highly reputed and, of course, yields some of the highest paying jobs in Germany for international students. A few recruiters offering high paying jobs in Germany for foreigners are University Hospital Heidelberg and Asklepios Kliniken Bad Abbach GmbH, with  €58,014 to  € 90,674 per year. In fact, there are several best programs for MBBS in Germany for international students, giving them an opportunity to work at the best jobs in Germany.

Key Responsibilities:

• Extensive education in Anatomy & Physiology
• Specialisation in Cardiology, Neurology, Orthopedic 
• Diagnose and treat medical conditions

3. Portfolio Manager

Average Salary: €81,000
Salary Range: from €46,300 to €137,800 annual salary
Qualifications: Financial analyst certification, good market knowledge, fluency in German and English
Growth Rate: 19%
As one of the best paid jobs in Germany, portfolio managers must command a great knowledge of financial markets as well as make astute decisions. Top companies offering this job role are Baker Hughes, Schüco, SEB AB, and Landesbank Berlin, offering top paying jobs in Germany up to €130,409 annually, best paid in Germany.
Key Responsibilities:

• Communicate clearly with clients about portfolio performance.
• Manage risk exposure within the portfolio.
• Create reports to track investment performance.

4. Lawyer

Average Salary: €82,900
Salary Range: from €38,000 and €146,000 annual salary
Qualifications: Admission to the Bar Association, a law degree, fluency in German and English
Growth Rate: 50% in ten years
German universities are known for their excellent education in law, which is also why the job of a lawyer is one of the highest paid profession in Germany. The top companies offering the most paid jobs in Germany are Redeker Sellner Dahs, CMS Law Tax Future and many more. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Advocate for clients' rights and interests in legal matters.
• Research, analyse, and apply laws to build strong cases.
• Craft agreements and negotiate favorable settle

5. Electrical Engineer

Average Salary: €78,000
Salary Range: €60,000 - €150,000 annual salary
Qualifications: a university degree in electrical engineering, a Blue Card permit, certification depending on company
Growth Rate: 1-2% YoY
Engineering has always been a financially lucrative option in many countries. As one of the highest paying jobs in Germany for international students, it only makes sense that Europe's symbolic capital provides world-class engineering education to hundreds of thousands every year. Airbus, Siemens, and BMW Group offer Germany the highest paying jobs.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Plan and oversee the installation of electrical systems in buildings, factories, and other infrastructure.
• Develop and improve electrical products and devices, from everyday appliances to cutting-edge technologies.
• Ensure electrical systems comply with safety regulations and codes.

6. Project Manager

Average Salary: €79,900
Salary Range: from €53,800 to €132,500 annual salary
Qualifications: a degree in a relevant field, experience in project management, fluency in German and English
Growth Rate: NA
A project manager is the highest paid profession in Germany, involved in ideating, planning, implementing and assessing the implications of a project across many different parameters and disciplines. Therefore, it means you must have a great insight into people management, time management, and so much more. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Decision-Making Responsibility
• Investment decisions
• Market analysis and client goals tracking
• Financial Expertise 
• Risk Management skills

7. Software Developer

Average Salary: €81,500
Salary Range:  from €58,100 and €123,700 annual salary
Qualifications: Relevant degree (optional), good understanding of coding languages,
Growth Rate: 2-3% YoY
In the rising age of AI and technology, one of the highest paying jobs in Germany for international students is definitely that of a software developer. The Gen Z of today's day and age love having convenience at their fingertips, and that's what the work of a software developer offers, offering you the opportunity to create and develop innovative software to make day-to-day life easier. The top companies for highest paying jobs in Germany for international students for this job role are Apple, SeatGeek, and Facebook.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deep coding knowledge
• Leadership and management skills
• Design and develop complex software systems
• Manage programmers team

8. Risk Manager

Average Salary: €74,900
Salary Range: €70,000 - €110,000 annual salary
Qualifications: risk management degree, acumen for business, fluency in German and English
Growth Rate: 1-1.5% YoY
A risk manager manages many facets of a company, such as analysing current and future risks associated with a company's decisions, training and encouraging employees to avoid risks and creating risk management strategies. Baumlink GmbH, Morgan Stanley, and Deutsche Bank are the top recruiters for the highest paid profession in Germany.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and assess potential threats to an organisation.
• Develop strategies to mitigate and minimise risks.
• Create contingency plans to ensure smooth operation during crises.
• Promote a culture of risk awareness within the organisation.

9. College Professor

Average Salary: €78,400
Salary Range: €75,000 - €135,000 annual salary
Qualifications: a relevant master's or doctorate, teaching skills, fluency in German and English
Growth Rate: NA
Becoming a college professor is one of the top 10 highest paid jobs in Germany for international students. All it takes is a love for teaching, great expertise in your subject of preference and perseverance, and you can obtain one of the highest paying jobs in Germany for international students.
Key Responsibilities-

• Design courses and deliver lectures to enlighten students.
• Craft and update curriculum to ensure students learn the latest.
• Design and grade assessments to measure student understanding.

10. Sales Director

Average Salary: €75,000
Salary Range: €60,000 - €150,000. annual salary
Qualifications: at least a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or business administration.
Growth Rate: 5%

A sales director is pivotal in driving a company's success. Leading dynamic sales teams, they craft innovative strategies that propel business growth. This crucial role is one of the highest paying jobs in Germany for international students, reflecting its importance in the corporate world.

Key Responsibilities-

• Motivate and energize staff to make proactive decisions in client communications.
• Create and advertise sales goals weekly, monthly, and quarterly, keeping C-level executives updated on progress.
• Prepare and verify sales reports for accuracy before submission.
• Assess the competitive landscape and adjust the sales program in response to competitors' changes.

Market for the Highest Paying Jobs in Germany in 2024-2025

Germany's robust economy and low unemployment rates create a strong job market. 447,055 skilled immigrants are expected to further boost growth. With 777,301 job vacancies, opportunities abound for migrants seeking a high-quality life in Germany.

Lucrative opportunities for the highest paid profession in Germany wait for both employers and job seekers. The GDP growth rate is projected to increase by 1.3% in 2024 and 1.5% in 2025. This growth will lead to higher pay scales and improved employee benefits while maintaining a good work-life balance, providing reassurance and confidence to the audience.

Factors Affecting Salary in Germany

As previously noted, the average salary in Germany is €45,900 annually. However, earnings at these highest paying jobs in Germany can vary based on several factors discussed below.

• Industry: Jobs in highest paying jobs in Germany like technology, banking & finance, and science offer higher salaries. Thriving industries often match salary growth with sector growth.
• Level of Education: Higher education levels, like a master's degree, significantly boost earnings compared to a bachelor's degree.
• Work Experience: More years of experience lead to higher salaries, reflecting increased expertise.
• Job Roles and Responsibilities: Specialized roles such as cardiologists, pilots, and legal notaries command higher pay due to their expertise and responsibilities.
• Location: Cities like Mannheim, Essen, and Frankfurt offer better salaries compared to other regions.
• Company Position: Companies with the highest paying jobs in Germany can offer better salaries. The size, reputation, and background of the company also influence pay.
• Government Regulations: Labour laws and minimum wage regulations set by government authorities impact salary levels.
• Global Competitiveness: Global economic factors, such as employment rates, inflation, and interest rates, affect the labour market and salaries in Germany.

Now that you've learned the essentials, you're better equipped to pursue your first job in this beautiful country. This wraps up our list of the top 10 highest paying jobs in Germany. We hope you're motivated to pursue your dreams and strive for success in Germany's lucrative job market.