Indian nationals working in Germany earn the highest average salaries among all full-time employees, according to a new evaluation by the German Economic Institute.
The study is based on employment statistics from the Federal Employment Agency for 2024 and highlights the growing economic importance of skilled Indian professionals in the country.
The data shows that Indians employed full-time in Germany receive a gross median monthly wage of 5,393 euros (approximately 5.7 lakh), placing them ahead of workers from Austria, the United States, and Germany itself.
In comparison, the median wage for German nationals stands at 4,177 euros, while the average for all foreign employees is significantly lower at 3,204 euros.
SALARY COMPARISON BY NATIONALITY
The analysis places Austrian employees second with a median gross wage of 5,322 euros, followed by workers from the United States at 5,307 euros.
Indians top the list, reflecting a clear wage advantage driven by their professional profile. The study underlines that nationality-based income differences are closely linked to the types of jobs held rather than origin alone.
Experts point out that many Indian professionals are employed in highly specialised and academic occupations, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
These roles typically command higher salaries due to skill shortages and strong demand across Germany’s economy.
FULL-TIME MEDIAN WAGES IN GERMANY BY NATIONALITY
(Approximate conversion at 1 euro = Rs 105.6 – actual rates may vary):
| Nationality / Group | Median wage (gross, euros) | Approx. median wage (Indian rupees) |
|---|---|---|
| India | 5,393 € | Rs 569,461 |
| Austria | 5,322 € | Rs 562,123 |
| USA | 5,307 € | Rs 560,179 |
| Ireland & United Kingdom | 5,233 € | Rs 552,665 |
| Northern Europe | 5,114 € | Rs 539,102 |
| China | 4,888 € | Rs 516,761 |
| Switzerland & Liechtenstein | 4,809 € | Rs 507,470 |
| Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands | 4,662 € | Rs 492,307 |
| Brazil | 4,653 € | Rs 491,197 |
| France & Monaco | 4,605 € | Rs 486,048 |
| Germany (nationals) | 4,177 € | Rs 441,091 |
| Romania | 2,762 € | Rs 291,547 |
| Syria | 2,750 € | Rs 290,400 |
| Bulgaria | 2,681 € | Rs 283,178 |
| Foreign employees (total) | 3,204 € | Rs 338,342 |
Note: “Median wage (gross)” refers to the median monthly earnings before taxes and social contributions.
STRONG PRESENCE IN HIGH-SKILL SECTORS
The top position of Indian workers is mainly explained by career choices. A large number of Indian skilled professionals work in academic STEM fields, which are among the highest-paid sectors in Germany.
Since 2012, the number of Indians employed in these professions has increased almost ninefold.
Around one third of full-time employed Indians between the ages of 25 and 44 are working in STEM occupations.
This age group represents a critical segment of the workforce, contributing both technical expertise and long-term economic value.
CONTRIBUTION TO INNOVATION AND GROWTH
The contribution of Indian professionals to innovation in Germany has also grown significantly.
The number of patent applications submitted by inventors with Indian roots has increased twelvefold since 2000, highlighting their expanding role in research and development.
“Without qualified immigration, economic growth in Germany would hardly be possible today – especially in STEM professions and in terms of innovation,” said IW expert Axel Plnnecke.
He stressed the need for faster procedures, clearer rules, and better support for international students entering the German labour market to sustain this momentum.
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