How Much Can You Earn During Ausbildung in Germany?
Understand monthly Ausbildung salary, training-year increases, living expenses and the difference between gross pay and take-home income before choosing your vocational training programme in Germany.
Understand Your Ausbildung Earnings
Most dual vocational training programmes pay a monthly training allowance. The exact amount depends on your occupation, employer, location and applicable collective agreement.
Monthly Training Pay
Your signed training contract states the agreed monthly remuneration. Many employers increase it each training year.
Pay Can Increase
Remuneration commonly rises as you progress through the programme, although the amount depends on your contract.
Gross vs Net
Your take-home pay can be lower than the advertised gross amount because deductions may apply.
Minimum Training Remuneration by Year
The figures below are statutory minimum reference amounts for covered training contracts—not a promise of what every trainee will earn.
| Training Year | Monthly Gross Minimum | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | €724 | Starting reference amount |
| 2nd year | €854 | Higher minimum for the next year |
| 3rd year | €977 | Applies to covered contracts |
| 4th year | €1,014 | For programmes with a fourth year |
Amounts are monthly gross figures. Applicable minimums depend on the legal rules for the specific training contract, including the contract start date and any relevant collective agreement. Check the Federal Employment Agency for current details.
Does Ausbildung Salary Depend on Your Course?
Yes. Different occupations and employers can offer different training remuneration. Use the examples below as career areas to research, not guaranteed salary bands.
Healthcare & Nursing
Training remuneration may be governed by employer-specific or public-sector arrangements. Nursing programmes can follow different rules from standard dual apprenticeships.
Engineering & Industry
Technical and industrial occupations may offer attractive training pay, particularly where collective agreements apply.
IT & Technology
IT remuneration varies significantly by employer and sector. Check the exact occupation and employer's written offer.
Hotel & Hospitality
Training pay can vary by employer, region and applicable industry agreement. Confirm whether meals or accommodation are provided separately.
Retail & Business
Retail, office administration and commercial apprenticeships have different remuneration structures depending on the company and contract.
Skilled Trades
Craft and trade occupations can have different pay scales. Compare the training year, region and any applicable collective agreement.
What Do Trainees Earn on Average?
The latest BIBB figures for 2025 show the average monthly training remuneration in tariff-bound establishments across the included occupations.
2025 Average
Average monthly gross remuneration across training years in tariff-bound establishments included in the BIBB analysis.
First Training Year
Average monthly gross remuneration in the first year in the 2025 tariff-bound dataset.
Fourth Training Year
Average monthly gross remuneration in the fourth year among programmes represented in the dataset.
Source: German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), 2025 tariff remuneration analysis. These averages cover tariff-bound establishments and should not be treated as a universal salary for all Ausbildung placements.
Gross Salary vs Take-Home Pay
The gross amount is your salary before deductions. Net pay is the amount paid into your bank account after applicable deductions.
- Gross salary: The amount stated before deductions in your contract or payslip.
- Social security: Pension, health, unemployment and long-term care contributions may apply.
- Income tax: Whether tax is payable depends on your income and individual circumstances.
- Other costs: Rent, transport, food and personal expenses are generally paid from your take-home income.
Questions to Ask Your Employer
Can Ausbildung Salary Cover Living Costs?
It depends on your take-home pay, rent, city and lifestyle. Accommodation is often the biggest variable in a trainee's budget.
Common Monthly Expenses
Ways to Manage Your Budget
- Compare rent and transport costs before accepting a placement.
- Ask whether the employer offers trainee accommodation.
- Confirm if accommodation or meals are deducted from your pay.
- Plan for your initial arrival costs and deposit.
- Check the visa and financial-proof rules that apply to your case.
- Keep an emergency fund where possible.
How to Verify Your Ausbildung Salary
Follow these steps to understand what you will actually receive and avoid relying on unverified salary promises.
Read the Training Contract
Check the monthly remuneration and how it changes in each training year.
Check the Occupation
Look up the specific occupation and applicable collective agreement, if any.
Calculate Your Budget
Compare estimated take-home pay with rent, food, transport and other costs.
Ausbildung Salary FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about training pay in Germany.
How much salary do Ausbildung trainees get in Germany?
There is no single salary for every trainee. Pay depends on the occupation, employer, region, training year and applicable agreement. The statutory minimum remuneration for covered 2026 contracts begins at €724 gross per month in the first year.
Does Ausbildung salary increase every year?
It commonly increases with each training year, but the exact amounts depend on the training contract and applicable pay rules. Check all years before signing.
Is Ausbildung salary paid monthly?
Dual vocational trainees generally receive remuneration from their training company. Payment terms are set out in the contract and applicable rules.
Is the salary shown on a job advertisement gross or net?
Training remuneration is commonly quoted as gross pay before deductions. Confirm this with the employer and review your contract.
Can I cover my living expenses with Ausbildung salary?
It depends on your net pay, city, rent and lifestyle. Shared accommodation or employer-provided housing may affect your budget, but check any extra costs or deductions carefully.
Do all Ausbildung courses pay a salary?
Dual vocational training generally includes remuneration from the company. School-based vocational programmes can have different arrangements and may not pay a regular training salary. Verify the specific programme before applying.
Does Ausbildung salary guarantee my visa approval?
No. Salary is only one part of the overall situation. Visa requirements depend on the applicable rules and your individual documents and circumstances. Consult the relevant German authority.
Where can I check the official salary for my occupation?
Use the BIBB remuneration database for tariff-based occupation comparisons and the Federal Employment Agency's official guidance. Your employer should also confirm the exact amount in your training contract.
Official Ausbildung Salary Resources
Check current figures and requirements directly from German public institutions.
Choose the Right Ausbildung Path for Your Future
Compare courses, understand eligibility requirements and research your options before applying for vocational training in Germany.