According to German law, Germany has a minimum wage (Mindestlohn). It also applies to the construction sector, regardless of whether the workers reside permanently in Germany or are temporarily posted by a foreign employer. In 2024, the minimum wage per hour of work is 12.41 euros gross (net). A construction painter can expect an hourly rate of 11 to 15 euros gross.
At full employment, the legally guaranteed wage in the construction industry in Germany is approximately 2,150 euros per month. This is the total amount from which taxes and social security contributions are subtracted. This means that the net income of a construction worker will be lower, but still more attractive compared to many other countries.
Weekly working hours on a construction site in Germany range from 38 to 41 hours. Work breaks are not paid. At the end of the working day, the employee has the right to rest for at least 11 hours.
Overtime work in Germany for builders is paid at the following rates:
Immediately upon arrival in Germany, workers receive the minimum wage. As construction workers gain experience, their earnings increase.
According to StepStone, a platform that compares salaries across industries, construction workers in Germany will earn an average of 37,700 euros per year in 2024, which equates to 3,142 euros per month or 19.64 euros per hour.
The highest paid workers in the German construction industry, such as steel fitters, welders, carpenters and roofers, earn €44,700 per year or €3,725 per month.
The net salary of a construction worker in Germany depends on factors such as tax class and any allowances. It ranges from 48 to 65% of gross wages at full employment. If you have an education diploma, the builder can expect a net profit of approximately 18,096–24,505 euros per year.
Although there are many offers for construction workers in Germany, finding an attractive job is not as easy as it might seem, especially if you do it yourself. Therefore, many people rely on acquaintances – they get their first job in a company where one of their friends already works. This is a very good option that allows you to feel more confident in unfamiliar territory and count on the necessary support. Another way is to look for vacancies on German employment portals by searching “work in Germany construction worker” However, in this case, you can fall for scammers. Such offers may include illegal employment in Germany, which means the absence of any security and guarantee of receiving money for your work.
The safest way to find a job in Germany, even without experience, is to use the services of a recruitment agency for work in Europe, Group Working. The agency representative has access to the best job offers in Germany and can offer the candidate a job that matches his education, predispositions and wishes. An employee can count on full information and advisory support – from preparing documents for a visa and traveling to Germany to concluding a contract. This kind of work is legal. This guarantees the receipt of benefits – insurance, a number of social and medical benefits.
It all depends on the position for which the applicant is applying. The job offer must clearly indicate whether the position requires knowledge of the German language. Usually in the construction industry, basic knowledge of a foreign language, at least English, is sufficient. But the better a specialist knows German, the easier it will be for him to find a well-paid job in Germany.
Even if a construction worker has applied for a position that does not require knowledge of German, it is worth learning at least a few basic phrases. This will make you feel confident in your new place. Staying abroad involves more than just construction work in Germany. In your free time you will need to shop and use various services. Knowledge of the basics of the German language will make it easier to solve many everyday issues. Ignorance of the German language and legislation does not exempt you from legal liability.