How Much Do You Get Paid in Ausbildung?
Yes. Ausbildung trainees in Germany really do get paid. This is one of the biggest reasons the program is so popular, especially among international students. While you are learning, studying, and training, you also receive a monthly salary from your company.
This salary increases every year as you gain more experience.
Your exact salary depends on:
- Your profession
- Your company
- Your location (big cities pay slightly more)
- Your industry’s official pay agreement (Tarifvertrag)
Some fields pay higher than the average, especially jobs where Germany urgently needs workers.
Salary Examples by Profession
1. Nursing (Pflegefachkraft) — High Pay + High Demand
One of the best-paying Ausbildung programs.
- Year 1: €1,000–€1,150
- Year 2: €1,100–€1,250
- Year 3: €1,200–€1,300
Why it pays more:
- Nursing is in strong demand
- Germany lacks thousands of nurses
- Hospitals offer competitive salaries to attract trainees
2. IT Specialist (Fachinformatiker) — Great for Tech Lovers
- Year 1: €900–€1,050
- Year 2: €1,000–€1,150
- Year 3: €1,100–€1,200
IT Ausbildung often leads to very high salaries after graduation, sometimes €3,000–€4,000+ per month.
3. Hospitality (Hotel & Restaurant)
- Year 1: €800–€900
- Year 2: €850–€950
- Year 3: €900–€1,000
Hospitality is perfect for people who enjoy meeting people and working in dynamic environments. Many companies also offer:
- Free meals
- Free uniforms
- Staff accommodation
4. Mechatronics / Engineering Fields
- Year 1: €900–€1,050
- Year 2: €1,000–€1,150
- Year 3: €1,100–€1,250
Germany is known for engineering, so these fields offer strong job security and career growth.
5. Office Administration (Büromanagement)
- Year 1: €850–€950
- Year 2: €900–€1,050
- Year 3: €1,000–€1,150
Great for students who prefer office work and a calmer work environment.
Why This Salary Matters
Germany’s Ausbildung salary is designed to cover basic living expenses such as:
- Rent (especially in shared apartments)
- Food and groceries
- Transportation
- Health insurance (which is mandatory but often affordable for trainees)
- Daily living costs
While you won’t be “rich,” the salary is enough to live independently in Germany — something many students in other countries cannot do because they have to pay tuition fees.
Extra Benefits You May Receive
Many companies offer additional perks such as:
✔ Free uniform or equipment
✔ Discounts for public transportation
✔ Paid vacation (usually 25–30 days per year)
✔ Bonuses or allowances
✔ Extra classes or exam preparation
✔ Housing assistance or cheap dorm rooms
Some hospitals even provide free accommodation, which helps students save more money.
Salary After Completing Ausbildung
After finishing the program, your salary increases significantly.
Typical beginner salary after graduation:
- Most fields: €2,200–€3,000 per month
- IT and engineering: €3,000–€4,000+
- Nursing: €2,800–€3,400
- Hospitality: €2,000–€2,500 (but increases fast with experience)
And because Germany needs skilled workers, your chances of getting a job immediately after Ausbildung are very high.
Why Ausbildung Is Great for International Students
If you are considering studying or working in Germany, Ausbildung (vocational training) is an excellent option. Here’s why:
✔ Earn Money While Studying
Unlike traditional university programs, you start earning from day one.
- Gross salary (Bruttogehalt): around €850–€1,200 per month in the first year.
- Net salary (Nettogehalt): after taxes, health insurance, and social contributions, usually €700–€950 per month.
- Your salary increases each year:
- Second year: ~€900–€1,100 gross
- Third year: ~€1,050–€1,300 gross
💡 Tip: For non-EU students, taxes may be lower if your income is below certain thresholds, so your net salary could be closer to your gross salary in the first year.
✔ Free or Low-Cost Education
Vocational schools in Germany usually do not charge tuition fees, so you can study without taking on student debt. Administrative fees are small, typically €50–€150 per semester.
✔ High Job Security After Training
Many companies hire their trainees directly after completing the program. Sectors like IT, engineering, and healthcare have high trainee-to-job conversion rates.
✔ Pathway to Long-Term Stay in Germany
After completing Ausbildung and gaining work experience, you can apply for a long-term residence permit, which can eventually lead to permanent residency or even citizenship.
✔ Germany Needs Skilled Workers
Germany is facing a shortage of skilled workers, so job opportunities and competitive salaries are abundant for vocationally trained professionals.
Requirements to Join Ausbildung
Typically, you need:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- German language skills at B1–B2 level (some programs may require C1)
- Training contract from a German company
- Ausbildung visa (for non-EU students)
With proper preparation, the process is manageable and straightforward.
How to Apply for Ausbildung (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare Your Documents
- CV (Lebenslauf) in German format
- Motivation letter (Anschreiben)
- High school diploma and transcripts (translated into German)
- German language certificate
- Find Ausbildung Positions
- Make It in Germany
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit
- Company websites and LinkedIn
- Apply to Companies
- Send documents via email or online application portals
- Tailor your CV and motivation letter for each company
- Attend the Interview
- Most interviews are online
- Be prepared to answer questions about your motivation, skills, and availability
- Get the Training Contract
- If accepted, the company will provide an official Ausbildungsvertrag
- Apply for the Visa
- Submit your contract and documents to the German embassy in your home country
Most Popular Ausbildung Fields
The most in-demand fields include:
- Healthcare – Nursing, Elder Care
- IT & Technology – IT Specialist, Software Development
- Engineering – Mechatronics, Industrial Mechanics
- Hospitality & Tourism – Hotel Management, Culinary Arts
- Administration & Business – Office Administration, Retail Management
These fields offer competitive salaries, stable employment, and long-term career opportunities.
Is Ausbildung Worth It?
With Ausbildung, you get:
- Hands-on work experience
- Stable monthly income (gross vs net clearly explained)
- High chance of employment
- Free education
- A clear pathway to living and working in Germany
It’s a great way to build a career abroad without expensive tuition fees.
Final Thoughts
Ausbildung is a life-changing opportunity for anyone who wants to:
🌟 Learn practical skills
🌟 Earn a monthly salary
🌟 Build a strong career in Germany
🌟 Start a better future abroad
Germany needs skilled workers, and international trainees are highly welcome. With hard work and readiness to learn, Ausbildung could be the perfect stepping stone for your future.
