Germany Reports 6.3 Million Low-Wage Workers in 2025, Earnings Capped at €14.32 per Hour

In Germany, 6.3 million people were employed in low-wage jobs this year, earning a maximum of €14.32 ($16.69) per hour, according to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). This figure represents 16% of all workers, maintaining the same proportion as in 2024.

The statistics reflect employment as of April 2025, when salary averages are calculated. Compared to April 2014, when low-wage employment accounted for 21% of jobs, the sector has steadily declined over the past decade, with notable reductions in 2022 and 2023.

Low-wage jobs in Germany are defined as positions paying less than two-thirds of the median gross hourly wage, excluding trainees. In April 2025, this threshold was €14.32, up from €13.79 in April 2024. It differs from the statutory minimum wage, which is €12.82 in 2025 and scheduled to rise to €13.90 in early 2026.

Experts attribute the decline in low-wage employment largely to the introduction and increases in the minimum wage. Dorothee Spannagel of the Economic and Social Science Institute (WSI) at the Hans Böckler Foundation noted that the minimum wage has “put more money in the pockets of many people and reduced wage inequalities,” helping to lift many workers above the low-wage threshold.