Is Germany open to employing non-EU workers? After meticulous research on government websites, and reputed compensation and data companies, I think you have a high chance of getting a lucrative job opportunity there.
Don’t believe me? Let the stats do the talking!
-Nearly 4 lakh international workers were employed in Germany by the end of 2023.
-In 2022, the foreign STEM workforce number reached 202,000, an uptick of 190% since 2012.
-The average annual salary after MS in Germany stands at €53,000 (Payscale 2024).
Need more proof about Germany being an apt destination for pursuing your MS degree? Read on.
Germany has always been an innovation hub in terms of the age-old automobile industry. In the recent past, it has also emerged as a startup hub in the new age of technologies and services.
Given are some of the main reasons for a person to pursue an MS in Germany:
Germany is home to many top-ranked universities, with 49 universities featured in QS WUR 2024.
The country offers a wide range of MS specializations, including economics, engineering, health, medicine, and many more.
Germany offers affordable education with low tuition fees, with most of the public institutions being financed by the state. Fees in private universities vary according to the programs they offer.
The country supports cutting-edge research and industry collaboration across various domains be it educational or entrepreneurial.
Fourth largest economy in the world with a per capita GDP of $48,718 and a good work-life balance.
The country offers part-time work opportunities of 120 full days or 240 half days during studies for industry exposure and extra income to international students.
Germany has a high employment rate of 76.9%.
Graduates' average salary after MS in Germany ranges from €46,000 to 110,000 yearly.
Top Universities for MS in Germany with Course and Duration
University
Course
Duration
Technical University Munich
MS Mechanical Engineering
2 years
University of Stuttgart
MS Mechanical Engineering
2 years
Technical University Darmstadt
MS Mechanical engineering
2 years
Technical University of Hamburg
MS Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical and Process Engineering
2 years
Ruhr University of Bochum
MS Mechanical Engineering
2 years
University of Essen
MS Mechanical Engineering
2 years
RWTH Aachen University
MS Mechanical Engineering
2 years
University Of Magdeburg
Master of Data and Knowledge Engineering
2 years
Free University of Berlin
MS in Data science
2 years
RWTH Aachen University
MS in Data Science
2 years
University of Mannheim
MS in Data Science
2 years
University of Dortmund
MS in Data science
2 years
University of Passau
MS in computer science
2 years
Heidelberg University
MS in computer science
2 years
University of Goettingen
MS in computer science
2 years
University of Konstanz
MS in computer science
2 years
RWTH Aachen University
MS in computer science
2 years
Technical University Munich
MS in computer science
2 years
Technical University Darmstadt
MS in computer science
2 years
Technical University Munich
M.Sc in Mathematical finance and actuarial science
2 years
Free University of Berlin
M.Sc in finance, Accounting and Taxation
2 years
University of Kiel
M.Sc in Quantitative Finance
2 years
Technical University Munich
M.Sc in Automotive Engineering M.Sc in Transportation System
2 years
Technical University Berlin
Master’s in Automotive Engineering
2 years
RWTH Aachen University
M.Sc Automotive Engineering M.Sc Automotive Engineering and Transport Master’s in Automotive Engineering
2 years
TU Berlin, TU Munich, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, RWTH Aachen
MS in Chemical Engineering
2 years
TUM, TU Dortmund
MS in Robotics
2 years
Charite Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Neuroscience, epidemiology, medicine, health science
Germany has some of the top tech giants, multinationals, conglomerates, the healthcare industry, and various renowned organizations. These brands produce some of the top-paying salaried jobs for students with an MS degree.
There are some specializations, like Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, and the Automotive sectors, that offer the best salary packages to students.
Find out the details about the best-paying MS jobs in Germany.
1. Data Scientist
Data Scientist is one of the most prominent and developing job profiles that offer the best salary package in the industry. An MS student can expect a salary of €60,391 (INR 52,65,853)annually. The top IT companies and various industries offer a good number of job vacancies in data science.
Data Science degree holders work on data interpretation and data analysis to make the right business decisions and win a competitive edge over other brands. A Data Scientist is a good career to opt for after MS.
2. Engineers
The world needs good engineers, and so is the case for Germany. The country produces a good number of engineering jobs every year with the best salary packages. MS in Chemical Engineering, MS in Electrical Engineering, MS in Mechanical Engineering, and MS in Automotive Engineering are some of the renowned profiles after MS in Engineering.
The average salary after MS in Germany for the engineering sector is 46,000 EUR (INR 40,10,326) per year.
3. Project Manager
Job opportunities for project managers are immense in Germany. The average salary is around EUR 55,000 (INR 47,95,456) per year.
Top companies and multinationals in Germany offer permanent employment to fresh MS graduates with an IT background. Prior experience will be a plus point for students to grab a better salary than freshers. Project managers focus on particular IT projects in an organization and aim for the best revenue.
4. IT Manager
Information technology managers are highly in demand by tech giants and IT multinationals. IT managers are a prominent part of the organization, and the average salary is around €76,000 (INR 66,26,449)yearly. The globally recognized brands hire IT managers, throughout the year, and it is one of the most demanding careers in Germany for meritorious, technically sound students from all over the world.
5. Robotics Research Engineers
It is a high-end professional career opportunity that is available in the robust job market in Germany. There is a great demand for robotic engineers in the gaming industry and manufacturing units as well.
Robotics Research Engineers are paid the best in the industry, with an average salary of €103,931 (INR 90,61,756) yearly. The prospects and scope of this field are high and promising for professionals.
6. Automation engineer
An Automation Engineer is a lucrative career after MS in Robotics. The average salary offered to an MS degree holder is around €123,000 (INR 1,07,24,385)annually.
Organizations like Google, NASA, and Siemens offer lucrative jobs all year round for the profile of Automation Engineer. The salary of an Automation Engineer varies with experience and company, but it is always a top-notch job prospect.
7. Avionic system support engineer
Avionic system support engineer jobs are offered by brands like Google, NASA, Siemens, KION Group, Rockwell Automation, Intuitive Surgical, and Zebra Technologies, with an average salary of €107,000 (INR 93,28,367) yearly.
It is a lucrative career after an MS in Robotics, and Germany leads the Robotics sector after Sweden. Students enjoy the ample opportunities offered by the best brands in the country.
8. Big Data Specialist
This profile is offered to students with an MS degree in Data Science. Some of the most prominent companies and brands offer ample job vacancies for Big Data professionals. It is a prominent and high-end job opportunity with an average salary of €69,000 (INR 60,15,489) yearly.
Data science is one of the most high-paying sectors and is highly in demand in Germany. German universities produce the best skills and talents that are welcomed by employers all over the world.
9. Master of Surgery
Medicine has always been the most prominent and lucrative career. A Master of Surgery profile is one of the top-notch and best-paying jobs available in Germany. The average salary starts at €110,000 (INR 95,91,560)yearly and keeps increasing with experience.
This field of medicine is one of the most demanding and lucrative careers for MS in Surgery professionals.
Germany offers a gross minimum wage of €9.60 (INR 818.89) each hour. This minimum wage is applicable for international students, ex-pats, and even those working overtime. The statutory minimum wage has been introduced by The German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs or BMAS.
As a full-time employee working a 40-hour week, you will be earning €1,620 (INR 1,38,188) per month at a minimum level. The average hours per week are lower than in several other global nations. The maximum work hours for a week are 48 hrs. (8 hours a day) as laid down by the German regulations.
Most businesses work a 5-day and 40-hour week. The working week may increase to 60 hours in certain scenarios. The timelines are usually flexible, and regular breaks are also given. The companies usually compensate overtime.
The tax year runs between 1st January and 31st December. You must get a taxpayer ID number, and the employer will deduct income tax after that.
The contribution to your future pension is also deducted from the salary in Germany, and this also includes coverage for unemployment, health, accident insurance, and nursing. The social security framework is also available for those coming from other countries.
Average Gross Remuneration of Different Regions in Germany
Here is a salary list (gross and approx) for various regions in the country:
Region
Average starting salaries for those completing vocational courses
Average starting salaries for those with academic qualifications
Bavaria
32.368 Euros
48.535 Euros (INR 41.40 lakh)
Baden-Württemberg
33.418 Euros (INR 28.54 lakh)
50.109 Euros (INR 42.74 lakh)
Hamburg
32.590 Euros (INR 27.82 lakh)
48.867 Euros (INR 41.68 lakh)
Hesse
35.177 Euros (INR 30.03 lakh)
52.657 Euros (INR 44.91 lakh)
Brandenburg
24.297 Euros (INR 20.74 lakh)
36.433 Euros (INR 31.07 lakh)
Bremen
29.499 Euros (INR 25.18 lakh)
44.233 Euros (INR 37.73 lakh)
Schleswig-Holstein
27.175 Euros (INR 23.20 lakh)
40.748 Euros (INR 34.75 lakh)
North Rhine-Westphalia
31.020 Euros (INR 26.48 lakh)
46.513 Euros (INR 39.67 lakh)
Berlin
29.081 Euros (INR 24.83 lakh)
43.605 Euros (INR 37.19 lakh)
Rhineland-Palatinate
30.272 Euros (INR 25.84 lakh)
45.392 Euros (INR 38.71 lakh)
Saarland
29.244 Euros (INR 24.97 lakh
43.850 Euros (INR 37.40 lakh)
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
23.380 Euros (INR 19.96 lakh)
35.057 Euros (INR 29.90 lakh)
Saxony-Anhalt
24.282 Euros (INR 20.73 lakh)
36.409 Euros (INR 31.05 lakh)
Saxony
24.605 Euros (INR 21.01 lakh)
36.894 Euros (INR 31.47 lakh)
Thuringia
24.947 Euros (INR 21.30 lakh)
37.406 Euros (INR 31.90 lakh)
Highest Paying Professions/Industries in Germany
Here is a closer look at the occupations/industries in Germany which pay the most.
Profession/Industry
Gross annual income (approx)
Scientific research
56.466 Euros (INR 48.16 lakh)
Finance
76.354 Euros (INR 65.13 lakh)
PR
57.741 Euros (INR 49.25 lakh)
Law
70.042 Euros (INR 59.74 lakh)
Consulting
63.893 Euros (INR 54.50 lakh)
Engineering
64.541 Euros (INR 55.05 lakh)
IT
60.545 Euros (INR 51.64 lakh)
Sales
63.837 Euros (INR 54.45 lakh)
HR
58.408 Euros (INR 49.82 lakh)
Marketing
60.424 Euros (INR 51.54 lakh)
Banking
65.006 Euros (INR 55.45 lakh)
Insurance
55.301 Euros (INR 47.17 lakh)
Doctor
92.316 Euros (INR 78.74 lakh)
Purchasing, transport & logistics
51.501 Euros (INR 43.93 lakh)
Health & social services
49.866 Euros (INR 42.53 lakh)
Technical jobs
46.119 Euros (INR 39.34 lakh)
Design
48.259 Euros (INR 41.16 lakh)
Education
50.352 Euros (INR 42.95 lakh)
Top Recruiting Companies in Germany
Germany is home to numerous global corporations that are top recruiters for MS graduates. These include automotive giants like BMW, Bosch, Siemens, Volkswagen, and Daimler. Graduates can find opportunities in various fields, such as engineering, technology, and business management.
Other top companies based on their market capitalization in Germany that actively recruit year-long are SAP, Deutsche Telekom, Allianz, DHL, Adidas, Munich RE, etc. Being the startup hub of Europe with as many as 32 unicorns, there are many job opportunities with a good average salary after MS in Germanyfor the aspirants.
These companies are known for their innovative work environment and offer careers that contribute to shaping the future.
Average Salaries in Top German Cities
Frankfurt- €66,529 (INR 56.75 lakh)
Munich- €65,164 (INR 55.58 lakh)
Stuttgart-€66,174 (INR 56.44 lakh)
Berlin- €50,953 (INR 43.46 lakh)
Dresden- €38,348 (INR 32.71 lakh)
Hamburg- €52,444 (INR 44.73 lakh)
Conclusion
Pursuing a Master of Science (MS) in Germany presents lucrative job opportunities and competitive salaries for graduates in 2024, especially in fields like engineering, computer science, and business.
The blend of Germany's robust education system, strong industrial base, and thriving economy creates an environment where MS graduates are highly sought after.
Salaries post-MS in Germany are reflective of the country’s appreciation for academic achievement and professional expertise, offering graduates a rewarding return on their educational investment.
With opportunities in both established corporations and innovative startups, MS graduates in Germany find themselves well-positioned to embark on successful and fulfilling career paths.
What is the eligibility for international students to study MS in Germany?
Germany is a top destination for MS degrees, but high eligibility criteria and fierce competition make admissions challenging.
To secure admission, international students need a 4-year full-time bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum 7.0 GPA or 70% marks from a recognized university, a valid GATE score, proficiency in English (IELTS/TOEFL) and German (DAAD, TestDaF, DSH, DSH-2) is mandatory. Additional requirements include a letter of recommendation and an updated resume or CV.
What kind of work experience will help secure admission for an MS degree?
Work experience significantly boosts the chances of admission to an MS program in Germany. Universities prefer candidates with relevant industry exposure, making those with experience more likely to secure a spot over freshers.
Relevant work experience in the same domain as the desired degree, such as Mechanical Engineering for a Mechanical Engineering MS, is crucial. Candidates with practical knowledge and skills in their field are more favored for admission.
How much can a student with a master’s degree earn in Germany?
A student with a master’s degree may earn up to €450 (INR 38425) each tax-free month. Those earning more than this need to get their income tax numbers. As a result, the taxes get deducted automatically from their salaries. Students can earn up to this threshold each month while employed part-time.
They can also get a refund of the money paid in taxes at the end of each tax year by submitting their income tax returns.
What is a good salary offered by Germany?
Germany offers attractive salaries to employees. A good average salary is mostly between €64,000 and €81,000 (INR 54.59-69 lakh) on average. The gross salary will depend on the industry, education level and profession.
Which job has the highest salary in Germany?
Several jobs offer high salaries in Germany. Some of them include actuary, production engineer, tax advisor, corporate development speaker, trader, key account manager, SAP HR consultant, regional manager, consultant or head physician, regional sales manager, sales management and sales control professional, senior physician and more.
What is the salary for Indians in Germany?
Indian aspirants can earn between €45,000-60,000 (INR 38.38 lakh to INR 51.18 lakh) in Germany, depending on their skill sets, the industry they are working in, qualifications, and the company.
What salary can be expected after the Master’s in Germany?
In most cases, completing a Master’s course in Germany means accessing several job opportunities. Germany has a low unemployment rate, while average salaries between €76,000-103,000 (INR 64.82-87.86 lakh) are expected for Master’s graduates in high-paying positions.
International students working part-time while doing their Master’s in Germany can earn up to €450 (INR 38,385) per month without paying taxes. Any amount above this will naturally be taxable.
Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technology, payroll, and education. She has worked as a creator for a few leading companies and has also helped brands grow through her creative writing.
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