How to use this benchmark
The ranges come from the same data as Salaries by Role & City: a Berlin mid-level figure per role, adjusted for city and experience, with ±13% around the midpoint. They are orientation for an offer, not a pay survey. Collective agreements (Tarifvertrag) set pay for nurses, doctors and public research jobs.
Blue Card: does this offer qualify?
- €50,700 gross a year in 2026 for most jobs.
- €45,934.20 for shortage occupations (most IT, engineering, health and science roles) and for graduates within 3 years of their degree. Below the general threshold, the Federal Employment Agency has to approve the job.
- Below both thresholds, a skilled-worker permit (§18b) can still work if the job matches the qualification.
What a hire really costs
German employers pay roughly half of social insurance on top of gross pay. Up to about €69,750 that adds about 21% plus levies; above the ceilings the percentage falls, because contributions stop growing. Use the total, not the gross, for headcount budgets.
Making an offer Indian candidates compare well
Candidates compare German net savings against their Indian package, not gross figures. Show them the net and the Germany vs India Salary view before they decide.
Sources: Make it in Germany (official portal) · §18g AufenthG (EU Blue Card) · Social insurance rates and ceilings 2026 (overview).