Germany Minimum Wage in Euros: Key Facts and Figures for 2024

According to recently released EU data, Germany boasts one of the highest minimum wages in Europe. In January 2024, the gross minimum wage in Germany stood at €2,054 per month. This figure positions Germany among the leading countries in the European Union for statutory minimum wages.

The EU statistics office, Eurostat, unveiled the minimum wage figures applicable for the first half of 2024. These figures highlight the significant variations in minimum wage levels across Europe. Luxembourg leads the pack with the highest gross monthly minimum wage at €2,571. Following Luxembourg are Ireland (€2,146), the Netherlands (€2,070), and then Germany, demonstrating a cluster of high minimum wage countries in Western Europe.

In stark contrast, the lowest minimum wage within the examined European countries is found in Albania at €385. Countries with similarly low minimum wages include Bulgaria (€477), Montenegro (€533), and Serbia (€544). Turkey, with a gross minimum wage of €613 in January 2024, ranks just above these countries. Other notable minimum wages in Europe include France (€1,767), Spain (€1,323), Greece (€910), and Romania (€663).

When considering purchasing power parity (PPS), which provides a more accurate comparison of living standards across countries by accounting for price level differences, Germany still performs strongly. In terms of purchasing power, Germany leads Europe with the highest minimum wage at 1,883 PPS in 2024. Luxembourg closely follows with 1,877 PPS. These figures indicate that while nominal minimum wage is important, the actual buying power of that wage significantly impacts the living standards of minimum wage earners. The leading countries in purchasing power for minimum wage earners after Germany and Luxembourg are the Netherlands (1,778 PPS), Belgium (1,729 PPS), France (1,599 PPS), and Ireland (1,508 PPS).