German auto industry wages face pressure amid cost-cutting talks

Workers in the German automotive industry earn approximately 44 percent more than the national average, with gross annual earnings at major manufacturers reaching nearly 93,000 euros compared to a general economic average of roughly 64,000 euros. This pay gap is driven by base salaries as well as long-standing collective agreements and special bonuses.

Specific earnings vary significantly by company. Porsche leads the sector, with 40 percent of its 23,000 employees earning over 100,000 euros annually. Mercedes-Benz reports an average salary of 89,000 euros supplemented by six annual special payments, while BMW averages 82,000 euros and Volkswagen averages 65,000 euros. Even in the supplier sector, companies like ZF offer specific supplements to employees.

These high wage levels and shorter average working hours are now becoming central points of contention in upcoming autumn collective bargaining rounds. As manufacturers face pressure to cut costs, companies including Mercedes-Benz are reviewing special payments, while management seeks to potentially increase working hours or eliminate certain bonuses. The industry is also debating the implementation of a 40-hour work week.