Germany wage trends: Minimum wage increases and regional earnings growth

Recent labor statistics in Germany highlight shifts in wages and the impact of minimum wage adjustments. In Baden-Württemberg, the median monthly gross earnings for full-time employees rose by 4.4% in 2025 compared to 2024, reaching 4,546 euros. This increase was below the national average growth of 5.1%. Within the state, Stuttgart recorded the highest median income at 5,551 euros, followed by Böblingen and Karlsruhe. The lowest median earnings were found in the Ortenau district.

Nationally, the statutory minimum wage increased to 13.90 euros per hour on January 1, 2026, an 8.4% rise from 2025. Estimates from the Federal Statistical Office suggest this adjustment affects approximately 6.6 million jobs, or about 17% of all employment relationships in Germany. The increase disproportionately benefits women and workers in East Germany, where a higher percentage of jobs fall near the lower wage threshold. The hospitality industry is noted as one of the sectors most affected by these changes.