Germany continues to be a global leader in research and innovation, attracting scholars from around the world. Its high quality of life combined with a relatively affordable cost of living makes it an appealing destination for international academics. If you're considering a move to Germany, here's a breakdown of common academic positions and their respective salaries. All salary figures are in Euros per month and are pre-tax.
Doctorate Degree
In Germany, PhD candidates usually apply for predefined doctoral projects that are closely tied to a professor's research. Unlike in some other countries, German doctoral programs typically do not include coursework; instead, students begin working on their research project immediately. They are often required to take on some teaching duties as well. The time to complete a doctorate varies by field, but it generally takes three to five years.
PhD students' salaries are governed by the federal wage agreement known as the Tarifvertrag der Länder (TV-L). Most PhD candidates are paid at the TV-L E13 level, though their exact salary depends on several factors:
- Pay Grade (Stufe): Determined by years of experience, most PhD students start at Stufe 1 and advance as they gain seniority.
- Working Hours: Salaries are adjusted based on whether a student works 50%, 67%, 75%, or 100% of full-time hours.
- Federal State: Salaries can vary slightly depending on the state where the university is located.
As of 2024, the salary range for a 100% PhD student is approximately €4,253-€5,951 per month. For a 67% position, the range is €2,850-€3,987 per month. You can calculate specific salaries based on your circumstances here.
Postdoctoral Researcher/Fellow
Postdoctoral positions in Germany offer researchers the opportunity to deepen their expertise and gain new skills in a particular field, often involving teaching responsibilities. Typically, postdocs in Germany last two to four years.
Postdoc salaries are also determined by the TV-L agreement, typically at the E13 or, less commonly, the E14 level. Salaries vary depending on experience, working hours, and the state in which the university is located.
For 2024, the salary range for a full-time E13 postdoc is €4,253-€5,951 per month, while an E14 postdoc earns between €4,630-€6,369 per month.
Junior Professorship (Juniorprofessur/Juniordozent)
Junior professorships provide early-career academics with the opportunity to gain experience in research, teaching, administration, and supervision on par with other university instructors. These positions typically last three to four years and can be extended to a maximum of six years. While often temporary, some junior professorships offer a tenure-track option. The German government has committed to creating 1,000 tenure-track junior professorships by 2032. More information available at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
Junior professors are paid according to the W-Besoldung salary table, which dictates base salaries based on the state of employment. For 2024, a W1 junior professor earns between €4,913-€5,521 per month, depending on the state.
Professorship (W2)
Becoming a professor in Germany typically requires completing a Habilitation, receiving a positive evaluation as a junior professor, or leading an independent junior research group. W2 professors are independent researchers and often hold permanent positions. Internal promotion to these roles is rare in Germany, and academics generally cannot be appointed as professors at the university where they completed their Habilitation.
The base salary for a W2 professor in 2024 ranges from €5,565-€6,976 per month, depending on the state. In states like Bavaria, Hesse, and Saxony, multiple pay grades exist within the W2 band, allowing for salary increases over time. Additional income can come from family allowances, retention payments, and performance bonuses.
Full Professorship (W3)
W3 professors hold the highest academic positions in Germany, often involving the responsibility for a chair or an institute. These roles require extensive experience, and there is often a minimum age for eligibility. As public servants, W3 professors typically hold permanent positions with significant job security.
In 2024, the base salary for a W3 professor is between €5,543-€7,778 per month, depending on the state. Like W2 professors, W3 faculty can see their salaries increase over time and may receive additional compensation through allowances and bonuses.
Germany's structured academic career path offers clear salary scales and job security, particularly at the professor level. With ongoing government support for tenure-track positions and a strong emphasis on research, Germany remains an attractive destination for academics at all stages of their careers.
