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Salary after MS in Germany: Job Opportunities & Salaries in 2024

Updated on 26 March, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

Germany is the fourth most popular study abroad destination among international students, and a Masters of Science degree from a German university is valued by top multinational companies and employers across the globe. Germany is known for its vast research and development in engineering and technology.

German universities are globally ranked and offer research-oriented and practical MS degrees to students. Masters of Science (MS) in Germany attracted over 150,000 students for the year 2020-21. The job market in Germany is prominent for MS degree holders in IT, Engineering, Data Science, and various other specializations. The salary after MS in Germany ranges between €46,000-110,000 (INR 40,11,038 to 95,91,613) yearly. Here are some of the top reasons behind choosing Germany for an MS degree: 

 

Top Reasons to Pursue MS in Germany

1. Germany has always been at the forefront of cutting-edge research. German universities and centers of research have always worked closely with companies and various organizations in the field of science and technology. It offers ample career opportunities for students with an MS degree. 

2. German universities are top-ranked and prestigious globally. There are five globally ranked universities out of the top global 100 universities that offer many specializations in MS. There are various courses and specifications that students can enroll in, to get lucrative job opportunities. 

3. German universities offer education at low and affordable costs. As compared with other European countries, Germany offers the lowest cost of fees for MS courses and degrees. This helps international students to afford and enjoy excellent education from globally recognized universities. 

4. Germany is one of the most powerful economies in the world and offers huge employment opportunities. The remarkable job market creates immense job prospects for students with an MS degree. The jobs are some of the highest paying ones in the industry, with a perfect work-life balance. The quality of work-life is a good one. Competitive employers hire fresh MS graduates from German universities. 

5. After completion of his/her studies, a student who wants to work in Germany may extend his/her visa for up to 18 months. It will help students attain employment after completion of a degree or course. German universities offer part-time work opportunities that help international students gain a lot of industry exposure and corporate visibility. This opens up the opportunity to get permanent employment after the completion of MS. 

6. With an unemployment rate of only 3.1%, Germany provides an average salary of 76,000-103,000 EUR/year (INR 66,27,743 to 89,82,336 per year) for master graduates.

Important Link: Study in Germany

Top Universities for MS in Germany with Course and Duration

UniversityCourseDuration
Technical University MunichMS Mechanical Engineering2 years
University of StuttgartMS Mechanical Engineering2 years
Technical University DarmstadtMS Mechanical engineering2 years
Technical University of HamburgMS Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical and Process Engineering2 years
Ruhr University of BochumMS Mechanical Engineering2 years
University of EssenMS Mechanical Engineering2 years
RWTH Aachen UniversityMS Mechanical Engineering2 years
University Of MagdeburgMaster of Data and Knowledge Engineering2 years
Free University of BerlinMS in Data science2 years
RWTH Aachen UniversityMS in Data Science2 years
University of MannheimMS in Data Science2 years
University of DortmundMS in Data science2 years
University of PassauMS in computer science2 years
Heidelberg UniversityMS in computer science2 years
University of GoettingenMS in computer science2 years
University of KonstanzMS in computer science2 years
RWTH Aachen UniversityMS in computer science2 years
Technical University MunichMS in computer science2 years
Technical University DarmstadtMS in computer science2 years
Technical University MunichM.Sc in Mathematical finance and actuarial science2 years
Free University of BerlinM.Sc in finance, Accounting and Taxation2 years
University of KielM.Sc in Quantitative Finance2 years
Technical University Munich M.Sc in Automotive Engineering  M.Sc in Transportation System2 years
Technical University BerlinMaster’s in Automotive Engineering2 years
RWTH Aachen University M.Sc Automotive Engineering  M.Sc Automotive Engineering and Transport  Master’s in Automotive Engineering2 years
TU Berlin, TU Munich, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, RWTH AachenMS in Chemical Engineering2 years
TUM, TU DortmundMS in Robotics2 years
Charite Universitätsmedizin BerlinNeuroscience, epidemiology, medicine, health science2 years
University of BonnCS, Biotechnology, English, Economic2 years
KIT, RWTH Aachen, TUM, TU BerlinMS in Electrical Engineering2 years

Also Check: Masters in Germany

 

Top Paying Job Opportunities after MS in Germany

Germany has some of the top tech giants, multinationals, conglomerates, the healthcare industry, and various renowned organizations. These brands produce some of the top-paying salaried jobs for students with an MS degree. There are some specializations, like Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, and the Automotive sectors, that offer the best salary packages to students. 

Find out the details about the best-paying MS jobs in Germany. 

1. Data Scientist

Data Scientist is one of the most prominent and developing job profiles that offer the best salary package in the industry. An MS student can expect a salary of €60,391 (INR 52,65,853)annually. The top IT companies and various industries offer a good number of job vacancies in data science. Data Science degree holders work on data interpretation and data analysis to make the right business decisions and win a competitive edge over other brands. A Data Scientist is a good career to opt for after MS. 

2. Engineers

The world needs good engineers, and so is the case for Germany. The country produces a good number of engineering jobs every year with the best salary packages. MS in Chemical Engineering, MS in Electrical Engineering, MS in Mechanical Engineering, and MS in Automotive Engineering are some of the renowned profiles after MS in Engineering. The average salary after MS in Germany for the engineering sector is 46,000 EUR (INR 40,10,326)  per year. 

3. Project Manager

Job opportunities for project managers are immense in Germany. The average salary is around EUR 55,000 (INR 47,95,456) per year. Top companies and multinationals in Germany offer permanent employment to fresh MS graduates with an IT background. Prior experience will be a plus point for students to grab a better salary than freshers. Project managers focus on particular IT projects in an organization and aim for the best revenue. 

4. IT Manager

Information technology managers are highly in demand by tech giants and IT multinationals. IT managers are a prominent part of the organization, and the average salary is around €76,000 (INR 66,26,449)yearly. The globally recognized brands hire IT managers, throughout the year, and it is one of the most demanding careers in Germany for meritorious, technically sound students from all over the world. 

5. Robotics Research Engineers

It is a high-end professional career opportunity that is available in the robust job market in Germany. There is a great demand for robotic engineers in the gaming industry and manufacturing units as well. Robotics Research Engineers are paid the best in the industry, with an average salary of €103,931 (INR 90,61,756) yearly. The prospects and scope of this field are high and promising for professionals. 

6. Automation engineer

An Automation Engineer is a lucrative career after MS in Robotics. The average salary offered to an MS degree holder is around €123,000 (INR 1,07,24,385)annually. Organizations like Google, NASA, and Siemens offer lucrative jobs all year round for the profile of Automation Engineer. The salary of an Automation Engineer varies with experience and company, but it is always a top-notch job prospect. 

7. Avionic system support engineer

Avionic system support engineer jobs are offered by brands like Google, NASA, Siemens, KION Group, Rockwell Automation, Intuitive Surgical, and Zebra Technologies with an average salar

y of €107,000 (INR 93,28,367)yearly. It is a lucrative career after MS in Robotics, and Germany leads the Robotics sector after Sweden. Students enjoy the ample opportunities offered by the best brands in the country. 

8. Big Data specialist

This profile is offered to students with an MS degree in Data Science. Some of the most prominent companies and brands offer ample job vacancies for Big Data professionals. It is a prominent and high-end job opportunity with an average salary of €69,000 (INR 60,15,489)yearly. Data science is one of the most high-paying sectors and is highly in demand in Germany. German universities produce the best skills and talents that are welcomed by employers all over the world. 

9. Master of Surgery

Medicine has always been the most prominent and lucrative career. A Master of Surgery profile is one of the top-notch and best-paying jobs available in Germany. The average salary starts at €110,000 (INR 95,91,560)yearly and keeps increasing with experience. This field of medicine is one of the most demanding and lucrative careers for MS in Surgery professionals. 

Read to Know About Top Universities in Germany
Universities in Germany for MastersUniversities in Germany for Masters in Computer ScienceUniversities in Germany for Civil Engineering
Universities in Germany for MBAUniversities in Germany for Masters in Data ScienceSummer Intake in Germany

Read More: Study in Germany for free | Job opportunities after MS in Germany 

Working Environment in Germany

Germany offers a gross minimum wage of €9.60 (INR 818.89) each hour. This minimum wage is applicable for international students, ex-pats and even those working overtime. The statutory minimum wage has been introduced by The German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs or BMAS. As a full-time employee working a 40-hour week, you will be earning €1,620 (INR 1,38,188) per month at a minimum level. The average hours per week are lower than in several other global nations. The maximum work hours for a week are 48 hrs. (8 hours a day) as laid down by the German regulations. Most businesses work a 5-day and 40-hour week. The working week may increase to 60 hours in certain scenarios. The Timelines are usually flexible, and regular breaks are also given. The companies usually compensate overtime. 

The tax year runs between 1st January and 31st December. You must get a taxpayer ID number, and the employer will deduct income tax after that. The contribution to your future pension is also deducted from the salary in Germany, and this also includes coverage for unemployment, health, accident insurance, and nursing. The social security framework is also available for those coming from other countries. 

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Average Gross Remuneration of Different Regions in Germany

Here is a salary list (gross and approx) for various regions in the country: 

RegionAverage starting salaries for those completing vocational courses Average starting salaries for those with academic qualifications 
Bavaria32.368 Euros48.535 Euros (INR 41.40 lakh)
Baden-Württemberg33.418 Euros (INR 28.54 lakh)50.109 Euros (INR 42.74 lakh)
Hamburg32.590 Euros (INR 27.82 lakh)48.867 Euros (INR 41.68 lakh)
Hesse35.177 Euros (INR 30.03 lakh)52.657 Euros (INR 44.91 lakh)
Brandenburg24.297 Euros (INR 20.74 lakh)36.433 Euros (INR 31.07 lakh)
Bremen29.499 Euros (INR 25.18 lakh)44.233 Euros (INR 37.73 lakh)
Schleswig-Holstein27.175 Euros (INR 23.20 lakh)40.748 Euros (INR 34.75 lakh)
North Rhine-Westphalia31.020 Euros (INR 26.48 lakh)46.513 Euros (INR 39.67 lakh)
Berlin29.081 Euros (INR 24.83 lakh)43.605 Euros (INR 37.19 lakh)
Rhineland-Palatinate30.272 Euros (INR 25.84 lakh)45.392 Euros (INR 38.71 lakh)
Saarland29.244 Euros (INR 24.97 lakh43.850 Euros (INR 37.40 lakh)
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern23.380 Euros (INR 19.96 lakh)35.057 Euros (INR 29.90 lakh)
Saxony-Anhalt24.282 Euros (INR 20.73 lakh)36.409 Euros (INR 31.05 lakh)
Saxony24.605 Euros (INR 21.01 lakh)36.894 Euros (INR 31.47 lakh)
Thuringia24.947 Euros (INR 21.30 lakh)37.406 Euros (INR 31.90 lakh)

Highest Paying Professions/Industries in Germany

Here is a closer look at the occupations/industries in Germany which pay the most. 

Profession/Industry Gross annual income (approx)
Scientific research56.466 Euros (INR 48.16 lakh)
Finance76.354 Euros (INR 65.13 lakh)
PR57.741 Euros (INR 49.25 lakh)
Law70.042 Euros (INR 59.74 lakh)
Consulting63.893 Euros (INR 54.50 lakh)
Engineering64.541 Euros (INR 55.05 lakh)
IT60.545 Euros (INR 51.64 lakh)
Sales63.837 Euros (INR 54.45 lakh)
HR58.408 Euros (INR 49.82 lakh)
Marketing60.424 Euros (INR 51.54 lakh)
Banking65.006 Euros (INR 55.45 lakh)
Insurance55.301 Euros (INR 47.17 lakh)
Doctor92.316 Euros (INR 78.74 lakh)
Purchasing, transport & logistics51.501 Euros (INR 43.93 lakh)
Health & social services49.866 Euros (INR 42.53 lakh)
Technical jobs46.119 Euros (INR 39.34 lakh)
Design48.259 Euros (INR 41.16 lakh)
Education50.352 Euros (INR 42.95 lakh)

Average Salaries in Top German Cities

  • Frankfurt- €66,529 (INR 56.75 lakh)
  • Munich- €65,164 (INR 55.58 lakh)
  • Stuttgart-€66,174 (INR 56.44 lakh)
  • Berlin- €50,953 (INR 43.46 lakh)
  • Dresden- €38,348 (INR 32.71 lakh)
  • Hamburg- €52,444 (INR 44.73 lakh)

Conclusion

In terms of technology and research, Germany is competent and globally recognized. Technology and research are some of the areas that make Germany an attractive destination for international students to pursue MS from German universities. Germany is home to five universities that hold a rank within the top 100 globally ranked universities in the world. The research facilities, world-class education facilities, work permits, and lucrative job opportunities, of course, make this the 4th most favorite overseas education destination. Germany produces some of the highest-paying jobs for MS degree holders. There are jobs for varied specializations and one can get a handsome average salary after MS in Germany. Germany is strict when it comes to eligibility, and international students that aim to pursue MS at German universities need to meet the various eligibility criteria. 

In conclusion, pursuing a Master of Science (MS) in Germany presents lucrative job opportunities and competitive salaries for graduates in 2024, especially in fields like engineering, computer science, and business. The blend of Germany's robust education system, strong industrial base, and thriving economy creates an environment where MS graduates are highly sought after. Salaries post-MS in Germany are reflective of the country’s appreciation for academic achievement and professional expertise, offering graduates a rewarding return on their educational investment. With opportunities in both established corporations and innovative startups, MS graduates in Germany find themselves well-positioned to embark on successful and fulfilling career paths. Additionally, the country's favorable work-life balance and social security benefits further enhance the appeal of working in Germany after completing a Master's 

Important Resources to Read for Study in Germany
Student Visa for GermanyEducation System in GermanyScholarship for MS in Germany
Master in Automotive Engineering in GermanyScholarships for Indian Students in GermanyStudent Accommodation in Berlin
MBA in Germany Without GMATReasons to Study at IU GermanyWinter Intake in Germany
Master of Business Administration in GermanyMaster in Computer Science in GermanyBest Universities in Germany

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility for international students to study MS in Germany?

Germany is one of the most preferred destinations for MS degrees worldwide. However, the eligibility criteria are high when it comes to admission because the competition is immense. The number of applications exceeds the intake capacity. Here are all the eligibility criteria that international students need to meet to secure admission to MS:

1. International students need to have 4 years of full-time bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. The minimum cut-off score for graduation is 7.0 GPA on a scale of 10, and 70% marks, whichever is applicable under the university. The degree should be from a recognized university board.

2. Top universities will ask for a valid score on the GATE examination. Students need to confirm with the university at the time of application. You are advised to go through the official website of the universities for complete details.

3. English language proficiency examinations like IELTS and TOEFL scores are important. The medium of communication and education is done in English. Apart from this, German proficiency is also a must-have. For this, the examinations are DAAD, TestDaF, DSH, DSH-2, etc. that needs to be attained by international students.

4. A Letter of recommendation from the past university, organization or employer with whom you have worked helps a lot.

5. An updated copy of resume or curriculum vitae.

What kind of work experience will help secure admission for an MS degree?

Work experience enhances the chances of getting an easy admission to MS. Masters in Science is a professional course, and there are universities in Germany that focus on some industry exposure and prior experience of candidates. The choice between a fresher and a candidate with some work experience will always make the experienced one secure admission. Also, what matters is relevant experience. The work experience should be from the same domain. For example, a candidate seeking admission to Mechanical Engineering needs to have work experience in Mechanical engineering and not in Sales. Work experience will be counted by universities in Germany only when it is relevant to the degree. Those candidates with good skills and practical knowledge of MS degree are more favoured for the courses they seek.

How much can a student with a master’s degree earn in Germany?

A student with a master’s degree may earn up to €450 (INR 38425) each tax-free month. Those earning more than this need to get their income tax numbers. As a result, the taxes get deducted automatically from their salaries. Students can earn up to this threshold each month while employed part-time. They can also get a refund of the money paid in taxes at the end of each tax year by submitting their income tax returns.

What is a good salary offered by Germany?

Germany offers attractive salaries to employees. A good average salary is mostly between €64,000 and €81,000 (INR 54.59-69 lakh) on average. The gross salary will depend on the industry, education levels and profession. Average annual wages were €42,500 (INR 36.25 lakh) per year in 2020 for Germany as per studies. It grew significantly from €42,828 (INR 36.53 lakh) in 2019 and €42,177 (INR 35.97 lakh) in 2018.

Which job has the highest salary in Germany?

Several jobs offer high salaries in Germany. Some of them include actuary, production engineer, tax advisor, corporate development speakers, traders, key account managers, SAP HR consultants, regional managers, consultant or head physicians, regional sales managers, sales management and sales control professionals, senior physicians and more.

What is the salary for Indians in Germany?

Indian aspirants can earn between €45,000-60,000 (INR 38.38 lakh to INR 51.18 lakh) in Germany, depending on their skill sets, qualifications and the company in question. These are good salaries for IT professionals and those in technology fields. Depending on the job role and designation, other industries may have slightly lower wages or even higher.

What salary can be expected after the Master’s in Germany?

In most cases, completing a Master’s course in Germany means accessing several job opportunities. Germany has a low unemployment rate, while average salaries between €76,000-103,000 (INR 64.82-87.86 lakh) are expected for Master’s graduates in high-paying positions. International students working part-time while doing their Master’s in Germany can earn up to €450 (INR 38,385) per month without paying taxes. Any amount above this will naturally be taxable.

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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