Working in Germany
Germany's job market in 2026: what's hiring & how to get in
The fields short of workers, why the skilled-worker shortage works in your favour, and the exact visa route in for non-EU professionals, students and graduates — with the official numbers to check yourself.
Germany runs a persistent, structural shortage of skilled workers — the Fachkräftemangel — driven by demographics: more people are retiring than entering the workforce. That is why the country reformed its immigration law (the Skilled Immigration Act) and launched the Opportunity Card — it actively wants qualified people from abroad.
For you, that means real demand — but it is uneven. It concentrates in specific shortage fields, it depends heavily on whether your qualification is recognised, and it varies by region and by how much German you speak. Below is where the demand sits, the routes in, and the official trackers so you can see the current numbers for yourself rather than trust a snapshot.
Where the demand is strongest
Healthcare & care
The largest and most persistent shortage — hospitals, clinics and care homes recruit internationally every year.
IT & engineering
Software, data, cybersecurity and all engineering disciplines — often open to English-speaking hires.
Skilled trades
The Handwerk shortage is acute — recognised trade qualifications are in demand nationwide.
Education, transport & hospitality
Teachers, childcare educators, drivers and hospitality staff are recruited across most regions.
See every occupation and its recognition route on the recognition hub.
Your routes into the job market
Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
Come to Germany to look for work: through the points system, or directly if your qualification is already recognised. Live since June 2024.
Explore →EU Blue Card
For graduates with a qualifying job offer — the fastest route to permanent residence.
Explore →From study to work
Turn a German degree into your first job with the 18-month post-study permit.
Explore →Ausbildung
Earn while you train in a shortage trade — a paid way in without a prior degree.
Explore →Not sure which fits? Compare them side by side in the pathways guide, or see how the German application process works in Working in Germany.
What the shortage jobs actually pay — and what they require
The occupations internationals ask us about most, with the two things that decide whether a route is realistic: whether the profession is regulated (your qualification must be formally recognised before you may work) and how much German it genuinely needs. Salaries are gross and typical, not promises.
| Occupation | Typical pay (gross) | German needed | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect Architekt:in | €4,950 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Architekt/in; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | Ask the state chamber about any language evidence required for registration. Employers set the working-language requirement; there is no universal B2 rule for chamber registration. | Required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Car mechatronics technician Kfz-Mechatroniker:in | €3,755 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Kraftfahrzeugmechatroniker/in (Kraftfahrzeugtechnik); a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | The employer sets the language requirement for the specific job. Check the advert and any separate residence-permit requirements; there is no single CEFR threshold for this occupation. | Not required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Carpenter / joiner Tischler:in / Schreiner:in | €3,355 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Tischler/in (Holz-, Möbel- und Innenausbau); a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | The employer sets the language requirement for the specific job. Check the advert and any separate residence-permit requirements; there is no single CEFR threshold for this occupation. | Not required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Chef / cook Koch / Köchin | €3,018 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Koch/Köchin; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | The employer sets the language requirement for the specific job. Check the advert and any separate residence-permit requirements; there is no single CEFR threshold for this occupation. | Not required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Childcare educator (Erzieher) Erzieher:in | €4,314 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Erzieher/in; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | Confirm the required German level and accepted evidence with the state authority. Employer expectations may be higher than the licensing requirement. | Required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Data scientist / AI engineer Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer | Check the exact occupation and region in the BA Entgeltatlas. No verified comparable national figure is quoted here. | The employer sets the language requirement for the specific job. Check the advert and any separate residence-permit requirements; there is no single CEFR threshold for this occupation. | Not required: If needed, ZAB normally takes 3 months after complete documents and payment. For an EU Blue Card, its stated goal is 2 weeks when the required contract and documents are supplied. This is separate from visa processing. |
| Dentist Zahnarzt / Zahnärztin (Approbation) | €6,152 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Zahnarzt/-ärztin (angestellt); a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | Usually B2 general German and C1 professional-language evidence. The state licensing authority specifies accepted proofs and exams. | Required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Doctor (physician) Arzt / Ärztin (Approbation) | €7,450 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Arzt/Ärztin; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | Usually B2 general German and C1 professional-language evidence. The state licensing authority specifies accepted proofs and exams. | Required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Elderly / geriatric carer Pflegefachkraft (Altenpflege) | €4,438 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Pflegefachmann/-frau (Altenpflege); a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | B2 German for recognition as a qualified nursing professional. Assistant-care roles have different requirements. | Required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Electrician / electronics technician Elektroniker:in | €3,935 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Elektroniker/in – Energie- und Gebäudetechnik; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | The employer sets the language requirement for the specific job. Check the advert and any separate residence-permit requirements; there is no single CEFR threshold for this occupation. | Not required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Engineer Ingenieur:in | €7,084 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Ingenieur/in – Maschinenbau; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | The employer sets the language requirement for the specific job. Check the advert and any separate residence-permit requirements; there is no single CEFR threshold for this occupation. | Not required: If needed, ZAB normally takes 3 months after complete documents and payment. For an EU Blue Card, its stated goal is 2 weeks when the required contract and documents are supplied. This is separate from visa processing. |
| Hotel & restaurant professional Hotelfachkraft / Restaurantfachkraft | €2,942 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Hotelfachmann/-frau; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | The employer sets the language requirement for the specific job. Check the advert and any separate residence-permit requirements; there is no single CEFR threshold for this occupation. | Not required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Industrial mechanic Industriemechaniker:in | €4,573 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Industriemechaniker/in; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | The employer sets the language requirement for the specific job. Check the advert and any separate residence-permit requirements; there is no single CEFR threshold for this occupation. | Not required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| IT security specialist IT-Sicherheitsexperte / Cybersecurity | €6,680 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Cyber-Security-Consultant (Experte); a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | The employer sets the language requirement for the specific job. Check the advert and any separate residence-permit requirements; there is no single CEFR threshold for this occupation. | Not required: If needed, ZAB normally takes 3 months after complete documents and payment. For an EU Blue Card, its stated goal is 2 weeks when the required contract and documents are supplied. This is separate from visa processing. |
| IT specialist / software developer Fachinformatiker / Softwareentwickler | €4,612 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Fachinformatiker/in – Anwendungsentwicklung; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | The employer sets the language requirement for the specific job. Check the advert and any separate residence-permit requirements; there is no single CEFR threshold for this occupation. | Not required: If needed, ZAB normally takes 3 months after complete documents and payment. For an EU Blue Card, its stated goal is 2 weeks when the required contract and documents are supplied. This is separate from visa processing. |
| Mechatronics technician Mechatroniker:in | €4,105 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Mechatroniker/in; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | The employer sets the language requirement for the specific job. Check the advert and any separate residence-permit requirements; there is no single CEFR threshold for this occupation. | Not required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Midwife Hebamme / Entbindungspfleger | €4,846 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Hebamme (angestellte Geburtshilfe/Entbindungspflege); a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | Usually B2 German for professional permission. Confirm the required language evidence with the competent state authority. | Required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Occupational therapist Ergotherapeut:in | €3,695 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Ergotherapeut/in; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | Usually B2 German for professional permission. Confirm the required language evidence with the competent state authority. | Required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Paramedic (emergency) Notfallsanitäter:in | €4,447 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Notfallsanitäter/in; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | Usually B2 German for professional permission. Confirm the required language evidence with the competent state authority. | Required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Pharmacist Apotheker:in (Approbation) | Check the exact occupation and region in the BA Entgeltatlas. No verified comparable national figure is quoted here. | Usually B2 general German and C1 professional-language evidence. The state licensing authority specifies accepted proofs and exams. | Required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Physiotherapist Physiotherapeut:in | €3,452 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Physiotherapeut/in; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | Usually B2 German for professional permission. Confirm the required language evidence with the competent state authority. | Required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Plumber / heating & sanitation technician Anlagenmechaniker:in SHK | €3,884 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Anlagenmechaniker/in – Sanitär-, Heizungs- und Klimatechnik; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | The employer sets the language requirement for the specific job. Check the advert and any separate residence-permit requirements; there is no single CEFR threshold for this occupation. | Not required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Professional driver (truck / bus) Berufskraftfahrer:in | €3,196 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Berufskraftfahrer/in (Güterverkehr/LKW); a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | The employer sets the language requirement for the specific job. Check the advert and any separate residence-permit requirements; there is no single CEFR threshold for this occupation. | Not required: Varies — licence conversion + Code 95 modules. |
| Radiology technologist (MTR) Medizinische:r Technolog:in für Radiologie (MTR) | €4,670 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Medizinische/r Technologe/Technologin – Radiologie; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | Usually B2 German for professional permission. Confirm the required language evidence with the competent state authority. | Required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Registered nurse Pflegefachkraft (Gesundheits- und Krankenpfleger:in) | €4,587 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Pflegefachmann/-frau (Gesundheits- und Krankenpflege); a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | B2 German for recognition and permission to use the nursing title. A lower level for a preparatory role does not permit work as a recognised nurse. | Required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Roofer Dachdecker:in | €3,783 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Dachdecker/in; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | The employer sets the language requirement for the specific job. Check the advert and any separate residence-permit requirements; there is no single CEFR threshold for this occupation. | Not required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Social worker Sozialarbeiter:in / Sozialpädagog:in | €4,997 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Sozialarbeiter/in / Sozialpädagoge/-pädagogin; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | Confirm the required German level and accepted evidence with the state authority. Employer expectations may be higher than the licensing requirement. | Required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Speech therapist (Logopäde) Logopäde / Logopädin | €3,576 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Logopäde/Logopädin; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | Confirm the required German level and accepted evidence with the state authority. Employer expectations may be higher than the licensing requirement. | Required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Teacher Lehrer:in | €5,702 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Lehrer/in – Gymnasien (sozialversicherungspflichtig Beschäftigte); a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | C1–C2 German (you teach in German). | Required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
| Train driver Triebfahrzeugführer:in (Lokführer) | €4,251 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Eisenbahner/in – Betriebsdienst – Lokführer/in und Transport; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | German B1 is the statutory language standard under the train-driving rules, subject to specified exceptions. Operators may require a higher level for training and safety communication. | Required: Varies — EU train-driving licence (medical, exams) + company training. |
| Welder / metalworker Fachkraft Metalltechnik / Schweißer | €3,843 gross/month. BA 2025 full-time median for Schweißer/in; a reference for the occupational group, not an entry salary or job offer. | The employer sets the language requirement for the specific job. Check the advert and any separate residence-permit requirements; there is no single CEFR threshold for this occupation. | Not required: Usually 3–4 months for the assessment after all required documents are complete. Extensions, translations, courses, exams and licensing can add time; check the competent authority's procedure. |
Compiled by Talents in Germany from the responsible recognition authorities for each profession; each entry last checked 2026-10-10. Regulated means the job title is legally protected and your qualification must be recognised before you may work in it — that is the single biggest difference between a route that takes weeks and one that takes a year.
Check the official numbers
Job-market data moves — these primary sources always show the current picture, so you don't have to rely on a snapshot.
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Fachkräfteengpassanalyse ↗
The official shortage-occupation analysis: exactly which jobs are undersupplied, by region.
- Destatis — labour market statistics ↗
The Federal Statistical Office: employment, unemployment and vacancy figures, updated monthly.
- ifo Employment Barometer ↗
A closely-watched leading indicator of German companies' near-term hiring plans.
- Make it in Germany (official portal) ↗
The government portal for skilled workers: the shortage list, visa routes and job boards.
Which companies actually work in English?
A link-checked list of employers in Germany where you can work in English — what each does, which city, whether they mention visa sponsorship, and a direct link to their careers page.
Once you've found the roles — apply to more of them
Build an AI-tailored CV and cover letter, then our browser extension fills supported application forms in your own browser — you review every answer and press submit. The extension is free; AI drafting has a fair monthly allowance.
Common questions
Is the German job market good for foreigners in 2026?
Germany has a long-running structural shortage of skilled workers (Fachkräftemangel), so demand for qualified internationals is strong and the immigration rules have been widened to attract them. Prospects are best in the shortage fields — healthcare, IT, engineering and skilled trades — and vary by region and by how much German you speak. For the current figures, check the official sources linked on this page.
Which jobs are most in demand in Germany?
Persistently short occupations include nursing and care, doctors, IT and cybersecurity specialists, engineers, and skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers/HVAC and welders — plus teachers, childcare educators and professional drivers. The Bundesagentur für Arbeit publishes the official shortage-occupation list (Engpassanalyse).
Can I work in Germany without speaking German?
In IT, engineering, research and many startups, you'll find roles that work in English — the advert usually says so, and you can ask in the interview. In healthcare, care, education, the trades and most customer-facing jobs, German (usually B1–B2, and B2 for regulated healthcare) is required for the job and often for recognition of your qualification. Learning German widens your options a lot.
How do I find English-speaking jobs in Germany?
Focus on tech, engineering, research and international companies, and filter for English-language postings on the major boards, Make it in Germany and employers' own career pages. Then apply widely with a German-style CV — our browser extension fills supported application forms from your profile, so each application takes minutes, not an evening.
Do I need my qualification recognised to work in Germany?
For regulated professions (healthcare, teaching, many trades), yes — you need formal recognition (Anerkennung) before you can practise. For unregulated professions (most IT and engineering roles) formal recognition is optional, but for a Blue Card your degree must still be comparable to a German one — anabin or a ZAB statement shows that. Our occupation guides give the exact route for your job.
Overview last reviewed 2026-07-21. Job-market conditions change — always confirm current figures with the official sources above.
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