Gehaltsreport 2026: 1,3 Millionen Gehaltsdaten im Vergleich: Gehören Sie zu den Besserverdienern in Deutschland?

In a recent Gehaltsreport from Stepstone, it was revealed that 1.3 million salary data points were analyzed to determine which German industries and professions offer the highest pay. The average gross salary in Germany is 53,900 euros, slightly higher than the Statistisches Bundesamt's figure of 52,200 euros. The top earners are physicians, with a median gross salary of over 100,000 euros.

Engineers, IT specialists, and experts in development also earn significantly more than average. IT professionals, especially those working in future fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, see the highest salaries, with an average of 66,750 euros. However, specialized roles in areas such as IT security and AI can command six-figure salaries.

Leadership roles also tend to increase earnings, with a median salary of 62,000 euros compared to 51,200 euros for non-leadership positions. Education remains a significant factor in earning potential, with academic qualifications placing the median at 68,250 euros. Even non-academic professionals can achieve attractive salaries, such as a meister (master craftsman) in various trades who earns over 56,250 euros.

However, continuous professional development, especially in areas like AI and digital tools, can significantly boost earnings, regardless of formal education. Industries known for high salaries include banking, aviation, and insurance, with the banking sector leading at 70,250 euros. The defense industry is also seeing strong growth, with companies like MBDA and Rheinmetall increasing their workforce and offering competitive salaries.