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

Gehaltsreport 2026: 1,3 Millionen Gehaltsdaten verglichen – sind Sie zu den Topverdienern in Deutschland? The average gross salary in Germany reaches 53,900 euros, in line with figures from the Federal Statistical Office. Meanwhile, the median salary sits in the middle, with an equal number of underpaid and overpaid positions. At the top of Stepstone's ranking are doctors, with an average gross salary exceeding 100,000 euros.

Engineers, IT specialists, and experts in development also earn significantly more than the average. Particularly lucrative is a position as an internal medicine physician, earning over 102,500 euros, as a department head (80,500 euros), or as a development engineer (75,500 euros). IT specialists earn particularly well, especially in future fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

Companies are currently particularly seeking cloud specialists, data analysts, AI experts, and cybersecurity experts, according to a recent Handelsblatt survey. IT specialists have an average gross salary of 66,750 euros. However, those working in complex fields can expect to earn much more. Personal recruiters from Robert Half show that IT security consultants and IT security architects with the right experience can earn six-figure salaries.

AI specialists, too, can expect a good income. According to the German Federal Employment Agency, the median salary for an AI engineer or AI prompter is around 77,800 euros. The upper quartile, or the top 25 percent, earns over 89,400 euros per year. The amount of money earned significantly impacts a person's career. Furthermore, leadership responsibility also pays off.

While more companies are promoting expert careers and rewarding them accordingly, leadership paths are still valued. CEOs earn, on average, 62,000 euros, which is about 21 percent more than non-leadership employees. One of the factors driving salary is education. Those with a university degree earn a median of 68,250 euros, while those without a higher education degree earn an average of 51,200 euros.

Lower salary brackets often consist of apprenticeships, such as dental nurses (41,500 euros), office assistants (43,250 euros), or bakers (39,750 euros). However, it remains true that "even without a degree, attractive salaries are possible," says Anna Wittich, a labor market expert at Stepstone. "For example, as a master craftsman in the trades, technical professions, industry, or sales."

For instance, a service technician earns 56,250 euros, which is above average, as does a motor vehicle mechanic with 54,500 euros. Industry, personal responsibility, and company size could significantly increase salaries for non-academics, Wittich says. However, it is the specialization in one's field that makes a significant difference.

Those who continue to train and master AI or digital tools significantly increase their market value – "regardless of formal qualifications."