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Many companies now offer trainee programs, i.e. entry-level programs for university graduates. During their time as trainees, they go through several positions in the company and thus get to know the different specialist areas better. Starting your career with a program like this makes perfect sense - a varied working day, workshops and a permanent mentor ensure a good start into the professional world.
But what do you actually earn during a trainee program? Since the term “trainee” is not legally protected in Germany, the employer has a free hand in designing and remunerating the program. Nevertheless, the pay is always higher than for interns, but is usually below the normal starting salary.
In 2017, the average trainee in Germany earned around 38,200 euros per year. That makes a monthly salary of around 3,283 euros. In comparison, direct entrants get around 320 euros more per month. Furthermore, in companies regulated by collective agreements, the wages of trainees and direct entrants are usually the same.
Various factors influence how much money trainees receive. In particular, the university degree, the federal state, the size of the company and the industry influence pay.
1. Graduation
The degree of qualification and professional experience play a large role in the level of the trainee salary. Anyone who has a master's or magister, a diploma or state examination can receive up to 1,500 euros more per month than a bachelor's graduate.
2nd state
Not only do the salaries of regular employees vary from state to state, salaries for trainee programs can also vary greatly depending on the location. Baden-Württemberg, Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony perform best with up to 3,400 euros per month. Trainees receive the lowest wages on average in Berlin, Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg.
STATE TRAINEE SALARY (MONTHLY/GROSS)
Baden-Württemberg 3,383 euros
Bavaria 2,833 euros
Berlin 1,873 euros
Brandenburg 2,136 euros
Bremen 2,697 euros
Hamburg 2,520 euros
Hesse 2,383 euros
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania 2,067 euros
Lower Saxony 2,918 euros
North Rhine-Westphalia 2,891 euros
Rhineland-Palatinate 2,479 euros
Saarland 2,621 euros
Saxony 2,165 euros
Saxony-Anhalt 2,106 euros
Schleswig-Holstein 3,476 euros
Thuringia 2,400 euros
Source: salarycomparison.com
3. Company size
The more employees a company has, the higher the salary for trainees. If there are fewer than 100 employees in the company, you can expect around 30,000 euros per year. If the company has up to 1,000 employees, it earns around 36,000 euros per year. In large companies with over 1,000 employees, trainees can even earn 40,000 euros a year.
4. Industry
The industry is of course also relevant for the remuneration of trainee programs. But even in the better-paying sectors there can be differences in salaries; this often depends on the size of the company.
INDUSTRY TRAINEE ANNUAL SALARY (YEAR/GROSS)
Banking 52,608 euros
Chemistry/pharmaceuticals 50,827 euros
Steel industry 49,029 euros
Automotive 48,000 euros
Mechanical engineering 47,303 euros
Insurance 46,710 euros
Energy industry 46,029 euros
Electrical engineering 45,691 euros
Automotive supplier 45,612 euros
Construction 45,030 euros
Vehicle technology 44,500 euros
Consumption 42,242 euros
IT service provider 42,000 euros
Consulting 41,765 euros
Telecommunications 41,038 euros
Logistics 40,848 euros
Media 38,817 euros
Public service 36,570 euros
Tourism 23,900 euros
Market research/advertising 23,000 euros
Source: lohn.de and Alma Mater salary study
Four factors influence the salary during a trainee program.
