Factors Contributing to Industry Differences
The variations in the amount of training compensation (Ausbildungsvergütung) between different industries arise from several factors:
- Economic Strength of the Industry: Industries with high revenues and profits, such as the metal and electrical sectors, generally offer higher remuneration.
- Collective Bargaining Agreements: In sectors with strong collective agreements, wages are usually above average because compensation is determined by these contracts.
- Labor Market Demand: In industries with a high demand for skilled workers, higher wages are often paid to attract more apprentices.
Compensation in Technical Professions
Technical occupations are among the best-paid vocational training (Ausbildung) professions in Germany. Examples include:
- Industrial Clerk: 1st year approx. €1,050, 2nd year approx. €1,150, 3rd year approx. €1,250
- Electronics Technician: 1st year approx. €1,100, 2nd year approx. €1,180, 3rd year approx. €1,260
- Plant Mechanic: 1st year approx. €1,150, 2nd year approx. €1,250, 3rd year approx. €1,350
These professions are often subject to collective agreements, which explains the above-average compensation. Moreover, they are trained in economically robust industries like the metal and electrical sectors.
Compensation in Craft Trades
The amount of remuneration in craft trades varies greatly. While professions in the construction industry are well compensated, wages in other trades, such as the hairdressing industry, are comparatively low:
- Bricklayer: 1st year approx. €1,200, 2nd year approx. €1,400, 3rd year approx. €1,600
- Carpenter: 1st year approx. €1,100, 2nd year approx. €1,250, 3rd year approx. €1,500
- Hairdresser: 1st year approx. €600, 2nd year approx. €700, 3rd year approx. €800
Compensation in Commercial Professions
Commercial occupations also show significant differences in remuneration. Professions in banking or industry are considerably better paid than those in retail:
- Bank Clerk: 1st year approx. €1,100, 2nd year approx. €1,200, 3rd year approx. €1,300
- Wholesale and Foreign Trade Clerk: 1st year approx. €1,000, 2nd year approx. €1,100, 3rd year approx. €1,200
- Retail Salesperson: 1st year approx. €800, 2nd year approx. €900, 3rd year approx. €1,000
Compensation in Social Professions
Compared to technical and commercial occupations, social professions are often less well compensated. Examples include:
- Educator: 1st year approx. €900, 2nd year approx. €1,000, 3rd year approx. €1,100
- Elderly Care Nurse: 1st year approx. €1,050, 2nd year approx. €1,150, 3rd year approx. €1,250
- Curative Education Nurse: 1st year approx. €950, 2nd year approx. €1,050, 3rd year approx. €1,150
The lower compensation in social professions is due to the fact that these jobs are often situated in the public sector or with private providers that have limited budgets.
Compensation in the Service Sector
In the service sector, particularly in gastronomy and hotel occupations, training salaries are usually lower:
- Hotel Specialist: 1st year approx. €850, 2nd year approx. €950, 3rd year approx. €1,050
- Chef: 1st year approx. €850, 2nd year approx. €950, 3rd year approx. €1,050
- Hospitality Specialist: 1st year approx. €750, 2nd year approx. €850, 3rd year approx. €950
Important Notes
The differences in training compensation (Ausbildungsvergütung) by industry are significant and should be considered when choosing a vocational training (Ausbildung) profession. Trainees should inform themselves in advance about the usual compensation rates in their profession and region. The relevant chambers (IHK, HWK) and trade unions offer comprehensive information on this topic. Additionally, it is worthwhile to look at collective bargaining agreements, as companies bound by these agreements usually offer above-average remuneration.