Are you someone considering a career in Nursing? Want to know more about the prospects and nurse salaries in Germany? Or are you questioning if Germany is good for nurses? Worry not as all these questions will be answered here.

Understanding the financial aspects and earning potential is crucial when considering a career in nursing. This guide offers valuable insights into nurse salary in Germany, serving as a valuable resource for nurses interested in working in the German nation.

Why should you be a nurse in Germany?

Given the time and opportunity for nurses in Germany listed below are the unique and the best benefits you could expect if expecting to build your nursing career in Germany.

Nursing Courses Offered in Germany

Germany offers a range of nursing courses to prepare individuals for a career in nursing. Here are some common nursing courses offered in Germany:

• Nursing Degree Programs

Full-time undergraduate programs leading to a B.Sc. degree in Nursing provide comprehensive training in theory, skills, and clinical experiences. The average B.Sc. nursing salary in Germany ranges from €30,000 to €50,000 per year.

• Nursing Vocational Training

This is a practical-oriented training program known as "Ausbildung" in German. It combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training. Upon completion, graduates receive a vocational qualification in nursing and can work as registered nurses. The duration of vocational training programs is generally three years.

• Advanced Practice Nursing Programs

Specialized programs for registered nurses seeking advanced roles in nursing practice, focusing on areas like pediatric, geriatric, or intensive care nursing. Did you know? Annually, Germany staff nurse salary is estimated to be (on average) around 3000 EUR respectively.

• Postgraduate Nursing Programs

Germany offers postgraduate courses for nurses to specialize in nursing management, education, or advanced clinical practice. These programs lead to an M.Sc. or postgraduate certificate/diploma for nurses with existing qualifications.

• Continuing Education and Professional Development

Various continuing education programs and professional development courses are available for practicing nurses to upgrade their knowledge and skills, stay updated with the latest advancements in nursing, and fulfill ongoing professional development requirements.

How to Become a Nurse in Germany From India?

If you are a nurse from India, then you would need to meet a couple of requirements to work as a nurse in Germany ensuring a smooth transition as German-licensed nurses. These requirements include:

• German Language Skills

Proficiency in the German language is crucial for nurses practicing in Germany. Effective communication with colleagues, doctors, patients, and families is essential in healthcare.

German is the official language in most healthcare settings, and proof of acceptable language skills is required for foreign-educated nurses to register with state nursing councils.

• Adaptation Training Program for Foreign Nurses in Germany

Foreign nurses with the required German language skills must await the decision of the state nursing board regarding their registration application, which assesses their qualifications based on German nursing standards.

BSc/Diploma Nurses from countries like India often undergo adaptation training in specific nursing areas, typically lasting 6 months or more, to be accepted and licensed as nurses in Germany.

• Option for Knowledge Test instead of Adaptation Training

Nurses confident in their theoretical and practical knowledge can opt for a knowledge test to become registered nurses in Germany. Attending an adaptation training program in a German hospital or clinic may or may not be required in this case.

Want to join the German nursing forces? Learn how to get a job in Germany from India, through this detailed article.

Wondering about the salary of a nurse in your country? Learn about the factors that influence your earnings as a nurse and find out what to expect in terms of salary.

Nurse Salary in Germany

Foreign-origin nurses who have completed their nursing studies in countries like India, with a minimum of six months of post-registration work experience, are eligible to apply for nursing positions in Germany.

During the adaptation program or training in a German hospital or clinic, the average nurse salary in Germany is approximately ranging from €1,500 to €1,800 per month.

While the German Federal Association of Personnel Service Providers (BAP), states that the minimum wage for an apprentice i.e., Nurse ausbildung salary in Germany is €8.50 per hour during the 1st year of their apprenticeship, €8.70 during the 2nd year, and €8.90 during the 3rd year.

German language proficiency is a key requirement for nurses seeking employment in Germany. Some employers sponsor foreign nurses' language learning in Germany, particularly for a B2 level, after they complete adaptation training and obtain nursing registration.

After Germany, know which are the top 10 countries for Nurses. Explore the article to know more in detail.

Factors Influencing Nurse Salary in Germany

We are aware that experience and qualifications do have an impact on the earning potential of an employee. However, there are yet other factors that have an impact on the nurse salary in Germany. Let us find out what factors regulate the Germany nurse salary per month.

• Region: Region impacts nurse salaries in Germany. Regions with higher elderly populations or disease outbreaks may have greater demand and higher salaries. These differences are influenced by regional healthcare demands and economic factors.
  For example, Baden-Württemberg has the highest average yearly salary at 51,435 EUR, followed by Hessen and Hamburg with salaries of 51,421 EUR and 50,435 EUR, respectively.

• Brutto-Netto Ratio: When considering employment in Germany, it's important to understand the distinction between gross (brutto) and net (netto) salaries. Your employment contract typically states the gross salary i.e. amount before taxes and social security contributions.
  After these deductions, you will receive the net salary, which is approximately 35% to 45% less than the gross salary mentioned in the contract.

• TVöD – Collective agreement for the public service: TVöD collective agreement sets fixed and closely monitored salary levels for nurses in public organizations, while it is non-negotiable the progression however is possible based on work experience. Nurses under TVöD can advance to level 2 after one year and level 3 after three years, earning around 3,500 EUR per month, with a maximum limit of 4,000 EUR. Higher pay may require a Bachelor's or Master's degree.

• Working Hours/Days: In Germany, hospitals pay additional costs for employee protection. Night shifts offer a 25-30% surcharge, with the first 25% tax-free. Nurses working at night, Sundays, or on holidays receive higher pay - 40% tax-free for nights, 50% for Sundays, and 150% for holidays.
  Additionally, if you work extra hours and additional shifts, you will receive 5 to 6 weeks of paid vacation each year as compensation.

Average Nurse Salary in Germany Based on their Job Profile

Generally, the nurse practitioner salary in Germany varies depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and the region of employment. On average, a nurse's salary in Germany per hour is approximately ranging between €15 to €30.

Moving further let us explore the average salary of a nurse in Germany that you can expect to draw, by working as a nurse there. Salaries as per different job profiles include

Registered Nurse Salary in Germany

The average annual RN salary in Germany varies based on years of experience. The table below illustrates the earning potential of a registered, Germany nurse salary in Indian rupees along with in Euros.

Geriatric Nurse Salary in Germany

As of May 2023, the average salary for a Staff Nurse - RN - Geriatric in Germany is €79,213. However, the salary range typically falls between €71,738 and €91,592.

It's important to note that Nurse salary ranges can vary significantly based on factors such as education, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience in the profession.

Nursing Assistant Salary in Germany

Nursing Assistant salaries in Germany vary from 1,150 EUR to 3,980 EUR per month, depending on factors like experience, skills, gender, and location.

The average salary mentioned earlier includes housing, transport, and other benefits, which may vary individually.

ICU nurse salary in Germany

The Economic Research Institute estimates that the average ICU nurse salary in Germany is to witness a growth of a minimum of 8% in the next 5 years to the current average i.e. at €59,269 to €64,291.

The current per month ICU nurse salary in Germany in Indian rupees is about Rs. 2,511 respectively

Operating Room Nurse Salary in Germany

The average gross salary for an operating room registered nurse in Germany is €61,263 per year or approximately 29 € per hour. Additionally, they receive an average bonus of €1,005.

Entry-level operating room registered nurses with 1-3 years of experience earn an average salary of €43,440, while senior-level nurses with 8+ years of experience earn an average salary of €75,848.

Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Germany

A nurse anesthetist, also known as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) responsible for administering anesthesia and other medications, as well as monitoring and providing care to individuals undergoing or recovering from anesthesia.

Anesthesia nurse salary in Germany is about €130,142 annually and the Economic Research Institute estimates that the nurse anesthetist salary in Germany, even if witnesses a minimum increase of 8% in the coming 5 years then the annual average would increase to €141,169 by 2028

GNM Nursing Salary in Germany

The salary of a General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) nurse in Germany can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and additional qualifications. Generally, the salary range for GNM nurses in Germany is around €2,500 to €4,000 per month.

Now that you have explored the average salary of nurses in Germany per month, let us learn more about the applicable tax rates for nurse pay in Germany

Tax Rates for Nurses in Germany

Tax rates in Germany for nurses vary depending on their tax class (Lohnsteuerklasse). Each individual has their own tax rate, making it challenging to provide an exact amount for tax payments.

The tax system in Germany is complex, and individuals without children generally have the highest tax rates. There are six tax categories (classes) in Germany.

Tips on How to Increase Your Salary as a Nurse in Germany?

You are at the right place if you are looking to increase your salary as an Indian nurse in Germany. A certified nurse can improve her salary by enhancing her sector expertise or by earning further training or degrees.

Germany offers a wide range of specialized options for health professionals, some of which are more lucrative than others. There are many options to choose from for further training in the below-mentioned fields where no degree is required:

• Intensive care and anesthesia
• Services for operations and endoscopy
• Oncology
• Clinical Geriatrics
• Rehabilitative services and long-term care
• Hospice and palliative care
• Hygiene
• Nephrology
• Psychiatric treatment

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for these qualifications:

• The department's head
• Expert in care
• Care advisor
• Supportive Care
• Expert in culture-sensitive care
• Expert in-home care
• Expert in social and health services
• Assistance

Nurses with advanced degrees in Germany earn the highest salaries, reflecting their level of education and expertise. Salary variations for Indian nurses in Germany are influenced by the employer, with private clinics typically offering lower compensation compared to public or religious institutions.

Make the Most Out of Nurse Salary in Germany with Getgis Assistance

Germany offers competitive nursing salaries, which rise with experience, supplemented by bonuses like night shift and holiday premiums. Nursing is a stable and sought-after profession, providing job security and growth opportunities across diverse industries.

GetGIS, a leading immigration consultancy, offers secure economic immigration services, including for nurses. The Job seeker visa facilitates a safe exploration of job opportunities and working conditions in Germany before securing employment.

Calculate your eligibility to Germany, book your free consultation to start off!