Apprentice pay

The training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung) is the pay you receive during your vocational training (apprenticeship) in Germany. It rises with each year of training.

Minimum training allowance (2026):

• 1st year: approx. €649 gross
• 2nd year: +18% (above the minimum amount)
• 3rd year: +35%
• 4th year: +40%

Well-paid apprenticeships (1st year):

• Air traffic controller: approx. €1,150
• Mechatronics technician: approx. €1,050
• Bank clerk: approx. €1,100
• Industrial clerk: approx. €1,000

Less well paid: hairdresser (approx. €620), baker (approx. €700), florist (approx. €650).

Tip: many collective agreements pay MORE than the minimum training allowance. Check whether your company is bound by a collective agreement.