Two floors, not one
The statutory minimum wage applies across Germany in every sector. Since 1 January 2026 it is €13.90 gross per hour, with an increase to €14.60 planned for 1 January 2027.
The sector minimum comes from a collective agreement declared generally binding under the Posted Workers Act (AEntG). It is higher and binds every company doing that type of work in Germany — foreign companies included, and regardless of membership in any trade body.
Main construction — rates from 1 April 2026
The binding minimum in main construction has two wage groups. Since 1 April 2026 the rates are the same across the whole country — the former east–west split is gone.
| Wage group | Work covered | Minimum rate |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 (Werker) | Support work with no required construction qualification | €15.86/h |
| Group 2 (Fachwerker) | Semi-skilled and skilled work | €17.34/h |
Other construction trades
| Trade | Minimum rate | In force from |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing — unskilled | €14.96/h | 1 Jan 2026 |
| Roofing — qualified | €16.60/h | 1 Jan 2026 |
| Scaffolding | €14.35/h | 1 Jan 2026 |
| Electrical trades | €14.93/h | 1 Jan 2026 |
| Painting and varnishing — qualified | €16.13/h | 1 Jul 2026 |
Painting no longer has a separate floor for unskilled staff — the statutory €13.90 applies to them. German customs publishes the full, continuously updated list at zoll.de.
What counts towards the minimum
- Only pay for work actually performed counts.
- Premiums for overtime, night, Sunday and public holiday work, and hardship allowances, do not count.
- Allowances and travel reimbursements are not wages.
- Deductions for accommodation and transport must not push pay below the floor — inflated lodging charges are a classic inspection finding.
- Wages are due at the latest on the last banking day of the following month.
Working-time records
Construction carries a strict duty to record the start, end and length of each worker's day, entered no later than seven days after the work. Records must be kept for two years and produced in German on request.