Germany offers a rewarding career path for aspiring doctors, with competitive salaries and a high standard of living. German doctors earn an average monthly salary of EUR 8,960, ranging from EUR 3,290 to EUR 15,100. Top medical schools like the University of Heidelberg and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich attract aspiring physicians. However, the cost of living varies significantly, with major cities like Munich (where rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from EUR 1,000 to EUR 3,000 per month) having higher expenses than smaller towns.
This “ Doctor Salary in Germany” guide provides a comprehensive overview of doctor salaries in Germany, covering key aspects such as salary ranges across different job sectors, top hospitals, and the cost of living in major cities.
This Blog Includes:
- How Much Does a Doctor Make in Germany?
- Comparison of Doctor Salary in Germany By Experience
- Highest Paying Doctor Jobs in Germany 2025
- Doctor Salary in Germany By Sectors
- Highest Paying Cities for Doctor Jobs in Germany
- Comparison of Doctor Salary in Germany By Education
- Doctor Salary in Germany By Industry
- FAQs
How Much Does a Doctor Make in Germany?
Doctors in Germany earn competitive salaries, averaging around EUR 8,960 per month. Salaries typically range from EUR 3,290 to EUR 15,100 and are influenced by factors such as specialisation, experience, location, and employer. For example, specialists in high-demand fields like cardiology often earn higher salaries than general practitioners.
Position | Gross Monthly Salary (Approximate) |
Assistant Doctor (Entry Level) | EUR 4,700 – EUR 4,950 |
Assistant Doctor (After 6 years) | EUR 5,900 – EUR 6,350 |
Specialist (Entry Level) | EUR 6,200 – EUR 6,500 |
Specialist (After 6 years) | EUR 6,700 – EUR 7,050 |
Senior Physician | EUR 7,650 – EUR 8,150 |
Senior Consultant | EUR 8,100 – EUR 10,300 |
Comparison of Doctor Salary in Germany By Experience
Doctor salaries in Germany increase significantly with experience. Entry-level assistant doctors typically earn between EUR 4,700 and EUR 4,950 per month, while senior consultants can earn EUR 8,100 to EUR 10,300 or more. Specialists, especially in high-demand fields, generally have higher earning potential. However, actual salaries can vary based on factors like specialisation, location, and employer.
Experience Level | Gross Monthly Salary (Approximate) |
Entry-Level (Assistant Doctor) | EUR 4,700 – EUR 4,950 |
Mid-Level (After 6 years) | EUR 5,900 – EUR 6,350 |
Specialist (Entry Level) | EUR 6,200 – EUR 6,500 |
Specialist (After 6 years) | EUR 6,700 – EUR 7,050 |
Senior Physician | EUR 7,650 – EUR 8,150 |
Senior Consultant | EUR 8,100 – EUR 10,300 |
Highest Paying Doctor Jobs in Germany 2025
Here are some of the highest-paying doctor jobs in Germany in 2025, along with potential average salary ranges and examples of top-tier hospitals/clinics:
Specialization | Average Annual Salary (EUR) | Top-Tier Hospitals/Clinics |
Cardiology | EUR 100,000 – EUR 200,000 | Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg |
Neurology/Neurosurgery | EUR 120,000 – EUR 250,000 | Universitätsklinikum München, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf |
Oncology | EUR 110,000 – EUR 220,000 | Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Klinikum rechts der Isar |
Orthopedic Surgery | EUR 100,000 – EUR 200,000 | Schön Klinik Hamburg Eilbek, Asklepios Klinikum Hamburg-Altona, Hessingpark-Klinik |
Plastic Surgery | EUR 90,000 – EUR 180,000 | Schön Klinik Hamburg Eilbek, Asklepios Klinikum Hamburg-Altona, Rosenpark-Klinik |
Ophthalmology | EUR 95,000 – EUR 190,000 | Augenklinik Professor Lohmann, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg |
Doctor Salary in Germany By Sectors
Here’s a table outlining the approximate average starting salaries for doctors in various sectors in Germany:
Sector | Average Starting Salary (Approximate) |
Public Hospitals | EUR 48,000 – EUR 55,000 per year |
Private Hospitals | EUR 50,000 – EUR 60,000 per year |
Private Practice | Variable (dependent on factors like location, specialisation, and patient volume) |
University Hospitals | EUR 48,000 – EUR 55,000 per year (may include research and teaching responsibilities) |
Highest Paying Cities for Doctor Jobs in Germany
Several German cities offer strong earning potential for doctors due to high demand, competitive markets, and the presence of renowned medical institutions.
City | Known For | Average Salary Range (Specialists) |
Munich | High demand for specialists in cardiology, oncology, neurology | EUR 90,000 – EUR 180,000+ per year |
Frankfurt | Strong presence of private clinics, corporate health | EUR 85,000 – EUR 170,000+ per year |
Berlin | Diverse healthcare landscape, psychiatry, mental health | EUR 80,000 – EUR 160,000+ per year |
Hamburg | A strong presence of private clinics, corporate health | EUR 85,000 – EUR 170,000+ per year |
Comparison of Doctor Salary in Germany By Education
A doctor’s salary in Germany is significantly influenced by their level of education and specialisation. Here’s a general overview:
Education Level | Average Monthly Salary (Approximate) |
Medical Student (Undergraduate) | Typically no salary, may receive stipends or scholarships |
Resident (Post Graduate) | EUR 4,700 – EUR 6,350 |
Specialist | EUR 6,200 – EUR 7,050+ |
Sub-Specialist (if applicable) | Higher than Specialist level |
Senior Physician/Consultant | EUR 7,650 – EUR 10,300+ |
Doctor Salary in Germany By Industry
Doctor salary in Germany can vary depending on the specific industry or type of healthcare setting.
Industry | Average Salary Range (Approximate) |
Public Hospitals | EUR 48,000 – EUR 55,000 per year |
Private Hospitals | EUR 50,000 – EUR 60,000+ per year |
Private Practice | Variable (dependent on factors like location, specialisation, and patient volume) |
University Hospitals | EUR 48,000 – EUR 55,000+ per year (may include research and teaching responsibilities) |
Corporate Health | EUR 80,000 – EUR 150,000+ per year (for specialists in executive health, and occupational medicine) |
Research Institutions | EUR 50,000 – EUR 80,000+ per year (for researchers and academics) |
Pharmaceutical Industry | EUR 80,000 – EUR 150,000+ per year (for medical directors, clinical researchers) |
FAQs
Doctors in Germany earn competitive salaries. The average monthly salary for a doctor in Germany is around EUR 8,960. Salaries can range significantly, starting at around EUR 3,290 and reaching up to EUR 15,100 per month.
Determining the single country with the absolute highest doctor salaries is difficult due to variations in cost of living, experience levels, and specialities. However, countries like Switzerland, the United States, and Luxembourg consistently rank among the highest-paying nations for physicians.
Countries like Ireland (EUR 172,882), the Netherlands (EUR 160,869), Denmark (EUR 156,061), and Iceland (EUR 155,276) generally offer higher average annual salaries for doctors compared to Germany (EUR 146,200) and the UK (EUR 136,375).
Germany has a globally recognised healthcare system. Your medical studies here will not only provide in-depth medical knowledge but also valuable insights into how healthcare systems function in other countries. The German medical education system enjoys a stellar international reputation.
Germany’s top earners often hold positions like CEO, doctor, or IT manager, with annual salaries frequently exceeding EUR 50,000 and reaching well over EUR 150,000.
Physicians in private practice in Switzerland typically earn significantly more than their German counterparts. While Swiss physicians can expect annual earnings of around EUR 200,000, the average for German physicians in private practice is closer to EUR 150,000.
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