Jobs
20 Jobs In Germany Due To Labor Shortage That Will Qualify You for a Work Visa
Germany, a leading economic powerhouse in Europe, is grappling with a significant labor shortage, with over 1.98 million job vacancies spread across various sectors. This scarcity arises from several factors, including an aging population, a declining birth rate, and a growing demand for skilled workers.
In response, Germany has been proactively seeking to attract foreign talent to fill these critical roles and sustain its economic competitiveness.
Key Areas Affected by Labor Shortages The shortage affects vital sectors such as agriculture, construction, and transportation, presenting a unique opportunity for foreign workers seeking employment in the country. Particularly acute shortages are observed in specific fields, including:
Agriculture: Farming, forestry, and horticulture face a scarcity of skilled labor, notably in livestock production, forestry technicians, and specialized horticultural roles.
Construction: Various trades within the construction industry are experiencing a shortage of workers, including metalworking, automation, surveying, scaffolding, interior construction, glazing, pipeline construction, and plant, container, and apparatus construction.
Transportation: The transportation sector, particularly freight forwarding, logistics, and earthmoving machinery drivers, is also grappling with a labor shortage.
20 In-Demand Jobs for Skilled Workers
- Livestock farming
- Forestry
- Horticulture
- Tyre and vulcanisation technology
- Wood, furnishing, interior fitting
- Metalworking
- Automation
- Surveying, scaffolding
- Interior construction and dry walling
- Glazing
- Pipeline construction
- Plant, container, and apparatus construction
- Monitoring and maintenance of railway infrastructure
- Freight forwarding and logistics
- Drivers for earthmoving and related machinery
- Sales (furniture, fittings)
- Sales
- System catering
- Pharmaceutical technical assistants
- Bus and tram drivers
Average Salaries and Job Opportunities in Germany
In-demand occupations in Germany offer competitive compensation, according to insights from the Economic Research Institute (ERI):
- Crop farm workers: €35,616 per year, €17 per hour
- Forestry technicians: €36,791 per year, €18 per hour
- Horticultural specialty growers: €36,913 per year, €18 per hour
- Construction workers: €44,052 per year, €21 per hour
- Drivers: €28,276 per year, €14 per hour
Highest-Paying Jobs
While these opportunities are significant, it’s worth noting the highest-paying jobs in Germany and their average annual salaries:
- Doctor: €71,600 – €101,696
- Pilot: €93,499
- Sales Manager: €82,392
- Lawyer: €81,254
- Portfolio Manager: €80,000 to €120,000
- College Professor: €74,200
- Engineer: €63,000
- Software Developer: €45,000 to €80,000
- Project Manager: €45,000 to €90,000
- Risk Manager: €70,000 – €85,000
- Judge: €76,619
- Tax Advisor: €70,000
Visa Requirements and Labor Shortages
Non-German citizens intending to work in Germany may require a visa, while citizens of certain countries can work without one. Labor shortages aren’t unique to Germany; 29 European countries are experiencing them, particularly in software, healthcare, construction, and engineering craft occupations.
Cost of Living
The cost of living varies based on factors like location and family size. For a single person, monthly costs are around €967.6 (excluding rent), while for a family of four, it’s €3319.8. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about €819.63, and outside the city center, it’s around €626.01. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately €1705.58, and outside, it’s €1162.59.