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last mo.

East–West Pay Gap in Germany Widens to €13,374 in 2024, Official Data Show

The disparity is set to become a BSW campaign focus, with experts warning that higher pay has not lifted take-home income.

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Die Lohnlücke zwischen Ost- und Westdeutschland hat sich einem Bericht zufolge wieder vergrößert.

Overview

  • Federal statistics provided to RND show average full-time gross pay of €63,999 in the West and €50,625 in the East in 2024.
  • The difference widened from €12,775 in 2023 to about €13,374 (roughly 21%) despite widespread nominal increases.
  • State averages ranged from Sachsen-Anhalt (€46,708) and Thüringen (€46,720) at the low end to Hessen (€62,915) and Hamburg (€62,517) at the high end.
  • Nationwide, the 2024 median gross annual pay was €52,159, with the top 1% earning at least €213,286 and the bottom 10% €32,526 or less.
  • BSW leader Sahra Wagenknecht branded the disparity “a shameful record” and vowed to push the issue in eastern states, as economists say higher contributions are eroding gains in take-home pay.