Gender Pay Gap in Germany Narrows Slightly but Persistent Inequities Remain

Women in Germany earn 16% less than men on average, with part-time work and structural factors driving the disparity.

The unadjusted gender pay gap in Germany decreased from 18% in 2023 to 16% in 2024, according to recent data.
In Bavaria, the gender pay gap remains one of the highest in the country at 18%, with women earning nearly €5 less per hour than men on average.
Structural factors such as part-time work, lower-paying job sectors, and fewer leadership roles contribute to the disparity, though a 7% gap persists even in comparable roles.
Experts highlight that women with higher qualifications face larger pay gaps over time, with disparities widening significantly in mid-career stages.
Policy measures such as expanded childcare options, reforming tax structures, and promoting pay transparency are being urged to address systemic inequities.