Overview

• Tariff wages in Germany rose by 4.8% in 2024, surpassing the 2.2% increase in consumer prices, marking the first real wage growth since 2020.
• The rise in real wages, at 3.1%, is the highest recorded since the statistic's introduction in 2008, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
• Inflation relief payments, including tax-free bonuses up to €3,000, significantly boosted incomes, particularly for lower-wage workers.
• Sectors such as trade, automotive repair, and agriculture saw the highest wage increases, while finance and hospitality experienced more modest growth.
• Despite the gains, real wages remain below pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the lingering impact of inflation and economic disruptions since 2020.