Germany's Gender Pay Gap Narrows, but Inequities Persist

The national pay gap fell to 16% in 2024, with Brandenburg showing the smallest disparity, yet systemic issues remain unresolved.

The gender pay gap in Germany decreased from 18% in 2023 to 16% in 2024, with women earning an average of €22.24 per hour compared to €26.34 for men.
Brandenburg recorded the smallest pay gap at just 2%, while Berlin's gap stood at 10%, both below the national average.
East Germany continues to outperform the West in pay equity, with a regional gap of 5% versus 17% in the West.
Structural factors, such as higher female participation in part-time work and lower-paying sectors, contribute to persistent inequities even after adjustments for job roles and qualifications.
Advocates, including the DGB, call for stronger government action, such as expanded childcare, gender-focused policy reviews, and improved representation of women in leadership and politics.