Frankfurt is a major attraction to many foreigners thanks to its central location, plenty of career opportunities, and rich culture.
All these make it one of the best cities to live and work in. You’ll want to know how much you can earn in Frankfurt before packing your bags, so what does a good salary in this German city look like?
A monthly salary between $2,986 and $3,732 is good in Frankfurt. This translates to an annual income of $44,784. Earning this amount in the city is possible, especially if you’re experienced in the finance or health sectors.
Keep reading as I discuss what a good salary in Frankfurt is and the expenses you should expect to cover with your salary.
What is a good salary in Frankfurt?
Any salary above $2,986 after tax deductions is considered suitable for a full-time employee in Frankfurt.
This means you must have an annual gross salary of at least $35,832. These numbers apply to the whole of Germany.
The marital status of an individual and the tax bracket determines the gross salary they require.
For instance, singles must earn $35,832 per year for an income of $2,986 per month, while couples with kids must earn at least $3,700 per month.
In general, $44,784 is the income of the typical middle class in Frankfurt and Germany. A family of four will require at least $3,700 per month to live a modest life in Frankfurt, affording food, rent, utilities, and childcare.
A single person earning between $2,900 and $3,700 a month will live a luxurious life in the city’s cozy suburbs.
What is the average salary in Frankfurt?
The current average salary in Frankfurt is $4,250 per month without taxes. The highest average salary is $5,543 while the lowest is $3,390, making Frankfurt number one in the highest average salaries in Germany.
You may earn much more money if you’re an expert in finance and banking since Frankfurt is the headquarters of most German and international banks.
For instance, a finance manager or specialist earns an average gross salary of $77,800 annually. If you’re smart in negotiating salaries, you can make more money still.
Here’s a list of average salaries for typical jobs in Frankfurt:
| Job title | Average Salary(per year) |
|---|---|
| IT system administrator | $59,800 |
| Social worker | $51,000 |
| General manager | $49,500 |
| Office clerk | $43,500 |
| Accountant | $42,300 |
| Architect | $54,280 |
| Project manager | $60,100 |
| Software devloper | $52,900 |
| Risk manager | $74,700 |
| IT Consultanat | $62,450 |
| Help desk support | $48,700 |
| Fireman | $40,200 |
As you can see, your career determines your average salary in Frankfurt. A complex career that involves a great deal of responsibility, such as a risk manager, is rewarded with a good salary.
Keep in mind this is just a brief overview of the average income in Frankfurt.
Salaries significantly differ depending on your experience, industry, education, gender, size of the company, and location.
The cost of living in Frankfurt
The cost of living in this city is moderate. A family of four will require $3,700 per month, while $2,986 monthly will be enough for a single person.
These figures cater to rent, food, transport, and healthcare, among other basic needs. Here is a breakdown of the expenses.
Rent
Frankfurt boasts a range of housing options, but the cost will depend on factors like the size of the apartment, location, and whether it’s furnished or unfurnished. For instance, rent is very high in the city center, unlike in the suburbs.
A one-bedroom house in the CBD will cost $1,200 a month, while you’ll pay $920 a month for the same outside the CBD.
A larger apartment for a family of four will be $2,100 a month in the CBD and $1,700 a month outside.
Remember that rent costs don’t include electricity, water, and internet utilities. If you want to work, live comfortably, and save in Frankfurt, I recommend moving further from the city center.
Food
Food and groceries are a significant part of a household’s budget. Luckily, the food prices in Frankfurt are quite low compared to other major cities in Germany. This is true of vegetables, beef, bread, cheese, and milk.
The average cost of food per day for a family of four is $17 for all three meals if you cook at home. Eating out is expensive, and you may spend $15 for a single meal in an average restaurant.
The cost of food in Frankfurt also varies depending on where you buy it. I recommend buying your food bulk from food halls or farmers’ markets if you want locally-grown, fresh, and affordable food.
Transport
Frankfurt has an inexpensive, extensive, and efficient public transport system, so getting around is easy. Expect to pay $3 for a one-way journey in this city using public transport.
If you plan to use public transport often, I recommend a day pass, allowing unlimited access to the entire transport network. A single-day pass costs $6; you can get it at various trains or bus stations.
Frankfurt is also pedestrian-friendly, so you can bike to work or walk. Bikes are available for rent in various places in the city for $60 per week.
Childcare
The cost of childcare in Frankfurt varies depending on location, the age of your child, and the number of hours you will need the services. Parents in the CBD pay more for the service than those outside.
The average monthly price for childcare in Frankfurt is between $70 and 150 per child. The German government offers childcare subsidies, but you will not be given a subsidy if your salary is above average.
Household utilities
As mentioned earlier, utilities come separately from rent in Frankfurt. Expect to pay $38 for internet, $0.10 for mobile-to-mobile calls per minute, and $260 for water, garbage, electricity, and other utility costs.
How are taxes in Frankfurt?
German citizens and ex-pats must pay their taxes so long as they have a source of income.
The tax system in Frankfurt is similar to that of the rest of Germany. All the tax collected from VAT, income tax, and corporate tax is distributed between the municipalities, state, and federal government.
The income tax rate in Frankfurt is between 14 and 45 percent.
Your income determines it, so you will pay higher taxes if your income is high. Most employees pay their taxes through monthly deductions from their employers.
Individuals with multiple professions or self-employed must submit an annual tax return.
The other types of taxes in Frankfurt include health insurance, church tax, solidarity sub-charge, retirement insurance, and unemployment insurance.
What salary do you need to live a comfortable life in Frankfurt?
Life in Frankfurt is cheaper than in other German cities, especially if you don’t reside in the city’s expensive suburbs.
Generally, a single person would need at least $2,900 a month to live a comfortable life, while $5,000 per month would be enough for a family of four. Here are expenses you can afford with that income:
- Good food
- Renting a one or two-bedroom house
- Weekend getaways and annual vacations
- Dining out
- Saving at least $500 per month
You can spend less if you’re a student since most universities allow room sharing at $500 per month. Therefore, you will need $1,200 a month to live comfortably as you study.
Which are the best-paying jobs in Frankfurt, and how much do they pay?
Frankfurt has many career options, so if you’re well-educated, you will have a good job. Here is a brief insight into some of the best-paying jobs in the city.
- Doctors/surgeons – These jobs are number one on the list of the highest-paying jobs in Frankfurt. The nature of the job is the main advantage to the two professions, more so because of the high risks involved.
Besides, doctors and surgeons require a long learning path and extensive knowledge, key elements to a high-paying career. If you’re a doctor or surgeon, expect to earn between $8,376 and $11,000 per month.
- Lawyers – Most people in Frankfurt hold lawyers with high value. Lawyers also play a significant role in securing people’s properties and lives when given their cases.
On average, the least you can earn as a lawyer in Frankfurt is $6,000 per month.
- Judges – The huge responsibilities associated with being a judge are the reason for high salaries in Frankfurt.
Deciding the fate of people and giving fair judgment justifies their wages. If you’re a judge, expect to pocket $10,000 per month.
- Chief Executive Officers – The impact of CEOs is widespread. Additionally, the success or failure of the companies they work for is in their hands.
This makes the profession risky, hence the high remuneration. The salary range for a CEO in Frankfurt is between $11,000 and $13,600 a month.
- Pilots – One undergoes rigorous training before becoming a certified pilot. Additionally, pilots are responsible for the safety of thousands of people daily.
The monthly salary for a pilot in Frankfurt is $8,950 per month.
- Orthodontists – These professionals are highly knowledgeable, and most people are willing to pay a lot for their services.
An orthodontist in Frankfurt earns $12,400 per month, making them among the best-paid professionals in the city.
What kind of job is easy to get in Frankfurt?
Construction and building jobs are the easiest to find in Frankfurt. The demand for skilled laborers in the industry is very high because of the country’s growing population and the many ongoing infrastructure projects in the city.
If you’re skilled in this field, you have many employment opportunities, and the wages are competitive. The industry is also safe, but expect to experience demanding working conditions and long hours.
The positions with high demand for workers in the construction industry include site agents, maintenance technicians, and quantity surveyors.
5 things to know before you start working in Frankfurt
Frankfurt is one of the best places to work in Europe, especially if you want to advance your career. A job offer here is not only good for boosting your income but also offers the much-needed experience for becoming a professional.
Although Frankfurt offers a broad job market, you must know a few things before accepting any job offer.
1. Job seeker visa
As a new arrival, you must first acquire a job seeker visa before taking any job in Frankfurt. You must apply for the visa before you arrive in the city since its approval can take more than four weeks.
The visa permits you to search for a job within six months, and the best place to apply for it is at the German embassy in your home country. Those from the EU are exempted from the job seeker visa.
2. Native language
The second-most important thing is learning the native language before accepting any job offer in a foreign country.
Language barriers bring a lot of challenges not only in your work but also social life. Most job-related appointments require an interview, and most employers prioritize applicants who can fluently speak and write German. Besides, learning the native language will benefit your life in Frankfurt.
3. Time management
Work in Germany starts at 7:30 a.m., and Frankfurt is no exception. The Germans are prompt and very committed to timekeeping. You’ll commit an offense by reporting to work a few minutes late.
4. Formality
The kind of language you use in a workplace is critical. You’re required to address your colleagues by their last names. It would be best to speak to your superiors in formal pronouns unless asked otherwise. There is a big distinction between the formal and informal language in Germany.
5. Only handshakes
The professional work etiquette in Frankfurt encourages handshakes. Germans are not touchy people, so hugging in the workplace is odd.
Ensure you greet others with a brief handshake topped with a polite smile or a slight nod, especially when reporting or leaving the office.
Conclusion
A good salary in Frankfurt ranges between $2,986 and $3,732 a month. This amount will cover all the basic expenses and give you a decent life if you’re single.
If Frankfurt is your dream city, consider planning your relocation based on this information!