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Factors for Earning Over €100,000 in Germany

According to the Stepstone Salary Report 2025, only 5% of German employees earn over €100,000 annually. Key factors influencing high earnings include working in large companies in specific industries, holding positions with personnel responsibility, and possessing a university degree. The top professions yielding such salaries are finance, management, law, and advertising.

The pharmaceutical and banking sectors lead with the highest percentage of six-figure earners, followed closely by the aerospace and automotive industries. Geographically, Hamburg, Hesse, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Berlin offer the most opportunities for top earners. However, significant gender and regional pay gaps persist.

Company size impacts salary potential, with 13% of employees in large firms earning over €100,000, compared to just 2% in small companies. Additionally, individuals with both personnel responsibilities and higher education have a 28% chance of reaching this salary level.

R. E.

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