An vocational training promises 35% higher earnings

Our figure of the month 07/2024

01.07.2024

In August, many people in Germany will start their vocational training. The Federal Statistical Office's earnings survey shows that vocational qualifications pay off in the long term. According to this survey, a completed vocational training course that qualifies as a skilled worker promises an average increase in hourly pay of around 35% compared to an unskilled job.

Subsequent further qualification also pays off: The average gross hourly earnings of employees rise significantly with increasing requirements. A specialist job (e.g. requires a master's or bachelor's degree) is paid 44% more on average than a skilled worker. And a classification as an expert promises an increase in gross hourly earnings of 45% compared to a specialist job.
 


 

The extent to which a qualification is worthwhile in monetary terms depends not only on the requirements of the job, but also to a large extent on the industry. In the hospitality industry, for example, skilled workers earn on average only around 15% more than unskilled workers. The increases are particularly high in the "provision of financial and insurance services" (78%) and in "energy supply" (61%). Subsequent further qualification as a specialist is particularly lucrative in the "transport and storage" (71%), "manufacturing" (55%) and "construction" (52%) sectors.

As meaningful as the earnings survey is, Albert Einstein's saying "Not everything that counts can be counted" still applies, or in other words, when choosing a career, you should not look at earnings prospects alone. However, these should not be completely disregarded either.


Other figures can be found here.

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