Jobs in Germany: German Companies Look Overseas to Fill Labour Shortage

Jobs in Germany are currently in excess due to a significant worker shortage, with nearly two million job openings across various industries.

This shortage is largely occasioned by an aging population and a decreasing birth rate, which has created a pressing need for skilled labour. To address this, Germany is actively seeking talent from other countries to support its economic stability.

Nicole Büttner, CEO of Mirantic’s Labs in Berlin, emphasises the critical need for global talent.

“This is the time to create optimal conditions for talent to come to Germany. It’s time for action, not complacency,” she states. Büttner points out the high reliance on foreign expertise, particularly in the tech industry, stressing, “We need to attract foreign talent to our tech hub.”

In-Demand Occupations and Salaries

The demand for jobs in Germany spans several sectors. Agriculture is looking for skilled workers in livestock production, forestry, and horticulture.

The construction industry needs workers skilled in metalworking, surveying, and scaffolding, among other specialties. The transportation sector is also seeking more drivers and logistics personnel.

Crop farm workers: €35,616 per year

Forestry technicians: €36,791 per year

Horticultural specialty growers: €36,913 per year

Construction workers: €44,052 per year

Drivers: €28,276 per year

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Highest-Paying Jobs in Germany

Doctor: €71,600 – €101,696

Pilot: €93,499

Sales Manager: €82,392

Lawyer: €81,254

Portfolio Manager: €80,000 to €120,000

College Professor: €74,200

Engineer: €63,000

Software Developer: €45,000 to €80,000

Project Manager: €45,000 to €90,000

Risk Manager: €70,000 – €85,000

Judge: €76,619

Tax Advisor: €70,000

Importance of International Workers

Stephen Bley from DW Business Desk highlights the strategic importance of international talent due to the aging workforce and a trend toward part-time employment.

“If you want to keep things running, there are not a lot of options these days,” he explains. Recent legislation in Berlin aimed at simplifying the hiring process for foreign workers is a step forward, although the job market remains tightly regulated.

Local business owner Dirk Deepar shares his experience, noting the decline in young local workers and the essential role of international recruitment.

“Half of our factory’s employees are from abroad,” he mentions, highlighting the practical benefits of hiring skilled workers from other countries for jobs in Germany.

As Germany tackles its worker shortage, the emphasis on attracting international talent is not just about filling current vacancies but also about ensuring long-term economic growth and innovation in the face of demographic challenges and global competition.