Doctor Salary in Germany 2026: By Specialty, Experience & Region
salaries 10 min read · English
Comprehensive breakdown of doctor salaries in Germany for 2026. Compare earnings by specialty, experience level, hospital vs private practice, and federal state.
Key Takeaways
- A resident doctor (Assistenzarzt) in Germany earns between €5,200 and €6,400 per month gross in 2026.
- A specialist (Facharzt) earns between €6,600 and €8,500 per month, with Oberärzte earning up to €12,000.
- Surgeons, radiologists, and cardiologists are among the highest-paid specialties.
- Salaries in western Germany are 10–20% higher than in eastern states, but cost of living is also higher.
- On-call duties (Bereitschaftsdienst) can add €500–€1,500 per month to base salary.
Salary Structure for Doctors in Germany
Doctor salaries in Germany are primarily regulated by collective bargaining agreements (Tarifverträge). The two main agreements are:
- TV-Ärzte/VKA — for municipal hospitals (most common)
- TV-Ärzte/TdL — for university hospitals
These agreements define salary scales based on position and years of experience, ensuring transparency and fairness.
Salary by Position (2026)
| Position | Monthly Gross (€) | Annual Gross (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Assistenzarzt (Resident, Year 1) | €5,200 | €62,400 |
| Assistenzarzt (Year 5) | €6,400 | €76,800 |
| Facharzt (Specialist) | €6,600 – €8,500 | €79,200 – €102,000 |
| Oberarzt (Senior Physician) | €8,500 – €10,500 | €102,000 – €126,000 |
| Leitender Oberarzt | €10,000 – €12,000 | €120,000 – €144,000 |
| Chefarzt (Head of Department) | €12,000 – €25,000+ | €144,000 – €300,000+ |
Salary by Specialty
Specialty choice significantly impacts earning potential. Here are the highest and lowest-paying specialties in Germany:
| Specialty | Avg. Facharzt Salary/month | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|
| Radiology | €9,200 | High |
| Cardiology | €8,800 | Very High |
| Surgery (General) | €8,500 | Very High |
| Anesthesiology | €8,200 | Critical |
| Internal Medicine | €7,500 | Very High |
| Psychiatry | €7,200 | High |
| General Practice | €7,000 | Critical |
| Pediatrics | €6,800 | High |
Regional Salary Differences
Salaries vary by region. Western and southern states generally pay more, but eastern states offer better purchasing power due to lower living costs:
| Region | Avg. Facharzt Salary | Rent (2-bed apartment) |
|---|---|---|
| Bavaria (Munich) | €8,200 | €1,400–€2,000 |
| NRW (Düsseldorf) | €7,800 | €900–€1,300 |
| Saxony (Leipzig) | €7,000 | €500–€800 |
| Brandenburg | €6,800 | €450–€700 |
Net Salary: What You Actually Take Home
Germany has a progressive tax system. As a single doctor earning €7,500 gross per month, your approximate net salary would be:
- Income tax: ~€1,500
- Solidarity surcharge: ~€0 (abolished for most earners)
- Health insurance: ~€600
- Pension insurance: ~€700
- Unemployment insurance: ~€100
- Net salary: ~€4,600
Private Practice vs Hospital
Doctors in private practice (niedergelassene Ärzte) can earn significantly more than hospital-employed doctors, but with higher financial risk. A general practitioner in private practice earns an average of €180,000–€250,000 gross per year, while specialists can earn €300,000+.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a doctor in Germany?
A first-year resident doctor (Assistenzarzt) in Germany earns approximately €5,200 per month gross (€62,400 annually) under the standard TV-Ärzte collective agreement in 2026.
How much does a specialist doctor earn in Germany?
A specialist doctor (Facharzt) earns between €6,600 and €8,500 per month gross in Germany, depending on the specialty and years of experience. Oberärzte (senior physicians) can earn up to €12,000 per month.
Are doctor salaries in Germany higher than in Spain?
Yes, significantly. A specialist doctor in Germany earns roughly double the salary of a specialist in Spain (€7,500 vs €3,500 average monthly gross). However, taxes in Germany are also higher.
Do international doctors earn the same as German doctors?
Yes. Under the collective bargaining agreements (Tarifverträge), all doctors receive the same salary based on position and experience, regardless of nationality. There is no salary discrimination based on origin.
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