Let’s be real: You aren’t just moving to Germany for the pretzels and the punctuality. You are building a financial future. While an Ausbildung is an investment in education, bills still need to be paid.
A common myth is that all trainees earn “pocket money.” This is false. Depending on the industry, your training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung) can range from a modest €650 to a whopping €1,200+ per month.
If financial independence is your priority, you need to target the right industries. Based on collective bargaining agreements (Tarifverträge) and 2025 trends, here are the top 5 best-paying apprenticeships to aim for in 2026.
1. Air Traffic Controller (Fluglotse)
This is the undisputed king of training salaries.
- Monthly Training Salary: €1,200 – €5,900 (Yes, really, in the final phases).
- The Catch: It is extremely competitive, requires C1/C2 German, perfect health, and passing a rigorous aptitude test at the DLR (German Aerospace Center).
- Who is it for? Those with nerves of steel and perfect spatial awareness.
2. Ship Mechanic (Schiffsmechaniker)
Germany is a major logistics hub, and the maritime industry pays well to attract talent.
- Monthly Training Salary: €1,000 – €1,800.
- The Catch: You are at sea for months. It’s a lifestyle, not just a job.
- Who is it for? Adventurers who don’t mind getting their hands dirty and living in tight quarters.
3. Nursing & Geriatric Care (Pflegefachmann/-frau)
Since the 2020 reforms, nursing salaries have risen significantly to combat the shortage.
- Monthly Training Salary: €1,100 – €1,300.
- The Bonus: Many hospitals offer cheap dormitory housing for trainees, making that salary go much further.
- Who is it for? Empathic people looking for jobs in Germany with 100% job security.
4. Police Officer (Polizist/in – Middle Grade)
If you have EU citizenship or meet specific residency requirements, the police force offers a high training salary because you are technically a civil servant candidate.
- Monthly Training Salary: €1,200 – €1,400.
- The Catch: Strict physical and German language requirements.
5. Insurance & Finance Clerk (Kaufmann/-frau für Versicherungen und Finanzen)
The finance sector has strong unions and deep pockets.
- Monthly Training Salary: €1,000 – €1,200.
- The Vibe: Office-based, regular hours, and excellent bonuses (13th-month salary is common).
Summary Table: 2026 Earning Estimates
| Profession | Year 1 (Gross) | Year 3 (Gross) | Difficulty to Enter |
| Air Traffic Control | €1,200+ | €4,000+ | Very High |
| Nursing | €1,190 | €1,350 | Medium |
| IT Specialist | €1,050 | €1,200 | High |
| Mechatronics | €1,000 | €1,200 | High |
| Hairdresser | €650 | €850 | Low |
Export to Sheets
Pro Tip: A recruitment agency like get-talent.eu in Europe usually focuses on the Nursing and IT sectors because they offer the best balance of “high salary” and “high visa success rate” for international applicants.
References
- Azubi.de: Best Paid Apprenticeships
Make it in Germany: Vocational Training Remuneration