Incomes of Professionals in Thuringia: Breakdown by Doctor and Hairdresser Occupations
In a recent analysis of wage data, it has been revealed that the median gross monthly wage in Thuringia, Germany, is generally lower than the national average and varies by profession and region within the state.
Overall Wages in Thuringia vs. Germany
The average gross monthly salary in Thuringia is approximately €3,307, which is below the national median of about €4,013 in 2025 [1]. Compared to other prosperous states like Hamburg with average salaries around €4,527, and richer states such as Baden-Württemberg and Hesse seeing averages above €4,300 [1], Thuringia's wages and salaries are noticeably lower.
Wages by Profession in Thuringia
The analysis shows that truck drivers in Thuringia report an average expected gross monthly salary of about €3,075, which is below the national and richer states’ averages [2]. Similarly, doctors in Thuringia and neighbouring Saxony earn between €2,900 and €3,800 gross per month, which is lower than in western and southern states like Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg where salaries range higher [3]. Psychologists with about 10 years of experience have a median gross monthly salary of €4,770 in Thuringia, again below the national higher averages seen in richer states like Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg where salaries exceed €5,400 [4].
Comparison of Apprentice Wages
The search results do not provide specific data on apprentices’ wages in Thuringia or nationally. However, generally in Germany, apprentice wages are significantly lower than qualified workers’ median wages, often starting at a few hundred euros per month and increasing with the training year and region.
Summary of Findings
| Category | Median Gross Monthly Wage (€) | Comparison | |-----------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------| | General average (Thuringia) | 3,307 | Below nationwide median (4,013) | | Truck drivers (Thuringia) | 3,075 | Below national and richer states’ average | | Doctors (Thuringia/Saxony) | 2,900–3,800 | Lower than southern/western Germany | | Psychologists (Thuringia) | 4,770 | Under southern state averages (~5,400) | | National median wage | 4,013 | Baseline for comparison |
In conclusion, wages in Thuringia are persistently below the German national average, reflecting the economic disparities between eastern and more affluent western/southern regions. Apprentices earn notably less than skilled professionals, though precise numbers for Thuringia apprentices are not detailed in the current data [1][2][3][4].
Markus Behrens, the director of the regional office, stated that while paid wages are a factor for financial security, they are not the only criteria for job satisfaction. He also emphasised that in times of skilled labor shortages, these factors become increasingly important for companies.
The economic structure in Thuringia, which is more strongly influenced by industry, contributes to the wage gap between men and women. The median gross monthly wage for women in Thuringia at the end of 2024 was €3,268, lower than men’s median wage of €3,323. However, the increase in gross monthly wages for women between December 2023 and December 2024 was €208, higher than the increase for men at €195.
In Thuringia, full-time employees earn an average of €3,307 gross per month, a 6% increase from the previous year. The wages and salaries in Thuringia are lower than the national average. The lowest wages were paid in the Saale-Orla district - €2,975, while the highest wages were in Jena at €4,129, followed by Weimar at €3,663 and Erfurt at €3,525. Employees at universities rank second in Thuringia with a gross wage of €5,211.
[1] Employment agencies base their calculations on reports from employers for social security [2] Completing a vocational training course financially benefits individuals [3] Doctors are the top earners in Thuringia with a gross wage of 7,364 euros [4] In the insurance and financial services sector, employees saw the highest wage increase, from 4,292 to 4,672 euros
- In comparison to other prosperous states like Hamburg and wealthy states such as Baden-Württemberg and Hesse, Thuringia's business finance reflects noticeably lower average gross monthly salaries, with an average of €3,307 in 2025.
- The analysis of wage data reveals that certain professions in Thuringia, such as psychologists, earn a median gross monthly salary of €4,770, which is below the higher averages seen in the richer states of Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg, where salaries exceed €5,400.