Germany’s policy framework has actively supported this shift. Since 2012, the government has intensified efforts to attract skilled workers from non-EU countries, with a focus on academic and technical professions
Indian professionals have emerged as the highest-paid foreign workforce in Germany, underlining the growing importance of skilled migration in sustaining Europe’s largest economy. A recent study by the employer-linked Institute of the German Economy (IW) reveals that Indian employees now command the highest median gross wages among all foreign nationalities working full-time in the country, significantly outpacing both German workers and other expatriate groups.
According to the study, German workers earned a median gross monthly income of €4,177 in 2024. By contrast, Indian professionals reported a median wage of €5,393—over €1,200 higher than the national median. This places Indian workers ahead of Austrians (€5,322), US nationals (€5,307), and Irish nationals (€5,233). Overall, foreign workers in Germany earned a median of €3,204, highlighting how exceptional Indian earnings are within the broader migrant workforce.
The wage premium enjoyed by Indian professionals is closely linked to their strong presence in high-demand technical and academic roles. A significant proportion of Indians in Germany are employed in MINT professions—mathematics, information technology, natural sciences, and technology, including engineering.
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Since 2012, the number of Indians working in the field has increased nearly ninefold, reaching over 32,800
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Notably, about one-third of full-time Indian workers aged between 25 and 44 are engaged in MINT occupations, sectors that are central to Germany’s innovation and industrial competitiveness
This trend has been reinforced by a sharp rise in Indian students choosing Germany as a study destination. Many have remained after completing their education, integrating into the workforce and contributing to research and development. The long-term impact of this talent pipeline is evident in innovation metrics: patent applications involving inventors of Indian origin increased twelvefold between 2000 and 2022, reflecting their growing role in Germany’s knowledge economy.
Experts argue that skilled immigration, particularly from India, has become indispensable for Germany’s economic growth. IW specialist Axel Plünnecke notes that without such migration, especially in STEM fields, sustaining growth and innovation would be extremely difficult. He describes skilled migration from India as a “particular success story” for the German economy.
In 2024, additional measures were introduced to further ease and encourage immigration from India. While high wages among Austrians and Americans are partly attributed to their concentration in affluent urban regions, the Indian case stands out for its clear linkage to skills, education, and innovation-driven roles.
