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5 STEM Fields for High-Demand Jobs in Germany (+Salaries)

Germany’s dominant industries, including automotive, mechanical engineering, chemical, and electrical sectors, have created a surging demand for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals.

In 2022, The German Economic Institute (IW) reported a shortage of 320,000 STEM specialists in the country. In the same year, , marking a remarkable 190% increase since 2012.

To attract top talent, Germany offers incentives like the Settlement Permit for highly qualified workers and the EU Blue Card, making it a prime destination for lucrative career opportunities.

If you’re looking at Germany for education or careers, our experts at Studying-in-Germany.org have identified the top 5 in-demand STEM skills, along with job prospects, salaries, and top universities.

Quick Summary

  • Germany’s rapidly growing STEM sectors include engineering, information technology, biotechnology and life sciences, data science and analytics, as well as robotics and automation.
  • These fields attract top talent, with competitive average salaries ranging from €57,506 to €121,666 per year.
  • According to Studying-in-Germany.org, the top-three ranking universities in Germany in STEM fields are the Technical University of Munich, KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology), and Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin).

1. Engineering

Engineering is one of the most sought-after fields of work in Germany, and for good reason. This dynamic industry finds its roots in a nation home to an array of global titans, including Bosch, Siemens, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Wintershall in oil and gas, Meyer Werft in shipbuilding, and Hochtief in construction.

Engineers here lead in innovation, precision, and technology, but an estimated 15,000 annual engineering jobs in Germany need to be filled so there is long-term workforce security. , Germany offers over 3,600 engineering courses, showcasing its commitment to nurturing talent for evolving industry demands.

Here’s a look at the top engineering fields for a career in Germany, along with the corresponding average salaries:

Job Average Base Salary (EUR)/yr Average Hourly Rate Average Bonus (EUR)/yr
Marine Engineer €82,825 €39.82 €2,857
Petroleum Engineer €121,666 €58.49 €5,645
Electrical Engineer €83,683 €40.23 €3,088
Civil Engineer €80,341 €39 €2,619

2. Information Technology (IT)

Germany’s IT sector is another field experiencing remarkable growth. According to the , the growth is marked by 137,000 vacant jobs in the sector.

Mid-sized IT companies are playing a pivotal role, generating an impressive 84 billion euros in revenue. Moreover, Germany has solidified its position as a leader in software development within the European Union. In 2022, it ranked first in software development revenue.

This thriving sector in Germany boasts leading companies like SAP, Lufthansa Systems, and Deutsche Telekom, all spearheading technological advancements and innovation.

Here’s a snapshot of some key IT jobs in Germany and their average compensation:

Job Average Base Salary (EUR)/yr Average Hourly Rate Average Bonus (EUR)/yr
IT Technician €57,506 €32 €1,020
Web Developer €92,064 €44 €3,676
Computer Programmer €87,240 €41.94 €3,333
System Analyst €84,247 €41 €3,185

3. Biotechnology and Life Sciences

Germany’s biotechnology and life sciences sectors are key players in the economy, including pharmaceuticals, medical research, and bioinformatics, with the healthcare industry employing over 7.6 million people. The biotechnology sector notably grew in 2020 with 44,500 employees, a 16% increase from the previous year.

In 2023, the biotech sector received a boost in funding, with BIO Deutschland reporting an impressive €1.08 billion in capital and venture capital, a substantial increase from the previous year’s €921 million. Additionally, Germany’s pharmaceutical market, , led Europe with a substantial revenue of €56.5 billion in 2022.

Here are some in-demand biotechnology and life science roles in Germany, along with their average salaries:

Job Average Base Salary (EUR)/yr Average Hourly Rate Average Bonus (EUR)/yr
Biomedical Scientist €69,026 €33 €1,933
Bioinformatics Specialist €107,085 €51 €2,881
Pharmacologist €107,596 €51.73 €3,131
Clinical Research Associate €71,236 €34.25 €1,589

4. Data Science And Analytics

Data science and analytics are highly sought-after STEM skills in Germany, integral to the nation’s modern business landscape. The (IW) found that between 2019 and 2023, one out of every five job postings required new employees to have data skills. Data analysts analyze vast datasets for valuable insights, while data scientists employ advanced modeling techniques for innovation.

Jobs in this field are not only in high demand but also quite lucrative. Industries spanning technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing actively seek experts in this field to stay competitive, including renowned companies such as Allianz, Sparkasse, Lufthansa, and DHL.

Check out some job roles in data science in Germany, together with their average salaries:

Job Average Base Salary (EUR)/yr Average Hourly Rate Average Bonus (EUR)/yr
Data Scientist €115,921 €56 €5,529
Financial Analyst €84,393 €41 €3,536
Data Engineer €99,093 €48 €4,281
Business Analyst €90,112 €43 €3,595

5. Robotics And Automation

Thriving and in high demand, the field of robotics and automation in Germany has experienced substantial growth over the past decade, nearly doubling its turnover from 2010 to 2019. Germany stands out with its impressive density of industrial robots, boasting 415 robots per 10,000 employees, , following Singapore and China.

In 2022, companies in this sector reported a noteworthy 5 percent increase in sales, reaching 14.3 billion euros, with further growth anticipated. Some notable companies in this field in Germany include KUKA, Siemens, and Bosch Rexroth.

Some robotics and automation jobs to look out for in Germany include:

Job Average Base Salary (EUR)/yr Average Hourly Rate Average Bonus (EUR)/yr
Electromechanical Technician €68,930 €33 €1,627
Mechanical Engineer €81,727 €39 €2,852
Aerospace Engineer €61,982 €30 €2,223
Robotics Engineer €92,581 €45 €2,046

Top Universities in Germany for STEM Courses

With more than 400 higher education institutions, Germany is renowned for offering top-quality STEM courses that enjoy high demand. According to the , the 2022/23 winter semester saw an impressive enrollment of 1,078,042 students in STEM programs.

If you’re on the lookout for the ideal university to pursue STEM degrees and courses, our team at Studying-in-Germany.org conducted a thorough analysis, taking into account global rankings, their overall score according to , acceptance rates, and the enrollment figures for 2022/23.

Here are the best universities in Germany to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in 2024:

University Location Global Ranking Overall Score Acceptance Rate Number of students enrolled 2022/23
Technical University of Munich Munich, Germany 37 80 8% 50,000
KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe, Germany 119 56.4 26% 22,373
Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) Berlin, Germany =154 50.5 52% 33,864
RWTH Aachen University Aachen, Germany 106 59.3 10% 45,284
Technische Universität Dresden Dresden, Germany =246 39.7 49% 36,000
Universität Stuttgart Stuttgart, Germany 312 33.7 71% 22,093
Technical University of Darmstadt Darmstadt, Germany =246 39.7 29% 25,000
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Berlin, Germany 120 56.3 18% 35,000
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Munich, Germany 54 72.5 55% 52,276
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Erlangen, Germany 229 41.7 46% 39,657
Leibniz University Hannover Hanover, Germany =481 23.9 51% 28,819
Universität Heidelberg Heidelberg, Germany =87 62.2 17% 29,897
Freie Universitaet Berlin Berlin, Germany 98 60.8 15% 38,539
TU Dortmund University Dortmund, Germany 851-900 n/a 59% 32,476
Technische Universität Braunschweig Braunschweig, Germany 751-760 n/a 51% 16,809

You can access our comprehensive database of 420+ German universities to explore further.

There, you will find valuable resources, including information about the best universities for international students, details about free universities in Germany, subject-specific university rankings, and more.


Expert Insights

Germany’s demand in fields like engineering, IT, biotechnology, data science, and robotics is driven by a mix of historical expertise and a strong push towards innovation. For example, the demand for IT and data science professionals clearly reflects the sectors’ critical role in the modern economy.

The rise in biotechnology, fueled by Germany’s commitment to research and development, is particularly highlighted by recent global health trends. Germany’s global leadership in robotics and automation not only stems from the country’s deep-seated expertise but also reflects its dedication to integrating cutting-edge technology across various industries.

Engineering is in high demand in Germany mainly because it’s a key part of its economy, especially in sectors like automotive and manufacturing. Plus, Germany’s high-quality education system keeps supplying fresh talent, so the demand just keeps growing. But it isn’t just about quantity; it’s more about the evolving nature of the industry. Even with fresh talent coming in, the demand stays high because the engineering field itself is constantly advancing and diversifying.

– Alma Miftari, Head of Research and Statistics at Studying-in-Germany.org