Germany’s artisan and skilled trade sector, known locally as the Handwerk industry, remains one of the country’s strongest economic pillars, employing millions and sustaining its reputation as Europe’s manufacturing powerhouse.
In 2023, Nairametrics reported that Germany had identified 20 high-demand occupations eligible for work visas, opening pathways for foreign professionals to plug critical labour gaps.
The move followed years of mounting shortages driven by an ageing population, a declining birth rate, and rising demand for skilled workers. This has opened its doors wider to qualified workers from abroad, offering clear and legal pathways to employment and residency.
For many Africans with practical skills or entrepreneurial ambition, this presents a rare opportunity. Germany’s Skilled Workers Immigration Act now recognises foreign vocational training, making it possible for artisans from electricians to plumbers to secure work visas and stable careers without a university degree
As of 2025, the highest-paying artisan jobs in Germany now offer not just competitive wages but long-term career stability and clear growth prospects, often without requiring a university degree.
According to data from Glassdoor and Salary Expert (an ERI company), immigrant artisans with advanced certifications or Meister titles are earning salaries on par with mid-level corporate professionals.
Below are the top 10 highest-paying artisan jobs in Germany, their entry barriers, and the average annual pay range from beginners to seasoned professionals.
Salary range: $33,579- $50,475
Tram drivers in Germany earn an average salary of €36,450($42,378) per year, or about €18 per hour, plus a typical annual bonus of €722, according to recent data. Entry-level drivers with one to three years of experience earn around €28,887($33,579), while senior drivers with over eight years of experience can make up to €43,422($50,475.90).
- Besides salary, tram drivers often enjoy benefits such as housing or transport allowances, health insurance, and paid vacation, especially when employed by public transport companies.
- To qualify, candidates typically need a secondary school certificate, vocational training in tram operation, and a valid tram or rail driver’s license.
The role of a tram driver is central to Germany’s urban transport system. Drivers operate trams along busy routes, ensure passenger safety, and maintain punctual schedules. The job requires excellent concentration, communication skills, and adherence to transport regulations.
9. Welder
Salary range: $37,779 – $53,356
Welders in Germany earn an average annual gross salary of around €38,300 ($44,521), or about €3,192 ($3,710) per month, with hourly rates typically ranging from €11.84 ($13.76) to €20.26 ($23.55). Earnings vary widely depending on location, experience, and skill level.
In Berlin, welders enjoy some of the highest average annual salaries at around €15,253, while Nuremberg offers lower averages of about €10,640 for entry-level positions.
However, professional welders with specialized certifications can earn between €32,500 ($37,779) and €45,900 ($53,356 ) per year, especially in industries such as shipbuilding, automotive, and construction.
Over time, shift differentials and bonuses can push total pay up by as much as 50%, meaning monthly take-home pay could reach €2,800 to €4,000 net.
Salary range: $38,998 – $62,780
In Germany, a painter and decorator earns an average annual gross salary of €44,800 ($52,084) , which translates to about €22 per hour. They also receive an average annual bonus of roughly €1,214.
Pay in this trade depends heavily on experience and skill level. Entry-level professionals with about 1–3 years of experience typically earn around €33,544 ($38,998) per year, while those in mid-level roles (4–7 years) take home roughly €46,800 ($54,409 )annually. At the top of the ladder, senior decorators with 8+ years of experience can earn as much as €54,144 ($62,780) per year.
Overall, painters and decorators in Germany earn between €34,000 and €57,000 annually, with demand steady across both residential and commercial projects.
Salary range: $37,547-$66,259
Scaffold workers in Germany earn an average salary of €34,437 per year, which comes to about €17 per hour. Entry-level scaffolders earn between €32,300 ($37,547) and €35,000, while those with over ten years of experience can make up to €40,800 annually. Foremen and master scaffolders earn significantly more between €3,355 and €5,000 per month, with top earners making over €57,000 ( $66,259 ) per year.
Salaries for scaffolders vary based on experience, qualifications, company size, and location. Workers in western Germany and larger cities tend to earn higher wages due to increased living costs and demand.
In addition to wages, many employers provide transport, housing allowances, and health insurance as part of the package. While most scaffolders hold a vocational qualification or apprenticeship certificate, some roles may accept applicants with less formal education but strong hands-on experience in construction and safety procedures.
6. Excavator operators
Range: $39,859-$66,932
Excavator operators in Germany earn an average annual salary of €47,009, according to recent data. This is equivalent to about €23($26) per hour, with an additional average bonus of €1,580 each year.
Entry-level operators with one to three years of experience typically earn around €34,289 ($39,859) annually, while those with over eight years of experience can earn up to €57,579 ($66,932).
The figures are based on salary survey data collected from both employers and employees across Germany.
An excavator operator is responsible for operating heavy construction equipment used in digging, grading, and moving earth, gravel, or other materials on construction sites. They work across sectors such as building, road construction, and mining, ensuring that excavation tasks are carried out safely and efficiently.
To qualify for this role in Germany, candidates typically need a vocational training certificate in construction machinery operation or a related technical field.
5. Glazier
Salary range: $42,459-$69,142
Working as a glazier (Glaser) in Germany can be rewarding, both technically and financially. The average annual salary stands at around €49,900 ($58,006), or roughly €24($27.90) per hour, with many professionals also receiving a bonus of about €1,381 each year.
Most glaziers earn between €36,526 ($42,459) and €59,480 ($69,142) annually, though wages can differ widely depending on experience, company size, and region. For instance, around 80% of glassmakers earn between €2,610($3,003)and €5,318($6,181) gross per month, with higher earnings typically found in western Germany and larger construction firms.
Becoming a glazier usually requires vocational training and a high school diploma, focusing on glass installation, cutting, and finishing skills. Those who advance to master-level or supervisory roles often see a significant salary boost.
4. Furniture upholsterer/carpenter
Salary range: $55,797-$69,747
Furniture upholsterers in Germany earn an average annual salary of €38,980, which is about €19 per hour, based on data from employers and employees nationwide. Salaries typically range between €28,416 and €46,542 per year, depending on skill level, location, and years of experience.
Most upholsterers hold at least a high school diploma and have completed vocational training in upholstery or carpentry. Skilled professionals who advance to become master carpenters (Meister) can earn significantly more, between €4,040 and €5,030 per month, or roughly €48,000 ($55,797) to €60,000 ($69,747) annually, according to recent data on German job sites.
Earnings also vary by region, company size, and collective wage agreements, with higher pay often found in larger firms or western German states.
Salary range: $43,939-$72,606
Automotive repair professionals in Germany earn competitive salaries, reflecting the country’s strong car manufacturing and service industry. The average tyre repair technician earns around €45,970 ($53,437) per year, or €22 per hour, plus a bonus of roughly €685.
An automobile mechanic earns a similar average of €45,443 ($52,825) annually, with a yearly bonus of about €1,509. Broader estimates show that automotive mechanics generally make around €48,109 ($55,924) per year (€23 per hour), with salaries ranging from €34,976 to €57,539, depending on experience and company.
For diesel mechanics, pay is typically higher, averaging €52,137 ($60,606) per year, or about €25 per hour, with earnings ranging between €37,799 ( $43,939 ) and €62,460 ($72,606).
Most technicians hold a high school diploma and have completed vocational training in automotive technology or mechanical repair. Experienced workers and those in larger cities or branded service centers often receive extra benefits such as transport allowances, health coverage, and paid leave.
Salary range: $48,011 – $80,992
Plumbers in Germany earn a solid average gross salary of €56,781 ($66,013) per year, which translates to about €27 ($31.39) per hour, according to data from industry surveys. They also receive an average annual bonus of €1,908($2,218).
Entry-level plumbers with one to three years of experience typically earn around €41,302 ($48,011) per year, while highly experienced professionals with over eight years on the job can earn up to €69,665 ($80,992) annually. Across the industry, about 80% of plumbers earn between €2,656 and €5,121 gross per month.
Pay levels vary depending on region, years of experience, company size, and specialization. Plumbers working in larger cities or with advanced technical certifications often earn more, particularly those employed by major construction or industrial firms.
Salary range: $48,569 – $82,405
Skilled electricians in Germany are earning good pay as demand for technical expertise continues to rise. On average, electricians take home about €57,676 ($67,054) annually, which works out to roughly €28 ($32.55) per hour, alongside a typical bonus of €2,053($2,386) each year.
Those just starting out in the field can expect around €41,777 ($48,569) per year, while senior electricians with over eight years of experience earn as high as €70,880 ($82,405).
Pay, however, is not the same across the board. It depends largely on location, experience level, and company size. Electricians working in industrial sites or major construction projects often earn more than those in smaller firms or domestic service roles.
Many employers also sweeten the deal with extra benefits such as housing or transport allowances, health insurance, and paid leave, making it one of the more rewarding hands-on careers in Germany’s labour market.
Source : Nairametrics