Would you like to work as a kindergarten teacher or child care worker in Germany and are wondering how much you can earn?
In our article, we explain how much money you are entitled to as an educator and what salary you can expect if you want to work in a kindergarten or daycare center in Germany.
The salary of trained educators and child care workers with state recognition or training acquired abroad depends on various factors. These include your qualifications, the employer, existing professional experience, the federal state and even the city in which you work, as well as your working hours (full-time or part-time).
Your salary depends on the following factors:
the respective federal state and the social area (big city, rural area, etc.)
the size of the company,
the respective employer (city, club, church, ...)
professional experience,
the weekly working hours,
the tax class,
collective bargaining,
the individual concessions of the employer,
the individual negotiating skills
Contact us for an individual calculation. We will also prepare you for interviews, recommend daycare providers based on your needs and find the most suitable position for you quickly and easily.
On average, a kindergarten teacher in Germany earns between 35,000 and 40,800 euros gross per year, which results in an average gross income of around 2,915 to 3,400 euros per month. With a 39-hour week and in tax bracket 1, this makes an average hourly wage of between 18 euros and 21.25 euros gross.
Newcomers earn an average gross salary of 2,932 euros per month, whereas educators with five years of professional experience or more receive an average of around 3,400 euros per month . For those with 10 to 20 years of professional experience, the salary is calculated at levels 4 and 5, which corresponds to around 3,500 to 3,700 euros.
Payment according to TVöD SuE
Around three quarters, and thus the majority of trained educators with state recognition, are paid according to the collective agreement for the public service in social and educational services (TVöD SuE). There are particularly many job openings for educators in Berlin, Munich and Hamburg. A total of 1,355 open positions for educators are currently available through our daycare providers.
The TVöD SuE has a total of 6 salary levels. The more qualifications and professional experience educators can demonstrate, the more they move up to the next level and thus to a higher pay group. The starting salary for educators in level 1 in 2023 is around €2,931.61 gross per month (pay group S 8a), for a weekly working time of 39 hours. If you can demonstrate at least three more years of professional experience, you will be placed in level 3 and receive a gross monthly salary of around €3,142.47 gross. In Bavaria, particularly in Munich, educators often receive grants of €270 and €200 in addition to their monthly salary. In addition, many employers also cover travel expenses of €44 per month. This results in a monthly starting salary of at least €3,445.61 gross .
Since the collective agreement for the public sector is renegotiated at regular intervals, educators and other public sector employees regularly receive a salary increase. In addition, educators are automatically placed in a higher group or a higher salary level the more years of professional experience they have gained.
Salary table TVöD SuE 2024
Validity: 01.03.2024 - 31.12.2024, + 200 €, + 5.5 %
Classification for educators in the TvöD SuE table
Educators | S 4 (rare), usually S 8a |
Educators with “particularly difficult professional activities” | S8b |
Educators with "professional coordinating tasks" | S9 |
Daycare centre managers with >40 places, deputy managers with <40 places | S9 |
Daycare management with <40 places, deputy management with <70 | Page 13 |
Daycare centre managers <70 places, deputy managers from 100 places, Daycare centers with disabled children >40 places, Deputy management with disabled children <40 places, Deputy management in educational homes <50 places | S15 |
Deputy management with disabled children >40 places | S11 |
ita-lines <100 places, Deputy management <130 places, Daycare management with disabled children <40 places, Deputy management with disabled children <70 places, Deputy management of educational homes <50 places, Daycare management in educational homes >50 places | S16 |
Daycare management <130 places, Deputy management <180 places, Daycare management with disabled children <70 places, Deputy management with disabled children <90 places | Page 17 |
Daycare management <180 places, Daycare managers with disabled children | Page 18 |
Deputy heads of educational homes <90 places | Page 17 |
Special education teachers | S9 |
Special education nurses and special education teachers | S8a |
Social worker | S 8 or S 14 (depending on activity) |
Childcare worker | S 2 or S 3 |
Child care workers with “difficult professional activities” | S 4 |
If you are still wondering what your salary group is and whether you can earn more, send us an email or contact us. We will be happy to advise you free of charge.
Where can I get a higher salary in private or municipal institutions?
The salary level in private and municipal institutions can vary greatly and depends on various factors. In general, it is difficult to say whether you get paid more in private or municipal institutions.
Private companies often offer the opportunity to receive higher salaries, as they are usually profit-oriented and strive to attract both qualified and experienced employees. However, private companies are also exposed to greater fluctuations and risks, which can affect salary development.
In municipal institutions, such as government agencies or public services, there are often collective agreements that apply to certain professional groups. These collective agreements set minimum wages and salary levels that offer a certain level of security, but may also leave less room for individual salary negotiations.
It is therefore important to consider the specific situation and labor market in your country or region. Researching current salary levels and comparison options can help you make an informed decision.
We are happy to help you find a well-paid job or improve your financial situation. Every situation is different and everyone's expectations regarding working conditions are individual.
Where do educators earn the most?
In East Germany, educators earn on average four percent less than in the West. They receive the highest average wage in Rhineland-Palatinate and the lowest in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Those who are paid according to the collective agreement have advantages in terms of salary; even large cities such as Munich pay allowances of up to 470 euros and more, but these must be evaluated in the context of the high rent prices.
The best salary tips for educators
For educators looking for better salary prospects, we have summarized the most important tips that can help:
1. Further education: Investing in further education and qualifications can increase the chances of a higher salary. Think about further training, certificates or even a higher education degree.
2. Professional experience: Salary often increases with increasing professional experience. Stay in your professional field and gain valuable experience.
3. Salary negotiations : Don't be afraid to negotiate your salary if you want to start a new job or ask for a raise. Research the industry average and argue for your request. We're happy to help you negotiate better working conditions.
4. Specialization : Specializing in a particular field of work such as working with special needs or early childhood education can lead to higher salaries.
5. Choice of employer : Different employers offer different salary packages. We know which employers offer which compensation and additional benefits.
6. Benefits : Look for additional benefits such as a company pension plan, health benefits and training opportunities. These can increase the overall value of your compensation.
7. Working hours : Depending on your financial goals, you can choose between full-time, part-time and freelance work. Make sure that your chosen working hours model meets your financial needs.
Remember that salaries in the education industry can often vary widely from region to region and by employer. It's important to have realistic expectations and plan carefully to achieve your financial goals.
What allowances am I entitled to as a kindergarten teacher in Munich in 2024?
The minimum salary for trained educators (after the internship) including allowances is currently €3,506.91.
The specific allowances for kindergarten teachers in Munich in 2024 may depend on various factors, including the employer, the collective agreement and individual agreements. However, typical allowances that kindergarten teachers in Munich can receive could be the following:
Munich allowance of currently 270 € / month
50 € per child /month
Labour market allowance of 200 € / month
13th monthly salary
Inflation premium (optional)
Travel allowance (46.55 € to 49.00 € / month)
However, it is important to emphasize that the exact allowances for kindergarten teachers in Munich in 2024 depend on the respective working conditions and collective agreements. It is recommended to consult the official sources such as the relevant trade unions or employers' associations in order to obtain accurate and up-to-date information.
Recommend our post to your friends and colleagues and do not hesitate to contact us.
We are happy to help you achieve the best working conditions.
Your daycare job agency
Vladislava Ivanova
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