Salaries

How much do painters earn in Germany?

Dr. Anna Hocker
Dr. Anna Hocker
Digitalization and HR Expert in the Construction Industry
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Published on 28th Nov 20245 min read

The profession of painters & varnishers is in demand throughout Germany and offers a stable source of income. But how much does a painter & varnisher actually earn? In this article, we take a detailed look at the painter's salary in various German cities and show you where you can expect the highest income.

Painter and Varnisher Activities

Painters and varnishers play a crucial role in the construction and renovation industry. Their main tasks include:

  • Surface preparation: This includes masking and covering areas that should not be painted, as well as sanding and priming the surfaces to create a flawless base for the paint.

  • Painting and lacquering: Painters and lacquerers apply paint, varnish, or other coatings to interior and exterior walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. This can be done manually with brushes and rollers or using spraying techniques.

  • Decorative work: Often, painters and lacquerers are also responsible for decorative techniques, such as applying wallpaper, creating stucco decorations, or executing special painting techniques like glazing or marbleizing.

  • Maintenance work: In addition to new construction projects, painters and lacquerers also take care of the maintenance and renovation of existing buildings, which includes repairing damages and refreshing paintwork.

  • Consultation and planning: They advise clients on material selection, colors, and techniques, and create corresponding offers and schedules based on client wishes and budgets.

Average Painter and Varnisher Salary in Germany

The average painter and varnisher salary in Germany is €33,500 gross annual salary. However, the painter salary can vary depending on the region. The possible salary range for painters in Germany is between €28,900 and €38,600 per year.

Salary differences by cities

The following table summarizes the salaries of painters in some of the largest cities in Germany:

CityAverage SalarySalary Range
Stuttgart38,800 €32,400 € - 45,400 €
Munich37,600 €32,100 € - 43,000 €
Cologne36,800 €30,500 € - 42,500 €
Bonn35,700 €30,300 € - 41,800 €
Hamburg35,600 €30,800 € - 41,900 €
Essen35,500 €30,000 € - 40,600 €
Duisburg35,400 €29,700 € - 40,800 €
Dortmund35,000 €29,600 € - 40,600 €
Wuppertal34,900 €29,700 € - 40,200 €
Nuremberg34,700 €29,700 € - 40,000 €
Bielefeld34,700 €30,000 € - 39,800 €
Munster34,700 €29,600 € - 39,900 €
Dusseldorf34,700 €29,600 € - 39,900 €
Frankfurt am Main34,600 €29,700 € - 40,000 €
Bochum34,200 €29,400 € - 39,300 €
Bremen34,100 €29,200 € - 39,300 €
Hanover33,700 €28,900 € - 38,800 €
Berlin32,600 €27,800 € - 37,600 €
Leipzig32,000 €27,700 € - 35,600 €
Dresden31,000 €26,900 € - 35,200 €

Reasons for salary differences

The wage differences among painters in Germany can be explained by several factors:

  1. Living costs: Cities with higher living costs such as Munich and Stuttgart generally offer higher salaries to accommodate the increased expenses. This includes higher rent, food prices, and other living costs.

  2. Demand for skilled workers: In some regions, there is a higher demand for skilled workers in the construction industry, leading to higher salaries. Urban areas and economically stronger regions tend to have more construction projects, and consequently, a higher demand for painters.

  3. Competition and industry development: In competitive and economically thriving regions, companies are often willing to pay higher salaries to attract and retain qualified employees.

  4. Regional economic strength: Cities with strong economic power and a high level of investment, especially in construction and renovation projects, tend to offer higher salaries. This is often the case in economic centers such as Frankfurt and Hamburg.

  5. Work experience and qualification: Another important factor is the work experience and qualification of the painter. In regions with a higher concentration of qualified professionals, salaries may be correspondingly higher.

Training as a painter and varnisher

The training as a painter and varnisher is the first step towards a successful career in this trade. The painter training salary typically ranges from €500 to €1,000 per month, depending on the year of training and the region. Completing an apprenticeship opens numerous career opportunities and can positively influence the future salary of painters and varnishers.

Tariff wage for painters and varnishers

The collective wage for painters and varnishers provides further guidance for salaries in this profession. Collective agreements often establish minimum wages and salary structures that can vary depending on the federal state and qualifications.

Conclusion

The salary of painters can vary significantly depending on the region. While cities like Stuttgart and Munich tend to offer higher salaries, cities like Leipzig and Dresden provide lower salaries. These differences can be attributed to the respective cost of living and the demand for skilled workers in the regions. A completed vocational training as a painter and varnisher and consideration of the collective wage are important factors for an attractive salary in this profession.

Are you already earning enough?

Find out now and discover new opportunities in your profession! With Crafthunt you have access to numerous painter jobs across Germany. Compare painter salaries, find the best employers, and take the next step in your career.

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