Interested in studying and working in Germany? There are numerous High-Paying Jobs for Students in Germany and there are many ways of earning money while studying, for example as academic assistants, or private tutors and even more.
However the kind of work opportunities available to you will depend on government regulations and your level of study; whether bachelor’sor graduate level. Knowledge of the German language will improve your chances of student jobs in Germany even more.
How to Apply for Study and Work Opportunities in Germany
Germany is the fourth-largest economy in the world and the largest in entire Europe. Its rate of unemployment is among the lowest in the EU. As of March 2022, the rate of unemployment in Germany was, on average, 5.7% with many cities like Munich or Berlin being way much lower.
See Also: How to Apply for a Germany Study Visa
What Are My Student Work Options In Germany?
The main types of work available for international students in Germany to get professional experience while getting a pay cheque are:
* Part-time jobs
* Summer or winter vacation jobs
* Internships (praktika)
* Volunteering
* Traineeships
Do I Need a Student Work Permit in Germany?
If you come from an EU/EEA country, you do not need a work permit to get a job in Germany. And there’s no limitation to how much you can work however, if you work more than 20 hours/week then you are required to pay taxes to the German social security system.
Commonly Available High-Paying Jobs for Students in Germany
RESEARCH ASSISTANT AT THE UNIVERSITY
Average Pay: About €925/month
Teaching or graduate research assistants at the university typically are open to research scholars and pay decent enough money. These jobs include assisting the professor with marking copies, giving tutorials, or prepare research literature, as supervisors, as librarians, etc. On a hierarchy of the kinds of jobs available, these are at the top of the line. Research assistant at the university is a kind of job that brings you many advantages, as you are already familiar with the environment and the personnel, and it can help you with your studies too.
SUPPORT STAFF/ WAITERS AT CAFÉ’S
Average Pay: €8.55/hr
Waiting or catering assignments are often the most famous jobs among students. Many students opt for this for more reasons than the money this is so because as we know the pay on some occasions is very basic, it gives the student a great opportunity to explore the city, meet new people and simply unwind after the day at the university. Not to forget, the tips are very good.
BABYSITTING
Average Pay: €5-10/hr
Babysitting can indeed be a rewarding job, especially if you enjoy spending time with children. It offers a chance to make a positive impact on a child’s life while earning some income. Plus, the flexibility can be appealing, allowing you to balance work with other responsibilities. And as you gain experience and build relationships with families, you may have opportunities to negotiate higher rates or even explore additional childcare opportunities.
LANGUAGE TUTOR
Average Pay: $28/hr
Becoming a tutor can be a fantastic opportunity, especially if you’re proficient in a particular language. Teaching English, for instance, is highly sought after in many countries, offering a lucrative path for international students or anyone fluent in English. Whether you’re working within a school, a company, or offering private tuition, your proficiency in the language will be a key factor in your employability and the rates you can command.
RETAIL STORE SHOPPING ASSISTANT
Average Pay: €27,000/yr
Among one of the outstanding High-Paying jobs for students in Germany. A retail store shopping assistant involves knowing, customers with information, and selecting the best product they are looking for. You will need good communication skills. Germany’s bricks and mortar retail sector is often crying out for staff, with flexible hours and discounts available as attractive perks.
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Average Pay: €11.93/hr
Your main tasks would be to answer the phone, give information to clients or partners of the company, and other administrative duties.
CATERING
Average Pay: NA
Whether it involves serving food at corporate functions, or just joining the waiting staff at a local restaurant, the food and drink sector is a major student employer, so you should look into this too.
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
Average Pay: €11.75/hr
Absolutely, leveraging tutoring or babysitting jobs while studying abroad can be a strategic move, especially in countries like Germany that offer post-study work permits. Not only do these jobs provide valuable experience and income during studies, but they can also serve as stepping stones to a career in the country after graduation.
CALL CENTRE OFFICER
Average Pay: €1,663/monthly
You can agree with me that this stands out as one of the High-Paying jobs for students in Germany. What you do is to answer the phone, analyze customer requests or complaints, and manage them, these are basically what you will have to do. You have to be patient, diplomatic, and have interpersonal skills. Good knowledge of German is also a must and, most times, you can make your own schedule.
FIELD INTERVIEWER
Average Pay: €26.478/yr
Some companies or organizations often need data collectors, that have to ask clients about their opinion about products or services that will eventually lead to a survey.
HOME DELIVERY
Average Pay: €15/hr
This will entail you to work for an online shopping company or restaurant and deliver products at peoples’ homes. The job is well paid, but keep in mind that you will often receive extra tips as well.
Also Check: Germany Visa Sponsorship Jobs 2023: Top Companies to Apply
Work-Study Tax for Student Tax
If you regularly earn more than 450 Euros in your job, you will need an income tax number to pay taxes. But if you regularly earn more than €450/hour, you will need a tax number.
Deductions will be made automatically from your salary, but you will get back the tax you have paid at the end of the year. If you work less than 20 hours per week, these taxes do not apply. Awesome, right? I think so too.
If you are an international student, you can take up to 120 full days of work/year or 240 half-days/years. The only exception is if you work as a student assistant within the university. In this case, there is no work-time limit.
RULES FOR STUDENTS
It’s great that students from the European Union, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, have unrestricted access to the German labor market. This opens up a wide range of opportunities for them to work and gain valuable experience while studying in Germany. However, it’s important for them to be aware of the regulations regarding working hours and insurance contributions, particularly if they exceed 20 hours per week.
The regulations you mentioned are crucial for international students aiming to study and work in Germany. Understanding these rules can help students navigate their employment options while complying with legal requirements:
- Limit on Work Hours: International students are typically allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year without seeking additional permission.
- Permission for Additional Work: If students wish to work beyond these limits, they must obtain permission from both the Federal Employment Agency and the foreigners’ office. Approval depends on the labor market situation, with better chances in regions with lower unemployment rates.
- Special Cases for Language Courses or Preparatory College: Students enrolled in language courses or preparatory colleges may only work during recess periods and require permission from both the Federal Employment Agency and the foreigners’ office.
Laws for Student Part Time Jobs in Germany
Navigating taxation and social security contributions is indeed crucial for international students working in Germany. The threshold for tax and social security exemption, set at 450 Euros per month or less and working for less than 50 continuous days over a year, provides clarity on when students are liable for such payments.
Exceeding the advised 20-hour per week limit not only contravenes university rules but also triggers obligations for health insurance, unemployment insurance, and nursing care insurance. Compliance with federal laws is paramount, as failure to do so can result in expulsion from the country. Thus, it’s imperative to understand and adhere to the regulations to maintain legal status.
University employment may offer better working conditions, including extended hours and wages. While securing a job within the university can be challenging, the rewards can be substantial for those who succeed. Additionally, exploring scholarship opportunities for international students in Germany can further support studying and working in the country, offering fully funded options for eligible candidates.
