Indian professionals working in Germany earned significantly higher median wages than their German counterparts in 2024, driven largely by their strong presence in technical, academic and research-intensive roles, a new study has found.

According to a report released on Friday by the Institute of the German Economy (IW), the median gross monthly income of German workers stood at €4,177, while Indian employees earned a median of €5,393 — more than €1,200 higher.

Indian workers top wage rankings

The study, based on data from the Federal Employment Agency, analysed nationalities with more than 5,000 full-time employees in Germany. Among all foreign groups, Indian workers emerged as the highest earners.

They were followed by Austrians (€5,322), US nationals (€5,307) and Irish workers (€5,233). In comparison, the overall median income for foreign workers in Germany was €3,204.

Strong presence in STEM roles

Researchers attributed the higher wages of Indian professionals to their concentration in MINT professions — mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology, including engineering. The number of Indians working in these fields has increased nearly ninefold since 2012, reaching over 32,800 in 2024.

Around one-third of full-time Indian workers aged between 25 and 44 are employed in MINT roles, sectors that are critical to Germany’s innovation and industrial competitiveness.

Education and innovation links

The trend has also been supported by a sharp rise in Indian students choosing Germany for higher education. Many have stayed back after graduation, contributing to research and development. Patent applications involving inventors of Indian origin rose twelvefold between 2000 and 2022, the study noted.

IW expert Axel Plünnecke said skilled immigration from India has become “a particular success story” for Germany. “Without skilled immigration, economic growth would hardly be possible today, especially in STEM professions and innovation,” he said.

Policy push for Indian talent

Since 2012, Germany has actively recruited skilled workers from non-EU countries, with a strong focus on academic and technical fields. In 2024, the government under then Chancellor Olaf Scholz introduced new measures to make immigration easier for skilled Indian professionals.

The findings highlight the growing global value of Indian talent and the important role Indian professionals play in advanced economies like Germany.