Employer cost in Germany at different salaries
| Salary level | Gross salary | Employer SSC | Total employer cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67% of AW | 44,689 EUR | 20.9% | 54,051 EUR |
| 100% of AW | 66,700 EUR | 20.9% | 80,617 EUR |
| 167% of AW | 111,389 EUR | 15.3% | 128,475 EUR |
Worked example
The OECD average wage in Germany for 2025 is 66,700 EUR (about $93,985 in US-dollar purchasing power). On top of that salary the employer pays social security contributions of 20.9%, or 13,917 EUR. That brings the statutory total to 80,617 EUR a year (6,718 EUR a month), or 39 EUR per hour at 2,080 hours. In 2024 the rate at the average wage was 20.1%, so it rose. The employer rate falls from 20.9% at the average wage to 15.3% at 167% of it, a sign that contributions are capped above a ceiling, so high earners cost proportionally less.
Germany ranks #14 of 38 OECD countries for employer contributions at the average wage (OECD average: 16.6%). Employer contributions are a substantial extra cost to budget for.
Sources: OECD Taxing Wages 2025, comparative indicators (single worker, no children; average wage as defined by the OECD for each country) and OECD, Non-tax compulsory payments as an additional burden on labour income in 2025 (Tables 5 and 6) for mandatory pension and insurance payments that are not classed as taxes, such as Australian superannuation. Model estimates: voluntary benefits, local caps and sector-specific schemes are not included.
Related
Frequently asked questions
How much does an employee cost in Germany?
At the OECD average wage of 66,700 EUR, about 80,617 EUR a year including 20.9% employer social security (2025).
What are employer social security contributions in Germany?
About 20.9% of gross pay at the average wage, 20.9% at 67% and 15.3% at 167% of it (OECD model).