Increase minimum wage

The level of the minimum wage is adjusted at regular intervals. A permanent minimum wage commission decides on the adjustment every two years.
The decision of the Minimum Wage Commission can be made binding for all employers and employees by statutory order of the Federal Government.

When setting the minimum wage, the commission is guided by wage developments in Germany. The law stipulates that the minimum wage can be adjusted every two years from 2017.

• Since 01.01.2017: EUR 8.84.
• From 01.01.2019: EUR 9.19.
• From 01.01.2020: EUR 9.35.

The Minimum Wage Commission takes various aspects into account when making its adjustment decision. It examines in an overall assessment whether

• the new minimum wage is suitable to ensure minimum protection for workers,
• enable fair and functioning competitive conditions and
• not jeopardize employment.

In addition, it is based on the development of collective bargaining agreements when setting the minimum wage. As soon as the Second Minimum Wage Adjustment Ordinance has entered into force, every employee is entitled to have his or her wage paid in the amount of the gross pay specified in the ordinance. This applies to every hour actually worked.

• Forms: none
• Online procedure possible: no
• Written form required: no
• Personal appearance required: no

§ Section 9 (1) of the Minimum Wage Act (MiLoG)

The Minimum Wage Commission meets at regular intervals to review adjustments to the minimum wage.

• It takes various aspects into account and
• justifies its decision in writing.
• The adjustment comes into force after a set deadline.

The first adjustment to the minimum wage took effect on January 1, 2017. From this date, the Minimum Wage Commission must decide on the adjustment of the minimum wage every two years.

• Further information on the subject of minimum wage on the website of the Federal Ministry of Labor
• Brochure on the subject of minimum wage
• Minimum wage calculator on the website of the Federal Ministry of Labor