Truck Driver Salary in Germany: What to Know as a Foreign Worker

The trucking industry in Germany plays a vital role in supporting Europe’s leading economy. A highly developed industry requires advanced logistics, which opens the door for experienced professional drivers. This is a great career opportunity to live and work abroad, but before you make a decision, you need to learn more about the truck driver salary in Germany.

The average truck driver salary in Germany is roughly 2,800 EUR per month (gross), which translates to €2,200–€2,575 net, depending on tax deductions. As for hourly wages for truck drivers, they typically start at €18 for entry-level drivers and can go up to €27 for experienced professionals. Bonuses and other benefits often enhance these figures, making working as a truck driver in Germany financially rewarding.

How Much Are Truck Drivers Paid in Germany?

So, how much are truck drivers paid in Germany? While the salary is around 2575 EUR net, your earnings are based on experience, location, and job responsibilities. With that in mind, you can earn additional benefits like a salary, accommodation, annual bonuses, and allowances for food and petrol.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of annual, monthly, and hourly salaries for truck drivers (gross numbers):

Source: Economic Research Institute

These figures provide a clear view of the truck driver salary in Germany per month and the truck driver salary in Germany per hour. The good news is that while the base pay is competitive compared to other European countries, drivers can earn even more through bonuses and allowances. 

Truck Driver Salaries by City in Germany

When we’re talking about truck driver salary, Germany is fairly consistent across regions thanks to minor variations that exist due to differences in living costs and local demand. Unlike bus driver salaries, how much you’ll earn also depends on the type of work, such as distance, load, and working hours. 

Additionally, the average truck driver salary in Germany may be influenced by proximity to major industrial zones or international borders, where demand for cross-border transport is high. Drivers working in these areas often benefit from increased bonuses tied to longer routes or specialised cargo. This list of truck driver salaries by city in Germany will help you understand how much you can earn depending on the location.

Source: Kununu

How Much Does Truck Driver Make in Germany Depending on Work Experience

The truck driver average salary in Germany heavily depends on experience. For example, entry-level drivers earning around €2,800 per month often see their income rise with years of work experience. Additionally, specialised skills, such as transporting dangerous materials or big loads, can further improve earnings.

Below, you’ll see how much truck drivers earn in Germany depending on their experience in the trucking industry:

Source: Kununu

Entry-Level Salary vs. Experienced Truck Driver Salary

Truck driving is a profession that requires responsibility and professionalism. Understanding the job requirements is key to success, and that’s why drivers with experience are highly sought after. So, how much can you earn at the start of your career in the trucking industry? 

An entry-level salary for truck drivers is around 2,800 EUR, which is basically the average wage. 

That means that even if you’re starting your career in Germany, you are expected to have some previous driving experience. That said, you can earn up to 48,000 EUR a year, not counting bonuses, as an experienced truck driver in Germany.

As for additional rewards, the average bonus for truckers is 1,200 EUR annually. It depends on the company, market conditions, and the level of professionalism you display during the year. Your Robin advisor may give you more details about companies that offer higher bonuses.

How do Truck Drivers Get a Salary Raise in Germany?

Raise for truck drivers mostly depends on the company you’re working for and their internal policies. You can expect around a 4% raise annually in the German trucking industry. 

That said, salary raises mostly depend on several factors: 

• • Company policies: If your company has set conditions for raises and promotions, you’ll always know what to expect and when to expect it. In most cases, success will be rewarded, especially if it comes thanks to your skills and initiative.
  • Experienced drivers earn more: Companies value experienced and reliable workers, as the truck driving profession has many challenges. If you’re a skilled professional, you’ll quickly get a raise and even a promotion.

• Additional trucking skills: If you have extra skills that allow you to drive dangerous loads and transport large shipments, you’ll be able to earn more money.

Important Factors Influencing Truck Driver Salaries in Germany

Driving skills are key to a thriving career in trucking, but that’s not the only factor that influences your salary: market situation, driving routes, company size, etc. Understanding the industry will help you negotiate a better salary.

Here’s what to have in mind:

• Education: Formal education is not as important as having certificates that prove your extra skills. Employers may insist on specific standards, especially if the cargo they’re transporting is hazardous. 

• Language: Most trucking companies in Germany require knowledge of English, but it’s a big plus if you can speak German. This way, you’ll have better chances for promotion and a raise. 

• Job opportunities: How much you can earn as a truck driver in Germany depends on the status of the German and international markets. The good news is that even during a previous economic crisis, the German market was stable compared to other countries. All of this is a sure signal that truck driver jobs and salaries are stable.

Benefits of Working as a Truck Driver in Germany

Working as a truck driver in Germany comes with many advantages beyond the base salary:

• Working Hours: Strict EU regulations govern driving hours, ensuring safety and fair compensation. Drivers can work up to 56 hours per week, earning competitive hourly rates. For those wondering how much do truck drivers make an hour, the typical rate ranges from €18 to €27, depending on experience and the nature of the cargo.
• Health and Social Insurance: Comprehensive coverage ensures financial security for employees and their families.
• Paid Leave: Most truck drivers receive 20–30 days of paid vacation annually.
• Accommodation and Travel Support: Many companies offer subsidized housing and reimbursements for travel expenses, particularly for international employees.
• Annual Bonuses: Many employers in Germany provide additional income through performance-based bonuses, yearly holiday pay, and travel allowances. These perks significantly increase the truck driver average salary and make the profession attractive.

What Types of Bonuses Do Truck Drivers Get?

Companies offer several types of bonuses as a reward for good performance. According to World Salaries, four types of truck driver bonuses are most often handed out annually in Germany:

• Company performance bonuses are usually handed out by companies that share profits earned thanks to workers who go above and beyond within their teams.
• Performance bonuses are given to workers who show initiative in their work and improve in their field. For truck drivers, that means picking up a load on time, driving responsibly, and being professional at work.
• Goal-based bonuses are given to drivers who meet specific goals, such as reaching a certain mileage or number of loads.
• Holiday Bonuses: Many companies hand out Christmas bonuses at the end of the year. As this is not obligatory, consult your Robin advisor about bonus opportunities in a company you wish to work for.

Truck Driver Salary in Germany Compared to Other Countries

So how much a truck driver earn in Germany compared to other countries? In Germany, the truck driver salary (the hourly and yearly rates) is among the highest in Europe, making it a desirable destination for drivers. In fact, if you decide to work in Germany, you can expect one of the best salaries for truck drivers in Europe. 

Gross Wage Comparison

You’ll notice there are salary differences in German neighbouring countries. For example, Dutch and Belgian companies offer almost the same amount of money, while the conditions are also above average (bonuses, accommodation, working hours). Below is a comparison of average wages in European countries:

How Much Truck Drivers Earn in Germany: Final Takeaways

The truck driver salary in Germany provides a stable and rewarding career path for both domestic and international workers. With competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career growth, working as a truck driver in Germany is an attractive option. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, the potential to increase your earnings through bonuses and skill development is significant.

Truck Driver Opportunities in Germany

If you decide to move to Germany and find truck driver work with accommodation, you should first visit Robin. You’ll get a chance to find work abroad quickly and for free! Our recruiters will help you find a job, make housing arrangements, fill out documents, and do everything else needed to start your career in Germany. 

This allows you to speed up the process of finding a good job in Germany as a foreigner. If you’re ready to explore opportunities, check out the current openings in the German trucking industry, and Robin will help you find the best job for you!