How much does a mechanic earn?

Mechanics maintain, repair and assemble machines, plant or vehicles: they analyse faults, replace wear parts, check functions and keep equipment running safely – in workshops, industry or field service. Gross pay depends on region, collective agreements, company size, specialisation and allowances. As a guide, qualified mechanics in Germany in 2026 often earn about €3,150–€3,750 gross per month; during apprenticeship around €980–€1,300 is typical.

Comic illustration of a mechanic with tools and protective clothing maintaining a machine in a workshop
Created with AI assistance and editorially reviewed

Salary by region (gross/month)

Region
Apprenticeship (gross/month)
Qualified (gross/month)
Baden-Württemberg
1.065–1.405 €
3.520–4.320 €
Bavaria
1.045–1.375 €
3.460–4.240 €
Berlin
985–1.315 €
3.160–3.880 €
Brandenburg
895–1.195 €
2.800–3.460 €
Bremen
975–1.315 €
3.200–3.940 €
Hamburg
1.025–1.365 €
3.380–4.200 €
Hesse
1.015–1.345 €
3.300–4.080 €
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
865–1.155 €
2.700–3.320 €
Lower Saxony
965–1.295 €
3.160–3.900 €
North Rhine-Westphalia
1.005–1.335 €
3.280–4.060 €
Rhineland-Palatinate
935–1.255 €
3.040–3.760 €
Saarland
925–1.245 €
3.000–3.720 €
Saxony
885–1.185 €
2.800–3.460 €
Saxony-Anhalt
855–1.145 €
2.720–3.380 €
Schleswig-Holstein
945–1.265 €
3.020–3.740 €
Thuringia
875–1.165 €
2.760–3.420 €
Germany (average)
975–1.305 €
3.180–3.920 €

Guide figures as of 2026. The apprenticeship column refers to typical dual training pay in the mechanic field; qualified means working mechanics. Actual pay depends on collective agreements, specialisation (e.g. industry, automotive, agricultural machinery), shift and hardship allowances, employer, region and experience and is not a guarantee.

Further training options

Option
Duration
Salary impact
Foreman / shift lead (maintenance)
Experience plus seminar (weeks)
often €3,450–€4,200
Specialisation diagnostics, electronics and metrology
Weeks to several months
often €3,350–€4,050
Welding technology / hydraulics and pneumatics
Weeks to months
often €3,300–€4,000
Industrial master metal (IHK) or automotive master craftsperson
approx. 1–2 years
often €4,100–€5,400
State-certified technician in mechanical engineering / vehicle technology
approx. 2 years
often €4,200–€5,500
Trainer aptitude (AEVO) / specialist trainer
Weeks to a few months
often €3,400–€4,100

Job and everyday work

A mechanic keeps technology running: faults are diagnosed, parts removed and refitted, settings adjusted and checks documented. Everyday work includes workshop or plant tasks, measuring and testing, occupational safety and coordinating with customers, production or service – often under deadline pressure with changing jobs.

  • Maintain, inspect and repair machines, plant or vehicles to specification.
  • Analyse faults, replace worn or defective parts and test functions.
  • Read technical documents, wiring and hydraulic diagrams; check dimensions, pressures and settings.
  • Use tools, measuring equipment and operating materials safely; follow PPE and safety rules.
  • Coordinate with customers, supervisors, production or service; document work and spare parts.
  • Carry out maintenance schedules, ensure quality and, where needed, instruct apprentices.

Show mechanic jobs in the Eifel (24)