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Germany’s most popular jobs

There are excellent opportunities for well-trained, qualified professionals in the German labour market. The most sought-after jobs and valuable tips for foreign applicants.

Janet Schayan, 31.07.2018
Lots of German companies are looking for engineers and technicians.
Lots of German companies are looking for engineers and technicians. © iStockphoto

The Germany economy is booming and certain sectors are in particular on the look-out for staff. From 2012 until 2017 alone, the number of people in gainful employment rose by 2.88 million to 32.16 million – a record.

The ten most frequently sought jobs in Germany:
 

  1. Software developer and programmer
  2. Electronics engineer, electrician
  3. Healthcare worker and nurse
  4. IT consultant, IT analyst
  5. Economist, business administrator
  6. Account manager, client consultant
  7. Production assistant
  8. Sales representative, sales assistant
  9. Sales manager, product manager
  10. Architect, structural engineer

Source: DEKRA Akademie 2018

The Federal government is planning a specific Immigration Act for foreign qualified professionals. It will make it easier for international applicants to look for a job in Germany. That said, qualified applicants from abroad already have good chances of finding a well-paid position in Germany.

These sectors and professions offer qualified professionals the best prospects:

 

Medicine

There is a shortfall of around 5,000 doctors in German hospitals and medical practices. As of 2012, anyone with a foreign degree in Medicine can receive a licence to practice in Germany. This applies to candidates from EU Member States and from non-European countries. The relevant degree must be recognized as being equivalent to a German medical qualification.

Engineering professions

For engineers, particularly popular specialist fields are mechanical and automotive engineering, electrical engineering, structural engineering, computer science, and telecommunications.

MINT - Mathematics, information technology, natural sciences, and technology

Graduates in MINT subjects have excellent opportunities in private companies, but the major research institutes attached to the Max Planck Society and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft also offer attractive jobs.

Qualified professionals

Applicants with a vocational qualification have good job opportunities in Germany. This also applies to candidates from countries that are not European Union member states, provided they meet the following requirements: In the profession

  • there must be a shortage of qualified professionals,
  • the person must have a firm job offer, and
  • the qualification must be equivalent to that in Germany.

At the moment qualified professionals in the care industry  – in senior citizens’ homes and hospitals are in particularly great demand.

Four link tips for international applicants:
 

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