Salary as an occupational therapist in Germany: realistic figures for 2026
Gross, net, collective agreements and living costs: here are the numbers you can use to make your decision for Germany, without marketing promises.
Every offer with salary and location in the employment contract before you travel
Salary overview occupational therapy 2026
| Situation | Gross per month (full-time) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Therapist in recognition (adaptation period) | €2,300 to €2,800 | Depending on employer, in clinics by collective agreement |
| Entry level in a practice | €2,700 to €3,200 | Private practices, varies by region |
| Clinic or rehab by collective agreement (TVöD, TV-L, church agreements) | €3,100 to €3,800 | Plus annual bonus, allowances, company pension |
| With experience and specialisation (hand therapy, paediatrics, neurology) | €3,400 to €4,200 | Clinical lead, certificates, large cities |
| Management position, team or practice lead | from €4,000 | Depending on size and provider |
Guide values from employment contracts of our placements, collective agreement tables and the pay atlas of the Federal Employment Agency, as of 2026. Your employment contract is binding. In eastern Germany practice salaries are somewhat lower, as are living costs.
What is left after tax
From €3,200 gross, a single professional (tax class I, no church tax) keeps about €2,250 net. Rent, electricity, internet and transport come off that; health insurance is already included in the net figure. Typical warm rents for a two-room flat: €600 to €900 in medium-sized towns, €1,100 to €1,500 in Munich, Frankfurt or Stuttgart.
- Statutory health, pension, care and unemployment insurance are already deducted in the net figure
- Child benefit of €255 per child per month (2026) comes on top
- Many employers pay for training, a job ticket or housing subsidies
- Pay rises follow experience and certificates (Bobath, hand therapy, sensory integration)
Salary compared with your home country
For applicants from Turkey, India, Latin America, the Arab countries or the Balkans, the German salary is a multiple of the level at home, often combined with secure employment, regulated working hours and leave. What matters, however, is the net after rent: we calculate it with you for the specific region before you sign a contract and say openly where Munich and Hamburg are more expensive than Saxony or Lower Saxony.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get the full salary during the adaptation period?
No, usually somewhat less, because you do not yet hold the full licence. €2,300 to €2,800 gross is common. After recognition the salary rises to the level of recognised colleagues; we put that in the employment contract.
Is my salary fixed in the contract before I travel?
Yes. You sign the employment contract with salary, working hours, leave and location before applying for the visa. The Federal Employment Agency checks that the conditions match those of German employees.
How much leave do occupational therapists have in Germany?
At least 20 days by law for a five-day week; 28 to 30 days are common. Public holidays come on top, 9 to 13 per year depending on the federal state.
Calculate the salary for your target region
Tell us your qualification and preferred region on WhatsApp. We tell you what is realistic and show suitable positions.