Physicist salary

What physicists earn in Germany

Salaries earned by physicists in science and research

A classic career in research usually begins with a research assistant position at a university. In public institutions like universities, salaries for physicists are paid according to the collective bargaining agreement for German states, known as the TV-L. Holders of master’s degrees, who are generally also doctoral candidates, are usually placed in the E13 pay level, which corresponds to a full-time, entry-level salary of 57,700 euros. Salaries rise in lockstep with experience, up to an annual gross salary of around 82,000 euros (level 6). Postdocs with more responsibility, such as junior research group leaders, may also be placed in the E14 pay level – and even, in rare cases, in the E15 level.

Research assistant physics: Jobs

Salaries earned by physics professors

Salaries for professors in Germany are determined by the W pay scale, though that scale differs from state to state. The following gross monthly salaries can be expected:

• W1 professorships: between 5,000 and 6,000 euros
• W2 professorships: between 6,700 and 7,950 euros
• W3 professorships: between 7,300 and 9,150 euros (plus bonuses)

Participation in research projects, the publication of academic books as well as research and performance-related bonuses increase base salaries and vary depending on the pay grade. 

Professorship in physics: Jobs

Salaries at non-university research institutions are generally paid according to the collective bargaining agreement for civil servants, known as the TVöD Bund, though higher salaries may be paid in some cases.

Salaries in civil service (outside of academia)

Physicists working in the public sector are generally paid according to pay scales determined by binding collective bargaining agreements. As such, a doctorate does not automatically guarantee higher salaries in public service, but it will likely increase the chances for success in the application process, particularly for leadership positions. 

Physicists working in the public sector holding at least a master’s degree are usually paid according to either the TV-L scale or the TVöD scale and will most likely be placed in the E13 to E15 category. As such, they can expect to earn a gross annual entry-level salary of at least 60,000 euros. Top-level annual salaries can rise to well over 90,000 euros and can even climb into the six figures.

Physicists who have become public servants are generally paid according to the comparable pay levels of A13 to A16 (higher service) and salaries are comparable to those in the E13 to E15 categories. Those who hold a position of particular responsibility, such as the head of an agency, can earn 120,000 euros per year or more.

Physicist salaries according to degree earned

According to the CHE Centre for Higher Education, around 60 percent of physicists in Germany earn their PhD, which is a higher level than average. One reason for that: Pay for PhD holders is usually higher.

According to the 2020 salary report, physicists with a PhD earn an average of 65,460 euros per year, whereas those holding a master’s degree receive an average annual salary of 49,141 euros. These numbers are no longer current, but the tendency they show has not changed.

There are very few bachelor’s degree holders working in physics, since 90 percent of those who earn a bachelor’s degree continue their studies, according to the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies.