Germany’s artisan and skilled trade sector, known locally as the Handwerk industry, remains one of the country’s strongest economic pillars, employing millions and sustaining its reputation as Europe’s manufacturing powerhouse.
In 2023, Nairametrics reported that Germany had identified 20 high-demand occupations eligible for work visas, opening pathways for foreign professionals to plug critical labour gaps.
The move followed years of mounting shortages driven by an ageing population, a declining birth rate, and rising demand for skilled workers. This has opened its doors wider to qualified workers from abroad, offering clear and legal pathways to employment and residency.
For many Africans with practical skills or entrepreneurial ambition, this presents a rare opportunity. Germany’s Skilled Workers Immigration Act now recognises foreign vocational training, making it possible for artisans from electricians to plumbers to secure work visas and stable careers without a university degree
As of 2025, the highest-paying artisan jobs in Germany now offer not just competitive wages but long-term career stability and clear growth prospects, often without requiring a university degree.
According to data from Glassdoor and Salary Expert (an ERI company), immigrant artisans with advanced certifications or Meister titles are earning salaries on par with mid-level corporate professionals.
Below are the top 10 highest-paying artisan jobs in Germany, their entry barriers, and the average annual pay range from beginners to seasoned professionals.
Salary range: $43,939-$72,606
Automotive repair professionals in Germany earn competitive salaries, reflecting the country’s strong car manufacturing and service industry. The average tyre repair technician earns around €45,970 ($53,437) per year, or €22 per hour, plus a bonus of roughly €685.
An automobile mechanic earns a similar average of €45,443 ($52,825) annually, with a yearly bonus of about €1,509. Broader estimates show that automotive mechanics generally make around €48,109 ($55,924) per year (€23 per hour), with salaries ranging from €34,976 to €57,539, depending on experience and company.
For diesel mechanics, pay is typically higher, averaging €52,137 ($60,606) per year, or about €25 per hour, with earnings ranging between €37,799 ( $43,939 ) and €62,460 ($72,606).
Most technicians hold a high school diploma and have completed vocational training in automotive technology or mechanical repair. Experienced workers and those in larger cities or branded service centers often receive extra benefits such as transport allowances, health coverage, and paid leave.
