Thuringia's Wage Gap Progress and Industry Insights
Thuringia's median income surged once again in 2023, reaching €3,109 for full-time employees, according to local employment agency data. This figure represents a notable 5.6% increase from the previous year, with the nationwide average median income reaching €3,796 in December 2023, experiencing a 4% yearly increase.
The sectors of care and social services, as well as hospitality, demonstrated substantial wage growth in Thuringia. The median wage in the care sector saw a nearly 9% increase, rising from €3,268 in 2022 to €3,556 in 2023. Similarly, the hospitality industry recorded a comparably impressive 9% wage growth.
Wage disparities between genders persist in Thuringia, as women typically earn less than men on average. While women's median wage stood at €3,060 in 2023, men's median wage was €3,128. However, women surpassed men in terms of annual wage growth, with a rate of 6.32% compared to men's 5.28%.
City dwellers in Thuringia often receive higher salaries compared to their rural counterparts. Jena boasts the highest median gross monthly wage at €3,875, with Weimar following closely at €3,443, and Erfurt taking the third position with €3,356. The district with the least remunerative wages is Saale-Orla, with a median gross monthly wage of €2,831.
The employment agency reports that dental practitioners and physicians in Thuringia command the highest median gross wage, amounting to €7,038 in December 2023. University employees rank second with €5,208, while personal care professions, such as hairdressers and beauticians, occupy the lowest wage bracket, averaging a median gross wage of €1,906.
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Insights into Wage Inequality and Key Professions
Wage disparities between women and men persist in Thuringia, influenced by factors such as industry choices, working hours, and collective bargaining agreements. Women are more likely to be employed in lower-paying sectors, work fewer hours, and are underrepresented in collective bargaining agreements, which can perpetuate wage disparities. Educational attainment, experience, and gender pay gap initiatives also play a role in determining the wage gap.
The professions with the highest median gross wages in Thuringia include medical specialists, investment bankers and financial analysts, IT security specialists and data scientists, and AI engineers and legal advisors. These professionals and their respective fields are subject to high demand and specialized skill sets, leading to higher salaries. The availability of jobs and regional economic conditions may vary specific figures for Thuringia.
In conclusion, Thuringia continues its journey to address wage disparities and promote progress across various industries. With the continued emphasis on key professions and initiatives to reduce wage gaps, the region is poised for a more equitable future.
