5 STEM Fields for High-Demand Jobs in Germany (+Salaries) - Study in Germany for Free (2024)

Germany’s dominant industries, including automotive, mechanical engineering, chemical, and electrical sectors, have created a surging demand for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals.

In 2022, The German Economic Institute (IW) reported a shortage of 320,000 STEM specialists in the country. In the same year, foreign STEM employees in Germany reached 202,000, marking a remarkable 190% increase since 2012.

To attract top talent, Germany offers incentives like the Settlement Permit for highly qualified workers and the EU Blue Card, making it a prime destination for lucrative career opportunities.

If you’re looking at Germany for education or careers, our experts at Studying-in-Germany.org have identified the top 5 in-demand STEM skills, along with job prospects, salaries, and top universities.

1. Engineering

Engineering is one of the most sought-after fields of work in Germany, and for good reason. This dynamic industry finds its roots in a nation home to an array of global titans, including Bosch, Siemens, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Wintershall in oil and gas, Meyer Werft in shipbuilding, and Hochtief in construction.

Engineers here lead in innovation, precision, and technology, but an estimated 15,000 annual engineering jobs in Germany need to be filled so there is long-term workforce security. According to DAAD, Germany offers over 3,600 engineering courses, showcasing its commitment to nurturing talent for evolving industry demands.

Here’s a look at the top engineering fields for a career in Germany, along with the corresponding average salaries:

2. Information Technology (IT)

Germany’s IT sector is another field experiencing remarkable growth. According to the Federal Government, the growth is marked by 137,000 vacant jobs in the sector.

Mid-sized IT companies are playing a pivotal role, generating an impressive 84 billion euros in revenue. Moreover, Germany has solidified its position as a leader in software development within the European Union. In 2022, it ranked first in software development revenue.

This thriving sector in Germany boasts leading companies like SAP, Lufthansa Systems, and Deutsche Telekom, all spearheading technological advancements and innovation.

Here’s a snapshot of some key IT jobs in Germany and their average compensation:

3. Biotechnology and Life Sciences

Germany’s biotechnology and life sciences sectors are key players in the economy, including pharmaceuticals, medical research, and bioinformatics, with the healthcare industry employing over 7.6 million people. The biotechnology sector notably grew in 2020 with 44,500 employees, a 16% increase from the previous year.

In 2023, the biotech sector received a boost in funding, with BIO Deutschland reporting an impressive €1.08 billion in capital and venture capital, a substantial increase from the previous year’s €921 million. Additionally, Germany’s pharmaceutical market, as noted by Germany Trade & Invest, led Europe with a substantial revenue of €56.5 billion in 2022.

Here are some in-demand biotechnology and life science roles in Germany, along with their average salaries:

4. Data Science And Analytics

Data science and analytics are highly sought-after STEM skills in Germany, integral to the nation’s modern business landscape. The German Economic Institute (IW) found that between 2019 and 2023, one out of every five job postings required new employees to have data skills. Data analysts analyze vast datasets for valuable insights, while data scientists employ advanced modeling techniques for innovation.

Jobs in this field are not only in high demand but also quite lucrative. Industries spanning technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing actively seek experts in this field to stay competitive, including renowned companies such as Allianz, Sparkasse, Lufthansa, and DHL.

Check out some job roles in data science in Germany, together with their average salaries:

5. Robotics And Automation

Thriving and in high demand, the field of robotics and automation in Germany has experienced substantial growth over the past decade, nearly doubling its turnover from 2010 to 2019. Germany stands out with its impressive density of industrial robots, boasting 415 robots per 10,000 employees, ranking third globally, following Singapore and China.

In 2022, companies in this sector reported a noteworthy 5 percent increase in sales, reaching 14.3 billion euros, with further growth anticipated. Some notable companies in this field in Germany include KUKA, Siemens, and Bosch Rexroth.

Some robotics and automation jobs to look out for in Germany include:

Top Universities in Germany for STEM Courses

With more than 400 higher education institutions, Germany is renowned for offering top-quality STEM courses that enjoy high demand. According to the German Federal Statistical Office, the 2022/23 winter semester saw an impressive enrollment of 1,078,042 students in STEM programs.

If you’re on the lookout for the ideal university to pursue STEM degrees and courses, our team at Studying-in-Germany.org conducted a thorough analysis, taking into account global rankings, their overall score according to QS Ranking, acceptance rates, and the enrollment figures for 2022/23.

Here are the best universities in Germany to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in 2024:

You can access our comprehensive database of 420+ German universities to explore further.

There, you will find valuable resources, including information about the best universities for international students, details about free universities in Germany, subject-specific university rankings, and more.