Assistenzarzt Salary in Germany: Tarifvertrag, Steps, On-Call

A resident doctor's (Assistenzarzt) salary in Germany is set largely by the Tarifvertrag (collective agreement), not by personal negotiation. So the question is not "how much do I want?" but "which Tarifvertrag, which step?" This guide explains what determines pay, the step (Stufe) system, on-call (Bereitschaftsdienst) pay, gross vs net, and how to read an offer.

What sets the salary? — the Tarifvertrag

At public/large hospitals, pay follows the collective agreement signed between the union (Marburger Bund) and the employer. Three main frameworks:

If two hospitals in the same city apply different Tarifverträge, the salary and on-call pay differ. That's why "which Tarifvertrag?" is the first thing to ask about an offer.

The step system (Stufe / Entgeltstufe)

An Assistenzarzt's salary rises in steps based on years worked as a doctor. Typically:

• Stufe 1: year 1 (a starting Assistenzarzt)
• Stufe 2–5/6: rises automatically with seniority (usually one step every 1–3 years)
• Becoming a Facharzt moves you to a separate, higher table

Your experience abroad may count partially (at the institution's discretion + documentation) — this can lift your starting step; always ask about it in the offer.

A rough salary frame

The net figure varies by state, Tarifvertrag, step, tax class and on-call. As a rough idea (around 2026, gross/month, full-time):

• Starting Assistenzarzt (Stufe 1): starts around €5,000–5,500 gross/month (varies by Tarifvertrag).
• With seniority this rises step by step; it increases markedly at Facharzt level.
• On-call (Bereitschaftsdienst) is paid on top of this — it significantly affects the monthly total.

💶 This is only a frame, not a promise. For an exact, current figure check the relevant Marburger Bund Tarifvertrag pay table (updated yearly). Don't judge an offer by a single "gross" number.

How is on-call (Bereitschaftsdienst) paid?

• On-call is paid on top of the base salary; the rate and intensity depend on the Tarifvertrag.
• Bereitschaftsdienst (standby at the hospital) and Rufbereitschaft (on-call from home) are paid differently.
• The number of monthly shifts changes net income a lot — ask "how many shifts, paid how?"

Gross or net? — the Steuerklasse effect

The figure in listings is gross. What you take home (net) depends on:

• Steuerklasse (tax class): single (usually class 1) vs married (class 3/4/5) changes the net.
• Social deductions: health insurance (Krankenkasse), pension, unemployment, care insurance.
• Kirchensteuer (church tax): an extra deduction if you are registered.

Rough rule: about 55–65% of gross becomes net (depending on class and deductions). For an exact figure use a gross-net calculator (Brutto-Netto-Rechner).

How to read a salary offer

• Which Tarifvertrag (VKA / TdL / AVR / private)?
• Which Stufe do you start on — was your experience abroad counted?
• On-call: how and at what rate is it paid; how many shifts per month are expected?
• Working hours (usually 40 h/week) and the overtime arrangement.
• Extras: Weiterbildung (specialty training) support, relocation help, Jahressonderzahlung (annual bonus).

Regional differences

Although Tarifvertrag pay is similar nationwide, the cost of living varies a lot: rent is high in Munich/Frankfurt, low in the eastern states and rural areas. So "the same gross" leaves you more in the countryside. Rural areas are also more open to foreign doctors (see the job-search guide).