High-Salary Jobs in Germany With English
Germany is one of Europe’s largest job markets, offering countless opportunities for skilled professionals. But what if you don’t speak German? Can you still land a high-paying job in Germany with only English? The answer is yes—if you know where to look.
Many international companies, tech startups, and multinational firms operate in English-friendly environments, making them attractive to expats and global talent. In this guide, we’ll explore the best high-paying jobs in Germany that don’t require German skills, industries that actively hire English speakers, and strategies to maximize your job search.
Top Industries for High-Paying English-Speaking Jobs in Germany
1. Tech & IT (One of the Most Lucrative Fields)
Germany has a growing demand for IT professionals, and many companies hire in English, especially in Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. The German government has even relaxed visa rules for tech talent.
High-paying IT jobs (gross annual salary range):
Software Engineer / Developer – €55,000 to €95,000
Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer – €60,000 to €110,000
Cloud Engineer / DevOps Engineer – €65,000 to €120,000
Cybersecurity Expert – €70,000 to €115,000
AI & Big Data Specialist – €75,000 to €130,000
Why Tech? Many international startups and global tech firms in Germany operate primarily in English. Companies like Amazon, Google, Zalando, and Tesla regularly hire non-German speakers.
2. Finance & Consulting (Lucrative in Multinational Firms)
Frankfurt is Europe’s financial hub, home to banks, investment firms, and consulting giants like Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan, McKinsey, and BCG. Many roles require English as the primary language.
High-paying finance jobs:
Investment Banking Analyst / Private Equity – €80,000 to €140,000
Financial Analyst / Risk Manager – €60,000 to €100,000
Management Consultant (Big 4, MBB) – €70,000 to €130,000
Venture Capital / FinTech Roles – €65,000 to €120,000
Why Finance & Consulting? These industries rely on global markets, making English fluency a key asset.
3. Engineering (Best for Global Companies)
Germany’s strong engineering sector provides great opportunities for English-speaking professionals, especially in multinational corporations.
High-paying engineering jobs:
Mechanical / Electrical / Automotive Engineer – €55,000 to €100,000
Robotics & Automation Specialist – €60,000 to €110,000
Aerospace Engineer – €65,000 to €120,000
Why Engineering? International companies like Siemens, Airbus, and Tesla use English internally, making German less of a barrier.
4. Business & Strategy (Tech & Startups Prefer English-Speaking Talent)
Companies expanding into global markets need business professionals who can operate in English.
High-paying business roles:
Product Manager (Tech & SaaS) – €70,000 to €130,000
Business Development Manager – €60,000 to €100,000
Marketing Manager (Tech or Digital Marketing) – €55,000 to €90,000
Why Business & Strategy? International startups, especially in Berlin, hire professionals with global experience.
5. Life Sciences & Healthcare (English in Research & Pharma)
Germany has a booming biotech and pharmaceutical sector, with companies like BioNTech and Bayer leading the way.
High-paying life sciences jobs:
Biotechnology & Pharma Researcher – €60,000 to €100,000
Medical Science Liaison (MSL) – €70,000 to €130,000
Clinical Trial Manager – €65,000 to €110,000
Why Life Sciences? Global research requires international collaboration, making English the dominant language.
6. Remote & Freelance High-Paying Jobs
If you want flexibility, freelance and remote work in Germany can be lucrative.
High-paying freelance jobs:
Senior Software Developer – €80,000 to €150,000
UX/UI Designer – €60,000 to €100,000
AI & Data Consultant – €90,000 to €150,000
Germany has a high demand for IT freelancers, and many companies hire English-speaking contractors.
Visual Overview: Average Salaries for English-Speaking Roles in Germany
Source: kununu/Bestbezahlte Berufe in Deutschland/27. Februar 2025
https://news.kununu.com/bestbezahlte-berufe-in-deutschland/
Important Note on Salary Expectations
If you’re new to Germany and have no prior work experience in the local market, you are likely to receive offers on the lower end of the salary range for your role. Salaries often increase after your first year once you’ve proven yourself in the German job context.
Also keep in mind: if you're applying from abroad, your chances are lower compared to candidates already in Germany. Employers often prefer candidates who are already available locally and can start quickly. That’s why many newcomers benefit from:
Job Seeker Visa – allows you to come to Germany and search for a job on-site (valid up to 6 months)
Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) – a new points-based immigration option that allows job-seeking based on qualifications, work experience, and potential
Source and further info: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/
It may also be wise to accept a lower-level or step-down job as a starting point. Even if it's below your experience level, it helps build local work history, professional references, and opens doors to better opportunities later.
And while English is often enough to land a job in global companies, having at least B2-level German significantly increases your chances across almost all industries. It’s especially important for career growth and long-term integration.
Blue Card: Fast-Track to Residency
Germany offers the EU Blue Card for highly qualified non-EU professionals. Key conditions:
You must have a recognized university degree
You must have a job offer with a salary of at least €45,300/year (2024 threshold; lower for shortage occupations: €41,041.80/year)
For roles in IT, engineering, medicine, and natural sciences, the lower threshold often applies
The Blue Card comes with benefits like:
Easier family reunification
Fast-tracked permanent residency (after 33 months or 21 months with B1 German)
Mobility across EU countries
Source: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/search?tx_solr%5Bq%5D=blue+card
How to Get a High-Paying Job in Germany Without German
Target international companies, startups, and tech firms – They are the most English-friendly.
Focus on in-demand skills – IT, finance, engineering, and consulting offer the best salaries.
Leverage LinkedIn & headhunters – German recruiters actively look for international talent.
Apply to jobs in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg – These cities have the highest number of English-speaking roles.
Consider getting a Blue Card – Germany offers an EU Blue Card for skilled professionals with high salaries.
Start with any opportunity – A step back in your career might be the strategic move that opens real doors.
Learn German – Even a B2 level can unlock significantly more options.
Final Thoughts
Germany is one of the best European countries for high-paying jobs without requiring German fluency. While learning German will open even more doors, many global companies prioritize skills over language. If you have expertise in tech, finance, or engineering, and focus on your unique technical skills, your career prospects in Germany are strong.
Are you currently looking for an English-speaking job in Germany? What challenges are you facing? Let me know in the comments!
I wish you good luck in your job search!
Best Regards,
Susanna
Any insights on how to land into these job interviews, because countless applications has not yet helped me in landing even one interview.