Earning €75,000 or more annually in Germany’s construction sector is achievable for skilled workers who bring specialist expertise, recognized certifications, and substantial industry experience. Foreign nationals with the right credentials are increasingly being recruited, with visa pathways and sponsorship becoming available, making Germany an attractive destination for international construction professionals.
Construction Jobs in Germany Paying €75K+
Below are sample roles, typical salary ranges, and payment structures for high-end construction positions in Germany:
1. Heavy Equipment Operator Roles
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Tower Crane Operator: ~ €52,000 to €68,000 per year
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Excavator Specialist: ~ €48,000 to €62,000 per year
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Concrete Pump Operator: ~ €50,000 to €65,000 per year
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Pile Driving Equipment Operator: ~ €55,000 to €70,000 per year
Payment structure: a monthly salary base, with overtime or shift premium pay added on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on the contract.
2. Specialist Construction Technician Roles
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Formwork Specialist: ~ €48,000 to €63,000 per year
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Scaffolding Supervisor: ~ €50,000 to €66,000 per year
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Concrete Finishing Expert: ~ €47,000 to €61,000 per year
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Steel-Erection Specialist: ~ €52,000 to €68,000 per year
Payment structure: standard monthly wages; many roles include bonuses for large-scale or high-risk work sites.
3. Project Leadership & Management Roles
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Site Supervisor (Polier): ~ €55,000 to €75,000 annually
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Quality Control Inspector: ~ €50,000 to €68,000 annually
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Safety Coordinator: ~ €48,000 to €64,000 annually
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Foreman with Team Responsibilities: ~ €53,000 to €72,000 annually
Payment structure: monthly salary; many include performance bonuses for milestones and project completion incentives.
Major Employers Offering High-Salary Construction Jobs With Visa Support
Here are key German firms actively recruiting (including foreigners) and offering relocation or visa-support packages:
1. HOCHTIEF AG
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Leading German construction company with large infrastructure, airport, and commercial building divisions.
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Offers full visa & relocation support: sponsorship for qualified workers, accommodation assistance, and often German-language training.
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Career paths lead from specialist operator roles into project management and leadership.
2. STRABAG SE
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Austrian-German giant focusing on tunneling, highways, large-scale infrastructure, and underground works.
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An active international recruitment programme, including foreign equipment operators and supervisors.
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Jobs often come with certification training for advanced equipment.
3. Ed. Züblin AG (Subsidiary of STRABAG)
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Focuses on high-rise construction, industrial facilities, bridges, and transport systems.
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Known for above-average compensation for specialist expert roles.
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Global recruitment from Eastern Europe and beyond indicates openness to foreign workers.
Specialized Construction Sectors in Germany
Renewable Energy Construction (part of Germany’s “Energiewende”)
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Wind‐turbine installation & maintenance roles with companies like Enercon, Nordex, Vestas Deutschland
→ Salary range: ~ €50,000 – €72,000 per year for turbine specialists. -
Solar‐installation roles: e.g., SMA Solar Technology, juwi AG, BayWa r.e.
→ Certified solar installers: ~ €48,000 – €65,000 per annum.
Industrial Construction
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Companies such as thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions, Siemens Construction, and BASF Construction Services operate large plants and chemical-facility projects.
→ Specialist technician salaries: ~ €52,000 – €78,000+ annually.
Requirements for €75K+ Construction Jobs in Germany
To qualify for the higher salary brackets and foreign‐worker visas, you’ll need to meet several critical requirements.
Essential Qualifications:
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Valid technical certification: e.g., crane, excavator, heavy-machinery licenses or equivalent.
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Safety certifications aligned with German standards (e.g., SCC, BG BAU).
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Recognized trade qualification or equivalent experience — many roles require formal apprenticeship or substantial experience.
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Familiarity with German and EU construction standards (DIN, CE, EU regulations).
Language Requirements:
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Minimum German proficiency at the B1 level strongly preferred for site coordination, safety communication, and team integration.
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Technical German vocabulary (construction terminology) is a major advantage.
Experience Requirements:
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5+ years of experience in specialist roles or heavy equipment operations.
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Leadership or supervisory experience preferred for roles in the €70K+ bracket.
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Experience in international or multi-national projects adds significant value.
Pathways to Higher-Paying Construction Positions
Career progression example:
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Entry-level Construction Laborer: ~ €35,000–€42,000 per year.
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After equipment training (6–12 months) → Operator or Specialist: ~ €48,000–€58,000 per year.
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After further certification & team leadership → Specialist/Team Leader: ~ €55,000–€70,000+ per year.
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With management, high-risk specialization (tunneling, offshore) or project management credentials → €75,000+ roles.
Apprenticeship while working:
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Germany’s dual education system allows you to work and train simultaneously: a monthly wage during training (€1,200–€1,800 per month) with salary increases after completion.
Regional Premiums:
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Bavaria (Munich/Nuremberg): ~15–20% above the national average for specialist construction jobs.
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North Rhine-Westphalia (Cologne/Düsseldorf): industrial construction jobs yield salary premiums (€3,000–€8,000 extra annually).
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Berlin-Brandenburg: renewable‐energy & infrastructure roles: ~ €48,000–€65,000 for specialized roles.
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Hamburg: port/maritime/offshore construction specialists: ~ €52,000–€72,000+ per year.
Major Project-Based Opportunities
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Stuttgart 21 Railway Project – Major underground station & tunneling project: specialist roles (€55,000–€75,000).
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Fehmarn Belt Tunnel (Germany–Denmark) – Marine tunnel construction: marine engineers, underwater construction technicians: ~ €58,000–€80,000+ plus housing allowances.
Visa Sponsorship & Work Permit Pathways
EU Blue Card (for qualified professionals):
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Salary threshold: ~ €56,800+ (2025 figure) for many occupations. Make It In Germany+1
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Recognized qualification required.
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Offers work rights for spouse and children.
Skilled Worker Visa Germany (under the Skilled Immigration Act):
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For non-EU workers with vocational or engineering qualifications, or equivalent experience. Make It In Germany+1
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Employer must prove genuine need; recognition of foreign qualifications may apply.
Application Strategies for High-Paying Construction Jobs in Germany
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Direct company applications: Target major contractors operating large infrastructure or specialist construction works — highlight heavy-machinery certifications, safety credentials, and any German language learning.
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Professional networking: Join German construction associations and trade fairs (e.g., bauma Munich, NordBau).
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Use specialized recruiters: Technical recruiters focused on construction (e.g., heavy equipment operators, tunneling specialists) can match you to visa-friendly employers.
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Highlight readiness: Show commitment to relocation, German coursework (even basic), and ability to integrate into German-speaking teams.
Financial Planning & Compensation Breakdown for €75K+ Roles
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Base salary: e.g., €70,000–€80,000 per year.
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Overtime pay: Many roles include a 25–50% premium for weekend/shift work.
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Project completion bonuses: €2,000–€8,000 depending on project size and specialist role.
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Equipment allowances: e.g., €100–€300 per month for licensed machine operators.
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Travel/Accommodation: Some roles on remote or large infrastructure sites include employer-paid lodging or travel.
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Effective tax rate: German progressive tax + social insurance (~25-35% typical effective rate).
Net take-home from a €50,000 gross might be ~€35,000–€40,000 after deductions. Payscale+1
Long-Term Career Growth in German Construction
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Move into Project Management: With further credentials (PMP, engineering certification), you might earn €65,000–€90,000.
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Construction Engineering roles: €70,000–€100,000+ with advanced degrees and specialized project experience.
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Independent Contracting or Consultancy: With German experience, you can operate across Europe.
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Visibility across EU markets: German certification and experience are widely recognized within the EU.
Key Success Factors for €75K+ Construction Careers in Germany
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Specialization over general labor — focus on niche skills (tunneling, offshore, heavy machinery).
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Recognition of certifications — German or EU-recognized licenses matter.
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German language proficiency — even basic German enhances employability significantly.
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Cultural adaptation — punctuality, safety compliance, and teamwork are critical in German sites.
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Long-term planning — Aim for roles, training, and certifications that allow you to move into higher-paying tiers.