Minimum wages in the food industry - this is the situation for jobseekers

Germany has had a statutory minimum wage since 1 January 2015. At that time, it was just 8.50 euros gross per hour. It has since risen to 13.60 euros (as of 19 October 2023). However, the minimum wage is not the same in all sectors. There are industry-specific differences that affect employees' wages. In this article, we would like to look at the minimum wage in the food industry. First things first: on the whole, the situation for jobseekers doesn't look too bad.

There are currently no industry minimum wages worth mentioning in the food industry

For professions related to various foodstuffs there are currently no industry minimum wages worth mentioning. The only profession in the food industry in which such a wage applied or still applies is the meat industry. However, the industry minimum wage in the meat industry is currently lower than the statutory minimum wage and is therefore not relevant.

What would change for employers if an industry minimum wage were introduced

If minimum wages were to be introduced in the food industry, the situation for employers would change in many respects. After all, they are obliged to pay the industry minimum wage. As this is the prescribed minimum wage in the sector, it is not possible to fall below it by referring to the statutory minimum wage. The same applies in the opposite case: if the industry minimum wage is lower than the statutory minimum wage, employers must pay the statutory minimum wage.

Why wages in the food industry are often higher than the statutory minimum wage

Just because there are no significant industry minimum wages in the food industry does not mean that the sector is not interesting for jobseekers. Quite the opposite: there are many companies in the food industry that offer a minimum starting wage that is above the statutory minimum wage. For example, many employees at discount food retailers earn at least 14 euros gross per hour, without the need for completed vocational training. In addition to good salaries, many successful food companies offer other benefits such as employee perks, health benefits and training opportunities. Some employees, such as IT specialists, may even be able to work entirely or partially from home.

The food industry is and remains one of the most attractive employers

Although the food industry, like other sectors, is affected by digital change and sooner or later this will have an impact on the need for employees, it nevertheless remains an attractive employer. After all, there are many professions that are likely to remain relevant in the future, including:

• Food chemists
• Food safety experts
• food technologists
• sustainability managers
• Quality controllers
• sales managers

The situation for sales staff, on the other hand, could change. Electronic payment terminals are still relatively rare in Germany, but it can be assumed that they will become more widespread in the coming years. This could contribute to a reduced need for human labour in the food industry. Not to mention the fact that more and more people are shopping in online shops. Although this is still relatively rare in the food sector, a change could also occur here in the coming years. Either way, the industry still harbours great potential due to the potential wages, among other things