Mini-jobs, transitional areas and minimum wage 2025 | The technicians

The Independent Minimum Wage Commission meets every two years and then proposes the new minimum wage values ​​to the federal government. This is what the minimum wage law says.

In doing so, the commission is guided by the development of collective bargaining wages in Germany. The federal government examines the proposal and usually makes it binding via regulation.

An increase to 12.41 euros per hour has already been decided for 2024. In 2025 the minimum wage will be raised again – to 12.82 euros per hour.

This also has an impact on mini-jobs and jobs in the transitional sector (Low Income Guidelines from December 14, 2023 (PDF, 1.3 MB, not barrier-free) from December 14, 2023):

• The earning limit for Mini jobs will be increased to 556 euros per month in 2025. In 2024 the limit will be 538 euros per month.
• The Transition area (for so-called midi jobs) will therefore be between 556.01 euros and 2,000 euros in 2025. For 2024, the transition range from 538.01 euros to 2,000 euros applies.

What if the mini-job limit is exceeded?

If the mini-job earnings limit is exceeded, this is no longer low-paid employment. What matters is not the actual payment, but rather the employee’s entitlement to remuneration – the so-called origination principle.

From this point onwards, it is an employment subject to social security contributions. Employers must then create appropriate re-registrations in the reporting procedure in accordance with the Data Collection and Transfer Ordinance (DEÜV).

Monthly working hours and mini-job

To ensure that mini-jobbers do not earn more than the marginal income threshold, the minimum wage prevents them from working an unlimited number of hours per month. In 2024, the maximum monthly working time will be 43.35 hours (538 euros divided by 12.41 euros minimum wage). In 2025 it will increase slightly: Then the maximum monthly working hours will be 43.37 (556 euros divided by 12.82 euros minimum wage).

By the way: Anyone who pays less than the minimum wage not only faces a fine of up to 500,000 euros, but also the additional payment of social security contributions.

Minimum wage calculator & Co.

Work aids such as a minimum wage calculator, information on recording working hours for mini-jobbers or information materials for employers can be found at the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS).

You can find out more about mini-jobs and employment in the transition area (midi-jobs) in our FAQ.

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