How much does a doctor earn?
Doctors diagnose and treat illnesses, advise patients and manage therapies in hospitals, practices or medical care centres – from history and examination through diagnostics to conservative and surgical treatment. The path leads via a medical degree with state exams and a licence to practise; this is followed by specialist training as a resident physician (Assistenzarzt). Gross pay depends on region, collective agreements (e.g. TV-Ärzte), hospital or practice, specialty, on-call allowances and experience. As a guide, employed specialists in Germany in 2026 often earn about €7,800–€10,500 gross per month; during residency typical ranges are around €5,400–€6,900.
Salary by region (gross/month)
Orientation figures as of 2026. The training column refers to typical pay as a resident physician in specialist training; qualified means employed specialists in hospital, practice or medical care centres (mid-market orientation, excluding senior consultant peaks). Self-employed practice owners, chief physicians or strong private billing can differ widely. Actual pay depends on region, tariff, employer, specialty, on-call duties and experience and is not a guarantee.
Further training options
Job and everyday work
Doctors combine diagnostics, therapy and patient communication: taking findings, explaining treatment plans and making decisions under responsibility. Everyday work shifts between consultations, ward rounds, documentation and emergencies – with teamwork, hygiene and quality standards and clear accountability for care.
- Take history and examine patients, interpret findings and document diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Manage conservative and, where needed, surgical treatments; coordinate medication, referrals and follow-up.
- Advise patients and relatives clearly; clarify risks, alternatives and consent.
- Collaborate interprofessionally with nursing, therapists, labs and other specialties.
- Organise on-call duties, emergencies and documentation to quality and billing standards.
- Use CPD and specialist training; follow guidelines and legal requirements.
