Skip to content

Germany's gender pay gap remains unchanged at 16% in 2025

Another year, no progress: German women face the same 16% wage gap. Why do policies and protests keep falling short?

The image shows a poster for Team Redstone's Women's Equality Day observance, featuring a picture...
The image shows a poster for Team Redstone's Women's Equality Day observance, featuring a picture of a woman holding a flag with the words "Women's Equality" written across the top. At the bottom of the poster, there are logos and additional information about the event.

Germany's gender pay gap remains unchanged at 16% in 2025

The gender pay gap in Germany has stayed the same for another year. In 2025, women earned 16% less than men on average—matching the figure from 2024. This means women effectively work without pay until late February, a disparity highlighted by the upcoming Equal Pay Day on Friday, February 27.

Official figures show women in Germany earned €22.81 per hour on average in 2025, compared to €27.05 for men. The unadjusted gap remains at 16%, or €4.10 less per hour. When adjusted for factors like job type and experience, the difference shrinks to 6%.

Recent efforts to close the gap include the EU Pay Transparency Directive, which requires companies to disclose pay data. Campaigns like Equal Pay Day have also run for years, raising awareness about unequal wages.

This year's event in Marburg will feature an info booth in Marktgasse from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. City Councilor Kirsten Dinnebier and local representatives will attend. The booth will provide details on pay equity initiatives and financial planning for women.

The 16% gap translates to women working unpaid until February 27. While national policies and awareness campaigns continue, the figures show no improvement since last year. The Marburg event offers a chance for locals to learn about ongoing efforts to address wage inequality.

Read also: