Starting January 1, 2026, Germany will officially raise its statutory minimum wage to €13.90 per hour. This change directly impacts millions of Minijob workers and employers across the country.
Along with the wage increase, the monthly Minijob income limit will also be adjusted, bringing new opportunities—and new responsibilities—for workers.
Minimum Wage Increases to €13.90/hour
From 01.01.2026, all eligible employees in Germany must be paid at least €13.90 per hour. This applies to most Minijob positions, which are widely used in retail, hospitality, logistics, cleaning services, and private households.
New Minijob Income Limit: €603/month
Due to the higher hourly wage, the maximum monthly income for Minijobs increases from €556 to €603.
Thanks to Germany’s automatic adjustment mechanism:
Minijob workers can now work up to 43 hours per month
As long as total monthly income does not exceed €603, the job remains classified as a Minijob
Benefits for Employers
Less administrative complexity due to automatic income limit adjustments
Employers must update contracts and clearly state the new hourly wage of €13.90
Accurate time tracking becomes even more important to avoid exceeding limits
Important Rules to Keep in Mind
Minijobs remain exempt from most social insurance contributions, except pension insurance (with an opt-out option)
Minimum wage does NOT apply to certain groups, including:
Minors (under 18 without vocational training)
Mandatory student interns
Volunteers
If a worker regularly earns more than €603/month, the job automatically becomes a Midijob, which requires participation in social insurance schemes
What Minijob Workers Should Do Now
Monitor working hours carefully
Check monthly income to avoid unintentionally exceeding the limit
Consider whether a Midijob might be a better option if earning more consistently
Conclusion
The 2026 minimum wage increase brings higher earnings and better protection for workers—but also requires careful planning for Minijob holders. Understanding the new €603 limit will help you avoid unexpected social insurance obligations and manage your income more effectively.
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— The AloMiniJob Team