GKV: Wages for nursing staff rise to an average of 24.50 euros

According to the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds, hourly wages for employees in long-term care have risen to an average of 24.50 euros. The association announced that this was an increase of 3.4 percent compared to the previous year. Long-term care refers to the longer-term care of those in need of care, for example in a nursing home.

The numbers fall into the debate about reforming long-term care insurance. The federal cabinet launched the first stage on Wednesday. It is initially intended to ease the financial situation, among other things through higher contributions for those without children. A commission is expected to develop proposals for further reform steps by January.

According to qualifications, according to the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds, hourly wages are 28.03 euros for nursing specialists (plus 3.6 percent), 23.36 euros for nursing assistants with at least one year of training (plus 3.3 percent) and 20.96 euros for nursing assistants without training (plus 3.5 percent).

According to the Federal Employment Agency (BA), nursing professionals in geriatric care earn an average of 4,438 euros gross per month, and in nursing 4,587 euros. According to BA information, around 1.8 million employees subject to social security contributions worked in the nursing sector in 2025. That was two percent more than in the previous year and 320,000 more than in 2015. The reason given is the increased need for care.

Higher wages affect personal contributions

Higher wages in the partial benefit system have a direct impact on the personal contributions of those in need of care, said GKV boss Oliver Blatt. These have been rising unabated for years.

Nursing home residents nationwide now pay an average of more than 3,300 euros per month, 256 euros more than a year ago. This is shown by figures from the Association of Substitute Insurance Funds. The SPD is calling for a cap on personal contributions. The Union rejects this and relies on “socially acceptable performance subsidies,” as Health Minister Carsten Linnemann said on ZDF.

Nursing insurance is under extreme financial pressure. The main reason for the financial hardship is the sharp increase in the number of people in need of care. Linnemann spoke of a tripling to six million within 20 years.

The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds, which also represents the nursing care funds, expects a 1.2 billion deficit this year. A deficit of 7.6 billion euros is expected next year and, according to the government's draft bill, there is a risk of deficits in the double-digit billion range over the next few years.