Remuneration

The remuneration of professors at German universities is governed by the pay scale ‘W’ introduced in 2002. It varies between each federal state. Individual remuneration comprises the basic salary (with brackets based on experience) and additional variable salary components.

Basic salary

The basic salary (from which only the monthly income tax is withheld) depends on the categorization within the W scale.

• W1 refers to a Junior or Assistant Professorship, an entry position for recognized researchers.  
• W2 refers to more established researchers such as Associate Professors.    
• W3 refers to a full professorship.  

The current (2020) basic salary per month for these categories in the state of Baden-Württemberg is as follows:  

• W1: EUR 5,228.25 
• W2: EUR 6,583.53  
• W3: EUR 7,473.55 

Variable salary components 

The amount of variable salary elements depends on family status and on the assessment of performance. Ordinances and internal statutes of the individual universities specify the details of performance-related pay.

1. Family allowance
   The family allowance is a part of remuneration. In line with the maintenance principle, it takes into account the additional burdens typically involved with having a family, so the amount depends on the family situation of the civil servant. 
   The married persons’ allowance is paid to married, widowed and divorced civil servants (if they are required to pay their former spouse alimony). This applies to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. 
   An additional amount is added for each dependent child. In addition to this family allowance, civil servants can apply to receive the general public child benefit.  

2. Allowances and incentives
   Allowances and incentives are paid in addition to basic remuneration (basic salary plus family allowance) in recognition of specific requirements and achievements.
   Function-based allowances 
   Function-based allowances are given to holders of offices in university service (e.g., dean, vice-dean, gender equality representative etc.) and are considered an element of the basic salary. They are included in general salary increases and are also taken into account in calculating pensions.
   Performance bonuses and incentives 
   Civil servants may receive one-time, short-term, and permanent performance bonuses for outstanding special achievement. These performance-based pay instruments are intended to reward outstanding performance and increase motivation and productivity. The one-off performance bonus payment rewards special achievements (such as a large grant award or prize), the short-term incentive payment rewards such activities as acting as the speaker of a large research group or cluster, and the permanent performance bonus is part of the general salary, included in regular increases and pension calculations (Leistungszulage). 
   In general, the university leadership can award performance bonuses and incentives autonomously according to its own regulations and guidelines for assessment and management.