Definition and classification
The Minimum wage in staff leasing is the industry-specific wage floor that has to be paid to temporary workers as a minimum. It rests on an ordinance based on the industry's collective agreements and may not fall below the statutory minimum wage .
It forms the lowest step of pay: above it come Industry supplements depending on the client's industry and the length of the assignment, until finally Equal Pay reaches the level of the permanent workforce.
Current rates and legal basis
The basis is the sixth ordinance on the wage floor in staff leasing, in force since 1 November 2024. The rates, uniform across Germany, are €14.00 gross per hour (1 November 2024 to 28 February 2025) and €14.53 (1 March 2025 to 30 September 2025); there is no difference between west and east. The rule was limited to 30 September 2025; for assignments after that, the wage floor ordinance then in force applies.
Purpose and scope
The ordinance is intended to prevent wage dumping, strengthen the social protection of temporary workers and remove distortions of competition between employers. It applies to all temporary workers in staff leasing – both those employed in Germany and workers of foreign companies who are posted to Germany.
When does the wage have to be paid?
The pay has to be made at the latest on the 15th banking day of the following month . Exceptions apply to hours beyond the regular monthly working time: here collective agreement rules can apply, for example on working time accounts.