How much pension does a roofer get in Germany?

How the number is built

The person is 35 today, has worked full time since 22 and retires in 2058 at 67: single, no children, no church tax. The pay is the median of full-time employees in the Federal Employment Agency's Entgeltatlas (as of 31 December 2025, one-off payments included). Pension points depend on pay relative to average earnings, so the pension is shown at 2026 wage levels: at today's prices, if wages and pensions keep pace with prices.

The range within the job

A quarter of full-time employees earn less than €3,297 gross, a quarter more than €4,277 (2025). After 45 years that gives €1,260 to €1,559 of net pension for the middle half of the job.

What each year is worth

Each year full time in this job adds €38 a month of gross pension, for life. Five missing years, from longer studies or time out of work, cost €191 a month. Ten years at half time cost the same.

Closing the gap

To have 80 % of today's take-home pay in retirement, €2,038 a month, €627 is missing. For the money to last until 90, that needs €105,189 at today's prices when the pension starts. From 35, that is €116 a month until retirement, rising each year with inflation, at a 7 % return and 2 % inflation, before tax.

Compared: Skilled trades and construction

Among 61 jobs, Roofer ranks 30 by net pension.

JobGross payGross pensionNet pension
Electrician€4,048€1,789€1,456
Bricklayer€4,006€1,771€1,444
Plumber and heating engineer€3,996€1,766€1,441
Carpenter (timber frame)€3,904€1,726€1,414
Roofer€3,892€1,720€1,411
Car mechanic€3,863€1,708€1,402
Joiner€3,451€1,526€1,279
Painter and decorator€3,423€1,513€1,270

All 61 jobs ranked

Questions

How much pension after 40 years?

After 40 instead of 45 years full time on the median pay, it is €1,529 gross and about €1,281 net a month. Each year adds €38 of pension.

Can a roofer retire at 63?

Yes, with 35 insured years, but with a lifelong deduction of 14.4 %. After 41 years of contributions it would be €1,342 gross instead of €1,720, about €1,153 net. Without a deduction, people born in 1964 or later can retire at 65 at the earliest, and only with 45 insured years.

Is the pension taxed?

Yes. A pension starting in 2058 is fully taxable. Under today's rules that is €87 a month here, plus €151 for health and €72 for care insurance.

Sources