The German wage and salary comparison site Gehalt.de has released its new compensation study "Salary Atlas 2015". 448 997 employment contracts were analysed and differentiated by regions, capitals, postcodes, sex, company size, sector, management responsibilities and career entry salaries.

The results: The highest wages in German capital cities are paid in Munich, while the federal unit where the highest wages are paid is Baden-Wurttemberg. Salaries are the highest in Munich, Stuttgart and Dusseldorf. The salaries in the capital cities were also analysed. Munich (+20 per cent of average), Stuttgart (+19 per cent) and Dusseldorf (+14 per cent) lead the list. The rear ranks are occupied by Schwerin, Magdeburg and Erfurt. The salary gap between Munich and Erfurt is 46 per cent.

"In the South and West indeed very good wages are paid, but the cost of living is higher there. Employees who want to change their job, should always bear in mind this aspect and calculate well," says Artur Jagiello of Gehalt.de.

Other results of the study published this Monday, October 26, indicate that wages paid in the West are still significantly higher than in the East. Also, wages paid to women are lower than wagers for men. The gap is the greatest within the federal units with the highest wages (Baden-Wurttemberg and ), but fresh graduates can expect the best salaries in these two states.