What you can earn
at ARWA.
As a temporary worker at ARWA you are paid under the iGZ-DGB collective bargaining agreement — fair, transparent and legally secured. Plus shift bonuses and industry supplements.
Your hourly wage — transparent and fair
All pay groups at entry level. Valid from 1. January 2026 under the iGZ-DGB collective bargaining agreement.
| Pay group | Role description | Hourly wage (entry level) |
|---|---|---|
| EG 1 |
Simplest tasks
No prior knowledge required — entry-level wage
|
14.96/hr
|
| EG 2a |
Simple tasks
Short training period, simple duties
|
15.29/hr
|
| EG 2b |
Simple tasks+
With basic prior knowledge
|
15.69/hr
|
| EG 3 |
Skilled tasks
Popular
Semi-skilled role, basic knowledge required
|
16.69/hr
|
| EG 4 |
Qualified tasks
Common
Completed vocational training or equivalent skills
|
17.65/hr
|
| EG 5 |
Demanding tasks
Advanced expertise and independent working
|
19.78/hr
|
| EG 6 |
Highly qualified tasks
Specialist knowledge, responsibility for outcomes
|
21.97/hr
|
| EG 7 |
Expert tasks
Extensive expertise, leadership duties possible
|
25.56/hr
|
| EG 8 |
Specialist tasks
Highest expertise, broad responsibility
|
27.36/hr
|
| EG 9 |
Leadership tasks
Top
Highly complex tasks with full outcome responsibility
|
28.70/hr
|
All figures are entry-level rates (ES) under the iGZ-DGB collective bargaining agreement, valid from 1. January 2026. Industry bonuses and shift supplements are added on top.
Bonuses on top of your base wage
In addition to your base wage you receive collectively agreed bonuses — especially shift work significantly increases your earnings.
11 industries with additional bonuses
In certain industries our client companies pay industry bonuses on top — further increasing your hourly wage.
Collective agreements in temporary employment explained
Temporary workers must in principle be paid in the same way as the employees of the client company who perform comparable duties (equal-treatment principle). These rules are disregarded for the first nine months of an assignment when industry-specific collective agreements are applied to temporary workers' contracts.
The GVP has negotiated such a collective agreement with the member unions of the DGB. It is supplemented by industry-bonus collective agreements for 11 different sectors.
Applies nationwide from 1. January 2026
The collectively agreed wage increases nationwide to €14.96 in pay group 1. This represents a significant increase compared to the previous year and ensures fair base pay for all temporary workers.
Which pay group applies to you?
Classification is based on the complexity and requirements of your role. Your personal ARWA contact will help you find the right group.
Ready to earn your fair wage?
Apply to ARWA now — collectively secured pay, personal support and real prospects from day one.
