High Paying Unskilled Jobs in Germany for Foreigners

Germany is one of Europe’s economic powerhouses, known for its strong industrial base, rich cultural history, and exceptional standard of living. With a well-developed labor market, it’s no surprise that many foreigners look to Germany for work opportunities. 

While high-paying jobs often require specialized skills and advanced qualifications, there are also several high-paying unskilled jobs that foreigners can pursue. 

These positions offer competitive salaries without requiring years of formal education or specific expertise. Many of these jobs are in demand and can help individuals build a stable career while living in one of Europe’s most prosperous countries.

In this article, we will discuss the top 10 high-paying unskilled jobs in Germany for foreigners. Many of these positions offer annual salaries of €20,000 to €40,000, with opportunities for growth and advancement. 

Whether you are a newcomer to Germany or someone looking for a career change, these jobs provide great opportunities for foreigners to thrive in the German job market.

1. Construction Jobs

The construction industry is booming in Germany, with ongoing projects in large cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt. As a growing economy, Germany is constantly developing new residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. 

As a result, there is a high demand for construction workers to fill various roles, such as demolition workers, site managers, laborers, and scaffolders. While construction jobs don’t require a high level of formal education, workers must have the physical stamina to handle the demands of the job.

Construction jobs can involve manual labor and often require the ability to work in various weather conditions. However, the pay is generally good, and for those with the right mindset, the job can provide long-term career opportunities. 

As many construction sites hire workers without advanced qualifications, it is one of the most accessible fields for foreigners seeking employment in Germany.

Salary: €30,000 to €40,000 annually
Why It’s Great for Foreigners: The construction industry is booming in Germany, offering numerous job opportunities. 

The jobs are often physically demanding, but they don’t require fluency in German, and many companies are open to hiring workers from abroad. This job is ideal for foreigners who are looking to earn a steady income in a short time.

2. Housekeeping Jobs

The hospitality industry in Germany continues to grow as tourism and business travel drive demand for accommodation services. Hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and Airbnb-style rentals are always in need of housekeeping staff to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. 

Housekeeping is a physically demanding job that involves tasks such as cleaning rooms, making beds, vacuuming, and ensuring that all public areas are tidy.

While no formal qualification is necessary, housekeepers must be detail-oriented and efficient, as the work can be fast-paced. Working in a hotel environment often involves interacting with guests, but in many cases, tasks can be carried out independently. 

Although fluency in German can be an advantage, many hotels cater to international clientele and offer work environments where English or other languages are sufficient for communication.

Salary: €25,000 to €35,000 annually (potential for tips)
Why It’s Great for Foreigners: Housekeeping roles are in high demand, especially in tourist destinations. 

These positions often have flexible hours and require minimal language skills. Additionally, housekeepers can earn extra income through tips, especially in high-end hotels and resorts.

3. Delivery Drivers

With the rise of online shopping and food delivery services, delivery drivers are in high demand across Germany. 

Whether it’s food delivery with services like Deliveroo or UberEats or parcel delivery with logistics companies like DHL, there are plenty of opportunities for foreigners to work as delivery drivers.

While a formal education is not required, drivers must have a valid German or international driver’s license and access to reliable transportation, either a car, bicycle, or scooter. 

Drivers are typically paid on a per-delivery basis, which can offer the potential for higher earnings depending on the number of deliveries made. In some cases, companies may provide delivery vehicles.

Salary: €25,000 to €35,000 annually
Why It’s Great for Foreigners: Delivery jobs offer flexibility and independence, allowing workers to set their own hours. 

Foreigners who are comfortable driving and enjoy working alone will find delivery driving to be an ideal option. This is especially suitable for those without formal qualifications or language barriers.

4. Retail Sales Associates

Retail jobs in Germany provide another excellent option for foreigners who want to earn a living without advanced qualifications. 

Sales associates work in stores, shops, and shopping malls, assisting customers with their purchases, restocking shelves, and maintaining the store’s appearance. 

While a degree is not required, workers should be friendly, reliable, and comfortable in a customer-facing role.

Fluency in German may be beneficial, especially in smaller, local stores, but many large retail chains in Germany cater to international customers and may offer English-speaking roles. 

In addition, many stores have multicultural work environments, making it easier for foreigners to find work in retail without language proficiency.

Salary: €20,000 to €30,000 annually (potential for commission)
Why It’s Great for Foreigners: Retail jobs are easy to find, especially in international retail chains in major cities. 

The work typically does not require advanced qualifications, and there are often opportunities to earn bonuses or commissions, especially in sales-driven environments.

5. Warehouse Workers

Germany is one of the leading countries in logistics and distribution. Warehouse workers are essential to this industry, ensuring that goods are received, stored, packed, and shipped efficiently. 

Warehouse positions often do not require formal qualifications but may involve lifting heavy items and operating machinery like forklifts.

Warehouse work can be physically demanding, and employees are required to follow safety protocols and ensure that all operations run smoothly. 

With Germany’s position as a logistics hub in Europe, warehouse jobs are in constant demand, making them an excellent choice for foreign workers.

Salary: €25,000 to €35,000 annually
Why It’s Great for Foreigners: Warehouse positions offer stable, long-term employment. Many warehouses are located near major transportation hubs in cities like Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin. 

Warehouse jobs are also perfect for foreigners who are physically fit and prefer a job that doesn’t require direct customer interaction.

6. Fast Food Workers

Fast food chains are a significant part of the German food industry, offering a wide range of employment opportunities for foreigners. 

As a fast food worker, your responsibilities would include taking orders, preparing food, maintaining a clean and safe working environment, and assisting customers. 

The pay might be on the lower side, but the job offers flexible hours and benefits such as employee discounts and opportunities for promotion.

Fast food jobs are often available in cities with a high tourist volume, and many chains are used to hiring foreign workers. While proficiency in German is preferred, it is often not a strict requirement, especially in large multinational fast food chains.

Salary: €18,000 to €25,000 annually
Why It’s Great for Foreigners: Fast food jobs are easy to find in cities and tourist-heavy areas. They typically offer flexible shifts, including part-time positions, making them a good option for students or individuals looking for extra income.

7. Cleaning Jobs

Cleaning jobs are in high demand in Germany, especially in commercial buildings, offices, and residential properties. 

Cleaners are hired to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in a variety of locations, including private homes, hotels, hospitals, and office buildings. The job generally involves sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, and taking out trash.

Cleaning jobs are ideal for foreigners because they often require minimal language skills and offer flexible working hours. Many cleaning companies hire workers on a part-time or contract basis, which allows for work-life balance.

Salary: €20,000 to €30,000 annually
Why It’s Great for Foreigners: The cleaning industry in Germany offers a wide range of jobs with flexible schedules. These positions don’t require formal qualifications, and employers are open to hiring workers who speak languages other than German.

8. Fruit and Vegetable Pickers

Agricultural work in Germany is often seasonal, with farmers seeking workers to help with harvesting fruits and vegetables during peak seasons. 

While these jobs are typically physically demanding, they don’t require specialized skills or formal education. Fruit and vegetable picking is a popular seasonal job for foreigners, especially those who want to experience rural life in Germany.

Workers are typically paid by the volume of produce they pick, and those who work quickly and efficiently can earn a good income. Though the job may be physically taxing, it offers an opportunity to work outdoors and enjoy Germany’s natural landscapes.

Salary: €20,000 to €25,000 annually (depending on harvest yields)
Why It’s Great for Foreigners: Seasonal work like fruit picking is ideal for foreigners looking for temporary or short-term employment. It’s a chance to experience life in the countryside while earning a steady income.

9. Call Center Operators

Call centers in Germany offer a wide variety of positions for customer service representatives, telemarketers, and technical support agents. 

Call center operators are typically responsible for answering customer inquiries, providing information about products or services, and resolving issues. 

Many call centers hire multilingual staff to cater to international customers, and there is often a demand for English-speaking operators.

While proficiency in German is often preferred, many call centers are open to hiring foreigners who speak English or other languages. 

The job usually involves working in shifts, and operators are typically paid an hourly wage with the potential for bonuses based on performance.

Salary: €20,000 to €30,000 annually
Why It’s Great for Foreigners: Many call centers in Germany cater to international clients, and the demand for bilingual or multilingual workers is high. 

This job is perfect for foreigners who have strong communication skills but may not have formal qualifications.

10. Security Guards

The demand for security guards in Germany is on the rise due to increasing concerns over public safety, commercial properties, and event security. 

Security guards are responsible for monitoring buildings, controlling access points, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. 

While some positions may require a certification or special training, many security companies hire workers without a formal background in security.

Security guard roles often involve working night shifts, weekends, or public holidays, but the pay can be good, and the work can be relatively straightforward. 

For those who prefer working in a stationary position with minimal interaction, this can be an ideal job.

Salary: €25,000 to €35,000 annually
Why It’s Great for Foreigners: Security jobs are often available without the need for extensive qualifications, and many security companies are open to hiring foreign workers. 

It’s a great option for individuals who are alert, observant, and enjoy working alone.

Conclusion

Germany offers a range of high-paying unskilled jobs that can provide foreigners with the opportunity to earn a solid income without needing years of formal education or specific technical skills. 

Whether you are interested in physical labor, customer service, or administrative roles, there are ample opportunities available across various industries. 

With a strong economy, a variety of job sectors, and a welcoming attitude towards foreign workers, Germany remains a great destination for those seeking high-paying unskilled jobs.

By focusing on the right sectors and gaining some basic language skills, foreigners can thrive in the German job market and build a stable and fulfilling career.