Higher wages for nursing staff in Saxony-Anhalt: A ray of hope?

Higher wages for nursing staff in Saxony-Anhalt: A ray of hope?

There is fresh news for nursing staff in Saxony-Anhalt: starting today, wages in the nursing sector will rise significantly. It is particularly pleasing to those who work in care every day. The average hourly wage has risen from 22.02 euros to 23.53 euros, as zeit.de reports. This data comes from the umbrella association of statutory health insurance companies (GKV), which also represents the nursing care funds and publishes wage calculations annually.

Association boss Oliver Blatt commented positively on the increase, but also made it clear that the personal contributions for nursing home residents will increase. On average, they have to expect additional costs of around 100 euros per month. Around 30 euros of these additional costs can be offset by relief surcharges from the nursing care insurance companies, which provides some financial relief. Nevertheless, the total amount of additional expenditure on long-term care insurance is estimated at around 260 million euros per year, which shows that the challenges in the long-term care sector are great.

The salary structure at a glance

The current wage development also shows differences in the professional groups. Nursing assistants without training earn an average of 20.33 euros per hour (+1.29 euros compared to the previous year). Qualified assistants with at least one year of training receive 22.30 euros (+1.66 euros), while nursing specialists are paid the best with a salary of 26.87 euros (+1.57 euros). These wages reflect the demands and responsibilities that these jobs entail.

Of course, there are also statutory minimum wages that will set new standards from July 1, 2025. According to bmas.de, the third level of increase in the care minimum wage will be binding for all employers in the care industry. The new minimum wages for nursing staff will be staggered according to qualifications: Nursing assistants receive 16.10 euros, qualified nursing assistants 17.35 euros and nursing specialists 20.50 euros per hour.

Further framework conditions and outlook

Another positive aspect is that when the new regulations come into force, nursing staff will be entitled to nine additional days of paid vacation per year, provided they work a five-day week. Working hours subject to remuneration for travel times between assignments and on-call shifts are now recognized, which should significantly improve working conditions.

Overall, it shows that the care industry, despite the challenges it brings with it, is on a path that is becoming attractive for employees in terms of wage levels. It remains to be seen how the situation of nursing staff will continue to develop and what additional measures could possibly be taken in the future to sustainably strengthen the industry.