Stuttgart – a paradise for engineers
The top three
The researchers gave the highest rating to Munich. In addition to a high standard of living, it has the fastest-growing labor market and the highest average salary (3,980 euros per month before taxes). And the harmonious combination of high-tech companies and manufacturing enterprises, large, medium or small, expands opportunities for young professionals. However, the Bavarian capital also leads in rental prices. The average cost per square meter is 15.35 euros per month.
Düsseldorf, which came second in the Yourfirm ranking, also offers a wide range of opportunities. Consulting, fashion, advertising and communication technologies are particularly well represented here. A large number of cultural events and recreational areas contribute to a high quality of life. The picture is complemented by affordable housing prices (9.73 euros per square meter). However, the city also has a high crime rate.
Berlin rounds out the top three. The German capital boasts rapid economic growth and the largest number of new jobs. This metropolis is not only a center of art and culture, it has also become a capital of startups (currently 2,500) and research activities. However, the salary level leaves something to be desired: 3,280 euros per month – second-to-last position in the ranking. But the fact that it rains least often here and that 50% of the population are singles gives the German capital additional charm.
The comfortable middle
Sustainable employment growth, ample entertainment and leisure opportunities – Hamburg has enough reasons to attract young professionals. Moreover, the city authorities plan to increase the number of kindergartens and improve the already good public transport network. The only drawback: the city is considered the most inconvenient for cyclists. But after taxes (average salary 3,680 euros) and covering essential living expenses, Hamburg residents have the largest amount left over in Germany.
These and other bonuses gave the city a place in the middle part of the Yourfirm list. The ten most sought-after professions include managers, workers, engineers, consultants, clerks and accountants, as well as nurses, caregivers and doctors.
The researchers also placed Leipzig in this group. After German reunification, the city built an economy from scratch that other German metropolises could envy. Low salary levels are compensated by high labor market dynamics and low housing prices. Life in the city is becoming more convenient every day. By the way, according to statistics, the most satisfied Germans live here.
Frankfurt am Main – one of the world's financial centers and the most productive city in Europe – ranks second in the ranking for salary level (3,950 euros per month) and third for unemployment rate, one of the lowest in the top 10. On the other hand, in recent years the city has somewhat lost its development momentum, and housing costs are second only to Munich's – 12.5 euros per square meter. Job advertisements here most often mention managers, consultants, engineers, workers, clerks, technicians, accountants and account managers, and lawyers.
Dortmund is in seventh place. After the collapse of heavy industry, the city turned towards high-tech and medium-sized businesses. Today, it leads the number of companies involved in developing and producing microsystem technology. For anyone wanting to participate in innovation development, the city promises good prospects. Additionally, Dortmund needs workers, engineers, managers, consultants, nurses and caregivers, doctors, programmers, and call center employees. According to experts, the quality of life there is still low, although researchers noted gradual improvements not only in the economy but also in the city's environment.
Last in order but not in importance
Stuttgart, the third most important financial center in Germany and a leader in exports, has experienced a slowdown in economic growth in recent years. But this city is a true paradise for engineers. Despite having the largest number of these specialists in Germany, they remain the most in demand. IT professionals also have good chances of quickly finding a job. Salaries in the city are above the national average – 3,870 euros per month.
Cologne is Stuttgart's neighbor on the Yourfirm list. It received average scores on many criteria, but quality of life in this one of the oldest German cities is lacking: the transport system and environmental problems let it down. However, the city is characterized by slow but steady growth in the economy and the number of jobs. In terms of career, the city offers the best prospects in the insurance business.
Bremen is also among the ten largest German cities and thus in the Yourfirm ranking. From an economic perspective, it is much less attractive than other metropolises. And the quality of life here is the lowest. But the city has set itself the goal of developing technologies of the future, including alternative energy. Therefore, qualified workers and technical specialists are primarily needed here. Investments in innovation could bear fruit in the medium term. Bremen is also the cycling capital: a quarter of all trips are made by bike. Relatively low housing prices are also attractive: 7.32 euros per square meter.
Tatyana Weinman,
Deutsche Welle.