Calculate hourly wage: how to get it right
The gross hourly wage shows what one working hour earns before deductions. It helps when comparing jobs, negotiating pay and checking the minimum wage.
The formula
Hours per month = weekly hours times 52 divided by 12. Hourly wage = gross salary divided by hours per month. Example: 40 weekly hours give 173.33 hours per month. At 3,500 € gross that is 20.19 € per hour.
The most common mistake
Many people use 4 weeks per month. That gives only 160 hours and an hourly wage of 21.88 €. This is too high, because a year has 52 weeks and only 12 months.
From hourly wage to salary
Hourly wage times weekly hours times 52 divided by 12. At 15 € and 20 weekly hours that is 1,300 € gross per month.
Good to know
- The statutory minimum wage in Germany is 13.90 € gross per hour in 2026.
- Holidays and public holidays are already paid within the monthly salary. The calculator shows pay per contractual hour.
- All values are gross. Net depends on tax class and contributions.
General calculation aid, not tax or legal advice. All amounts are gross, that is before taxes and social contributions. Source: MiLoG and minimum wage ordinance (13.90 € from 1 Jan 2026), Federal Government. As of: 11/2026. No warranty, not tax or legal advice. Updated: November 2026