A sector minimum wage is a collectively agreed wage floor that applies only to a specific industry. Unlike the statutory minimum wage it is negotiated between social partners (employer association and union) and can be extended to all employers in the sector through a declaration of universal applicability by the Federal Ministry of Labour – even those outside the collective agreement.
Classic sectors with their own minimum wage in Germany include nursing (Pflegemindestlohn), building cleaning, construction, roofing, the electrical trades, security services and several craft sectors. Rates typically lie clearly above the statutory minimum and may be differentiated by qualification – for example for assistants, qualified nurses and senior qualified nurses with special responsibilities.
For candidates a sector minimum wage is an important signal: it indicates a collectively bargained sector with clear pay structures and usually stronger protective rules. Conversations about grading, special payments and progression opportunities are anchored to it.
Lunigi flags sector minimum-wage information in curated roles where the posting includes it.