Working Student & Student Job — the Essentials
Mini-job, working student, midi-job — differences, earnings limits and tips
Which Type of Job Suits You?
Working student
Hours: up to 20 hrs/week
Pay: from €12.41/hr
Social security status: Exempt from pension & unemployment insurance
Longer-term work in your field of study
Mini-job
Hours: flexible
Pay: max. €538/month
Social security status: Tax- & social-security-free
Side income, no study relevance required
Midi-job
Hours: variable
Pay: €538–2,000/month
Social security status: Reduced social security contributions
More hours possible than a mini-job
Freelance
Hours: project-based
Pay: variable
Social security status: You handle your own contributions
Graphic design, IT, writing, tutoring
Earnings Limits 2024
Mini-job threshold
Tax-free and exempt from social security
€538/month
Midi-job upper threshold
Reduced social security contributions
€2,000/month
BAföG allowance
Income above this is counted against BAföG
€6,240/year
Minimum wage
Also applies to working students and interns (voluntary, over 3 months)
€12.41/hour
Basic tax-free allowance
No income tax below this amount
€11,604/year
Advantages of a Working Student Job
- Gain practical experience in your field of study
- Build a network — often leads to a job offer after graduation
- A job title to add to your CV
- Pension insurance contributions are paid
- Flexible working hours during semester breaks
- Often a job offer after finishing your studies
What to Watch Out For
- Don't permanently exceed the 20-hour limit
- Check BAföG deductions if you earn more than €520/month
- Inform your health insurer when you start working
- Settle holiday and exam periods in the contract
- Give notice on time — usually a 4-week notice period
- File a tax return at year-end — a refund is possible
Frequently Asked Questions About Student Jobs
What's the difference between a working student job and a mini-job?
As a working student, you work up to 20 hours/week during the semester (more during breaks), are exempt from pension and unemployment insurance contributions, and usually earn more than minimum wage. In a mini-job you earn a maximum of €538/month, are exempt from social security, but still accrue pension credits.
How many hours can I work as a working student?
A maximum of 20 hours/week during the semester. More is allowed during semester breaks and if your contract permits it. Careful: if you permanently exceed the 20-hour limit, you lose your working-student status and become subject to full social security contributions.
Does a student job affect my BAföG entitlement?
Yes. Once your annual income exceeds €6,240 (as of 2024), the amount above that is counted against your BAföG. With a mini-job (€538/month = €6,456/year) you're already slightly over — calculate it individually or ask the BAföG office.
Do I have to report my student job to my health insurer?
Yes, you must inform your health insurer of changes to your income. As a working student, you remain in student health insurance as long as your job stays secondary to your studies. A mini-job requires no changes.
What does a working student earn?
Minimum wage also applies to working students (€12.41/hr, 2024). In practice, tech companies pay €14–25/hr, consulting firms €15–22/hr, and other industries €12–16/hr. At 20 hrs/week and €15/hr, that's roughly €1,200/month gross.
Can I do a mandatory internship and a student job at the same time?
Yes, if you're flexible with your schedule. Many universities allow full-time mandatory internships, so you could take on student jobs in the evenings or on weekends afterward. Just check your maximum weekly workload and whether your stress level can handle it.
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