Career changers who move into teaching usually start with a trainee phase (Anwärterphase), which is paid differently in each federal state. Pay during this period is not one uniform figure. It depends on state law and the pay grade (Besoldungsgruppe). This guide shows verified figures for 2026 and the points to check in advance.
Short answer: Trainee pay in pay grade A 13 in 2026 ranges from EUR 1,722.66 in Lower Saxony (status 1 April 2026) to EUR 1,868.96 in Hesse (status 1 July 2026) in the states reviewed, gross per month according to the dbb pay table, subject to promulgation. The grade for your teaching qualification is stated in your appointment notice.
Key points at a glance
- Trainee pay is set by each federal state. Always compare the figures for your own state.
- The amount also depends on the pay grade. Which grade applies to your teaching qualification differs between states.
- During the trainee phase you are usually a civil servant on probation (Beamtin oder Beamter auf Widerruf) and entitled to state health aid (Beihilfe).
- As a rule, trainees without children receive 50 percent Beihilfe. Hesse uses different rates.
- For health insurance you need a solution that fits with your Beihilfe. Statutory insurance is not automatically the right choice.
What do the states pay trainees?
The table shows trainee pay in pay grade A 13 for five states, taken from the dbb pay tables. The figures are gross monthly amounts for the basic pay without family supplement. They are subject to promulgation in the official gazette.
| Federal state | Trainee pay A 13 (gross per month) | Status according to table | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bavaria | EUR 1,795.21 | 1 October 2026 | dbb table Bavaria |
| Berlin | EUR 1,807.47 | 1 April 2026 | dbb table Berlin |
| Hesse | EUR 1,868.96 | 1 July 2026 | dbb table Hesse |
| Lower Saxony | EUR 1,722.66 | 1 April 2026 | dbb table Lower Saxony |
| North Rhine-Westphalia | EUR 1,793.28 | 1 April 2026 | dbb table NRW |
The tables come from a trade union that reproduces the state pay law. Before a financial decision, the publication in the official gazette or the information of the state office is decisive. The figures are given here with this reservation.
State aid rates at a glance
State aid rates follow state law. The table shows the rule and the deviation in Hesse. It does not replace checking your state health aid regulation.
| Scope | Beihilfe rate for trainees | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Rule for trainees without children | 50 percent | State health aid regulation of the respective state |
| Hesse, outpatient and dental services | 70 percent | Hesse state health aid regulation, leaflet 2026 |
| Hesse, inpatient services | 85 percent | Hesse state health aid regulation, leaflet 2026 |
Whether a child supplement or a lump sum applies also differs by state. Clarify these points before you choose a health insurance policy.
Why the pay grade matters
For teachers, classification depends on the school type and the state. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the state office for pay and pensions announces that primary and lower secondary teachers move to pay grade A 13 from 1 August 2026. The increase of the trainee basic amount is announced there, but the amounts are not stated in the notice. Check the current status for your school type before you decide.
More details on trainee pay in each state are available in our guide on trainee pay by federal state (in German).
State aid during the trainee phase
Trainees are usually civil servants on probation. They are entitled to state health aid for medical costs, generally in part. As a rule, trainees without children receive 50 percent Beihilfe under the state health aid regulation. In Hesse, the rates under the state regulation are 70 percent for outpatient and dental services and 85 percent for inpatient services (status 2026, leaflet of the Regierungspräsidium).
You must cover the remaining costs with a health insurance policy. If you are a civil servant with an entitlement to Beihilfe, you are exempt from statutory health insurance under section 6 (1) No. 2 SGB V. Private cover that supplements the Beihilfe is therefore often considered. The choice depends on your personal situation and the benefits you want. An overview of insurance in the traineeship is available in our guide on health insurance in the traineeship (in German).
Trainee phase as a career changer: what to check
Whether you start as a civil servant on probation or as an employee depends on your state and the job advertisement. Read the appointment notice or advertisement carefully before you accept. Pay attention to the pay grade, the start of trainee pay and the Beihilfe rules.
If you want to stay in statutory insurance, voluntary membership during the traineeship may be an option. More details are in our guide on statutory insurance for trainees (in German). What matters is that you avoid a gap between training and the trainee contract.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get a family supplement during the trainee phase?
The family supplement is not part of the figures above. Whether and how much you receive depends on state pay law and your family situation. Ask the responsible state office or your personnel department.
Is the pay grade for the trainee phase the same as for permanent employment?
Not necessarily. Trainee pay is its own pay level. After the trainee phase and appointment as a civil servant, the pay of the permanent post applies. Check the state law for the amount after the trainee phase as well.
Do I have to pay social security contributions?
As a civil servant on probation with an entitlement to Beihilfe, you are exempt from statutory health insurance (section 6 (1) No. 2 SGB V). Social security contributions in the usual form therefore do not apply. For an employment contract, the usual contributions apply.
Where can I find the exact amount for my state?
The binding amount is in the official gazette or in the information of the responsible state pay office. The tables in this guide are a reference. Ask for the amount in writing before you accept.
What to do next
- Write down the federal state and the school type you want to teach in.
- Check the pay grade in your appointment notice and compare it with the table above.
- Clarify whether you start as a civil servant on probation or as an employee.
- Plan your health insurance before the trainee phase begins and watch for gaps.
- Ask for the amount for your state in writing before you accept.
Related guides
- Teacher training insurance: from studies to traineeship
- Civil Servant Health Aid During Training: Rates and Claims
- Trainee Teachers in Statutory Health Insurance: How Voluntary
- Trainee pay by federal state (in German)
Sources: dbb pay table Lower Saxony, status 1 April 2026 (in German); dbb pay table Berlin, status 1 April 2026 (in German); dbb pay table Hesse, status 1 July 2026 (in German); dbb pay table NRW, status 1 April 2026 (in German); dbb pay table Bavaria, status 1 October 2026 (in German); State office for pay and pensions NRW (in German); Hesse state health aid regulation leaflet (in German); Section 6 SGB V (in German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
