Understanding the TVöD: A Comprehensive Guide to Germany’s Public Sector Pay Scale
BERLIN, 14 February 2026 — As the backbone of German public administration, the Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst (TVöD) dictates the working conditions and salaries for hundreds of thousands of employees. With the second and third rounds of the 2026 TV-L negotiations currently dominating the headlines, understanding the mechanics of the TVöD system is essential for both current employees and those seeking a career in the public sector.
What is the TVöD?
The TVöD is a collective bargaining agreement that came into effect on 1 October 2005, replacing the older BAT (Bundes-Angestelltentarifvertrag) system. It established a unified pay table for all salaried employees (Tarifbeschäftigte) working for the Federal Government (Bund) and local municipalities (VKA – Vereinigung der kommunalen Arbeitgeberverbände).
While the agreement was signed in 2005, a significant milestone occurred in 2017 when the new Entgeltordnung (pay regulations) finally came into force, providing a more modern framework for job evaluations and classifications.
The Structure of the TVöD Pay Scale
The TVöD system is designed to be transparent, basing salary not on individual negotiation, but on the specific duties of the role and the qualifications of the employee. It is divided into two main components: Entgeltgruppen (Pay Groups) and Stufen (Experience Levels).
Entgeltgruppen (Pay Groups 1–15)
There are 15 primary pay groups. The group an employee is assigned to depends on the complexity of the task and the required educational background:
- EG 1 to EG 4: Generally for unskilled or semi-skilled workers.
- EG 5 to EG 8: For employees with completed vocational training (e.g., administrative assistants).
- EG 9 to EG 12: For employees with a university degree (Bachelor’s or Fachhochschule).
- EG 13 to EG 15: For employees with a Master’s degree or equivalent, often involving leadership responsibilities.
Stufen (Experience Levels)
Within each pay group (except for EG 1), there are typically six experience levels. Progression through these levels happens automatically based on the duration of employment within that specific group:
- Level 1: Entry level (new hires without relevant experience).
- Level 2: After 1 year in Level 1.
- Level 3: After 2 years in Level 2.
- Level 4: After 3 years in Level 3.
- Level 5: After 4 years in Level 4.
- Level 6: After 5 years in Level 5.
Current Status of Negotiations (February 2026)
As of mid-February 2026, the public sector is witnessing significant movement in collective bargaining. While the TVöD (Bund/VKA) often sets the pace, the current focus is on the TV-L 2026 (Tarifvertrag der Länder) negotiations. Following a second round of talks on 16 January 2026 that ended without an agreement, trade unions like ver.di and GEW have increased pressure through warning strikes.
Reports from earlier this week indicate that the third round of negotiations for state-level employees is currently underway, with both sides expressing cautious optimism despite lingering differences regarding inflation compensation and structural pay adjustments.
Key Features of the TVöD System
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scope | Federal employees and municipal workers (Bund & VKA). |
| Pay Groups | 1 to 15 (plus special groups like 15Ü). |
| Experience Levels | Usually 6 levels (EG 1 has fewer). |
| Annual Bonus | A “Jahressonderzahlung” (Christmas bonus) is paid in November. |
| Working Hours | Standardised, typically 39 hours (VKA) or 41 hours (Bund). |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between TVöD and TV-L?
The TVöD applies to employees of the Federal Government and municipalities. The TV-L (Tarifvertrag der Länder) applies to employees of the German federal states (except Hesse, which has its own agreement). While they are similar, they have different pay tables and negotiation cycles.
How often do TVöD salaries increase?
Salaries increase in two ways: through “Stufenaufstieg” (moving up experience levels automatically) and through “Tarifrunden” (negotiated percentage increases for the entire table, usually every 12 to 24 months).
What is Entgeltgruppe 15Ü?
EG 15Ü is a transitional pay group created during the switch from the old BAT system to TVöD in 2005. It was designed to ensure that high-earning employees under the old system did not suffer a pay cut during the transition.
Can I negotiate my level (Stufe) when starting?
While the pay group (EG) is fixed by the job description, employers have some flexibility to recognise “relevant professional experience” (einschlägige Berufserfahrung) to place a new hire in Level 2 or 3 instead of Level 1.