Do you need a forklift licence beforehand?

No, the forklift licence is obtained during the training, as part of the in-company apprenticeship.

Is it a physical or a computer-based job?

Both: the work is physical (handling goods, driving forklifts) and computer-based (stock management and logistics software).

Warehouse logistics specialist (Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik)

A core role in German logistics, reachable through a recognised training and in high demand among employers.

All sectors

The profession

The warehouse logistics specialist receives, stores, picks and ships goods, plans warehouse processes, operates forklifts and works with logistics software.

Salary

During the apprenticeship, about 660 to 1,370 €/month depending on the sector and region. On entry, about 2,150 to 2,700 €/month; the median across all experience levels is around 3,094 €/month (range 2,617 to 3,745 €) (source: Entgeltatlas, Federal Employment Agency, 2025). This pay follows a sector agreement, above the statutory minimum wage (13.90 €/h in 2026).

Duration and path

The training lasts 3 years, alternating between the company and the vocational school (Berufsschule), and ends with the chamber of commerce (IHK) exam.

Employers hiring

Amazon, DHL and Deutsche Post, Kaufland, Lidl and the Schwarz Group, dm, BMW, as well as many third-party logistics providers (3PL).

Prospects

Prospects are strong, driven by a structural shortage of warehouse staff in Germany.

Career progression

You can move up to team leader, Logistikmeister or Fachwirt, and then warehouse manager.

Language level

The vocational school, the exam and the work all take place in German. B2 is the standard employers expect, and that is the level we aim for.

Recognition and access

For an Ausbildung, no diploma recognition is required: you train directly in Germany and the qualification is recognised throughout the country. You need an Ausbildung contract, the expected German level and, generally, a secondary school leaving certificate.

Visa

Entry is via the vocational training visa (Ausbildung). Once qualified, you switch to a skilled worker permit to work in Germany. We check your eligibility and prepare the application with you.

Your Karriere Fähre support

We train you in German up to the required level, find the company and the Ausbildung contract, prepare the visa application and support you until you are settled in.

Apply

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a forklift licence beforehand?: No, the forklift licence is obtained during the training, as part of the in-company apprenticeship.
Is it a physical or a computer-based job?: Both: the work is physical (handling goods, driving forklifts) and computer-based (stock management and logistics software).

Indicative gross ranges from public German sources (Federal Employment Agency, Entgeltatlas, Gehalt.de, StepStone, IHK). In logistics and transport, pay follows the collective agreement and the sector minimum wage, and varies by region, employer and experience. Recognition, visa and driving-licence rules change: always check your case with the competent German authorities.