From an economic standpoint, the mid-level job is usually more advantageous for employers, says Viola Bischoff of the Konstanz Chamber of Skilled Crafts. (Photo: © Dmytro/123RF.com)
Read aloud:
April 2026
For employers in the skilled trades, employing someone through a midijob can often be more cost-effective than through a minijob. While minijobs offer more flexibility, they can quickly become a cost trap, says Viola Bischoff, legal expert at the Konstanz Chamber of Skilled Crafts.
Since the beginning of the year, the limit for mini-jobs has been €603 per month. For many craft businesses, employing staff through mini-jobs therefore sounds attractive. But Viola Bischoff, legal expert at the Chamber of Crafts Constance, advises employers to calculate carefully, because mini-jobs are not necessarily the cheapest solution.
Even those with mini-jobs are entitled to paid vacation, continued payment of wages in case of illness and the statutory minimum wage – in many trades even on higher industry minimum wages"This quickly reduces working hours to about ten hours per week," says Bischoff.
Rising minimum wages would directly lead to less available labor. In addition, high flat-rate social security contributions and levies are payable for mini-jobbers, which employers must bear. These amount to a maximum of 31,17 percent of earnings.
"Minijobbers are not independently covered by health insurance. In the event of extended absences, this can pose an organizational and financial risk," emphasizes Viola Bischoff. Another disadvantage for employers and employees: minijobbers are not entitled to short-time work compensation."
Operations management
Operations management
Operations management
For many craft businesses, it's therefore worth taking a closer look at the midijob. This applies to jobs with a minimum monthly salary. monthly gross earnings between 603,01 and 2.000 eurosThis places it between a mini-job and regular employment and makes it subject to social security contributions.
Social security contributions gradually decrease from 28 percent to approximately 20 percent at the upper earnings limit. Furthermore, those in mid-level jobs are entitled to short-time work compensation – an advantage in economically challenging times. Viola Bischoff points out that companies should regularly review the earnings limits for mid-level workers: "Exceeding the upper limit results in full social security contributions. Then the contributions can increase again."
Minijobs offer flexibility, but can also become a cost trap. "Especially in the skilled trades, the midijob is often the more economically sensible alternative if working hours, minimum wages, social security contributions and operational risks are realistically calculated," says the legal expert.
➡️ Especially important: When adjusting weekly working hours or employing several minijobbers, employers should calculate the hourly rates precisely.
flyer or Tools for calculating the hourly rate of a craftsman help keep costs transparent. One Mini or midijob calculator The Minijob Center states, "Minijobs are practical, but must not become a cost trap," says Viola Bischoff.
Source: Chamber of Crafts Konstanz
DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!
Newsletter
Write a comment