Tarifgruppe

Tarifgruppe is a term used in German-speaking labor markets to denote a category within a tariff system that determines remuneration. It is established by the applicable collective agreement (Tarifvertrag) and is used in sectors with negotiated pay scales, including the public sector, industry, and services. The term can be synonymous with wage groups such as Entgeltgruppen in some agreements.

Classification into a Tarifgruppe is based on factors such as the scope of responsibility of the job, required qualifications and professional training, complexity of tasks, and, in some cases, the level of autonomy. A job description or position is matched to a Tarifgruppe, which then defines the permissible earnings and benefits for that position.

Within a Tarifgruppe, pay progression is often organized into stages or levels (for example Stufe 1 to Stufe 6) that reflect experience or tenure. Progression to a higher stage within the same Tarifgruppe increases pay, while transferring to a higher Tarifgruppe yields a different pay range.

The exact naming and numbering of Tarifgruppen vary by sector and collective agreement. Some agreements use Tarifgruppe directly, others use similar terms such as Entgeltgruppe. The full wage schedule, including minimum and maximum pay and progression rules, is specified in the Tarifvertrag.

In practice, employees are assigned to a Tarifgruppe by their employer in accordance with the collective agreement and job description. Disputes over classification or pay are typically resolved through negotiation or the dispute-resolution mechanisms provided in the agreement.