As of the end of 2025, German health offices employed 27,225 individuals, including external staff. This represented an increase of 570 people, or 2.1 percent, compared to the previous year. In terms of full-time equivalents (FTEs), the number stood at 22,110, an increase of 365, or 1.7 percent. This growth rate was stronger than the increase seen in 2024 (which registered an increase of 335 people or 1.3 percent, and 275 FTEs or 1.3 percent). These findings originate from the regional health personnel monitoring conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).
Examining the staff types, the number of employees on permanent contracts grew more slowly in 2025, rising by 1.5 percent (385 people), which was weaker than the 3.3 percent increase seen in 2024 (800 people). Conversely, temporary contracts saw a significant increase, rising by 10.8 percent (190 people), following a notable decline of 21.1 percent (-465 people) in 2024. By the end of 2025, 25,305 people held permanent contracts, while 1,920 people had temporary employment. Permanent staff accounted for the largest group at 83 percent, followed by civil servants at 10 percent, and temporary staff at 7 percent.
Over half of the personnel in health offices (52 percent) were classified as highly qualified, meaning they held university, master, technician, or specialized school degrees. This ratio varied significantly across regions, ranging from 31 percent to 86 percent. During 2025, the number of employees with a high level of education increased by 410 people, a rise of 3.0 percent.
The staffing profile of health offices in 2025 was comprised of 20 percent physicians (including dentists), 55 percent specialized personnel, and 25 percent administrative staff. While physicians and dentists increased by 195 people (3.6 percent) and specialized staff increased by 400 people (2.8 percent) compared to the previous year, administrative staff actually declined by 20 people, or 0.3 percent, over the same period.
Demographically, the average age of staff across federal health offices was 47.7 years at the end of 2025. The distribution of ages showed strong regional variations. The proportion of workers under 35 ranged regionally from 6 percent to 25 percent, with the national average being 14 percent. On the other hand, 34 percent of employees were aged 55 or older on average, a figure that varied widely regionally, between 17 percent and 47 percent. Notably, the age distribution in these offices was not heavily influenced by the type of region (urban, developing, or rural).
Regarding gender and hours worked, a significant majority of personnel were female, accounting for 82 percent of the staff at the reporting date. These women were also much more likely to work part-time (60 percent) compared to men (23 percent). Overall, 46 percent of the staff worked full-time, and 54 percent worked part-time. The share of marginally employed individuals remained below 1 percent. On average, 1.2 staff members filled one full-time position nationwide, a figure that ranged from 1.1 to 1.5 between regions.
The functions performed by staff in health offices are quite varied. As of late 2025, the areas of greatest employment concentration were child and youth health (18 percent), administration (14 percent), and socio-psychiatry and mental health (12 percent). Specifically, among physicians and dentists, the largest proportion of work was concentrated in child and youth health (30 percent), followed by adult assessment (18 percent), according to Destatis.
