TVöD 2026: What Really Changes from May 1st (Salary, Allowances & Hidden Updates)

Last updated: 2026-04-07

If you work under the TVöD, May 1st, 2026 is one of the most important dates for your income this year. This marks the second stage of the current multi-year agreement, following the initial adjustments made in April 2025.

But here’s the truth: it’s not just a simple 2.8% raise. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly:

• What changes on your payslip
• Which allowances increase (and which don’t)
• The "Time Instead of Money" election rules
• How to calculate your new salary precisely

1. The Main Change: +2.8% Salary Increase

Starting May 1, 2026, all Tabellenentgelte (base salaries) in the TVöD sector will increase by: +2.8% (Linear increase across all pay groups E 1–E 15).

This applies to both Federal employees (Bund) and Municipal employees (VKA). Unlike the 2024 increases which involved a flat-rate "base amount," this is a pure percentage increase, meaning the absolute Euro gain is higher for those in higher pay grades.

2. €75 Increase for Trainees & Students

Apprentices and the next generation of public servants see a significant fixed boost: +€75/month.

This applies to Apprentices (Azubis), Dual-study students (TVSöD), and Interns (TVPöD). This is a flat-rate increase and is independent of the 2.8% linear hike for regular staff.

3. The Important Part: Allowances That ALSO Change

Many employees overlook that several allowances are "dynamic," meaning they are linked to the base table.

Dynamic Allowances

Because base salaries rise, these supplements rise proportionally:

• Nursing Allowance (Pflegezulage): Increases from €137.96 to €141.82/month.
• Unsocial Hours Bonuses: Since Night work (+20%), Sunday work (+25%), and Holiday work (up to +135%) are calculated based on your hourly wage, their Euro value increases by exactly 2.8%.

Static Allowances

The massive jumps for shift work introduced in July 2025 are currently static in May 2026:

• Shift Allowance: Remains at €100.
• Rotating Shift Allowance: Remains at €250.

Note: These will not be "dynamized" (linked to table increases) until January 1, 2027.

4. Big but Often Missed: Christmas Bonus Changes (2026)

2026 brings a massive restructuring of the Jahressonderzahlung (Christmas bonus). While not visible in May, the November 2026 payout will be significantly higher:

Bund (Federal Level)

• EG 1–8: 95%
• EG 9a–12: 90%
• EG 13–15: 75% of a monthly salary

Municipal (VKA)

• Standardized to 85% for almost all groups (except specific TVöD-P groups which can reach 90%).

5. “Time Instead of Money” (Zeit statt Geld)

A major innovation for 2026 is the Umwandlungsmodell. You can now choose to "buy" more free time using your Christmas bonus: You can convert part of your bonus into up to 3 extra vacation days.

Action Required: You must apply for this by September 1st, 2026, to receive the extra days in the 2027 calendar year. Exception: This model is generally not available in healthcare (TVöD-P) due to staffing shortages.

6. Calculate Your New Salary (Exact Values)

The 2.8% increase is easy to state, but calculating the interaction with your specific Stufe (step) and social deductions is complex. Use these tools for the exact math:

• TVöD Salary Calculator
• TVöD Bund Collective Agreement Framework
• Full TVöD Bund Agreement Overview (Official PDF)

7. Reality Check: Why Your Net Salary Might Disappoint

"Hidden" Costs in 2026: Even with a 2.8% gross increase, your net payout may feel smaller. In 2026, Germany is seeing parallel increases in health insurance contributions and social security deductions. These "hidden" costs may offset a portion of your raise, making it vital to use a net-calculator to manage your expectations.

Summary: What Changes on May 1st, 2026

As always, please refer to the official government TVöD PDFs for verifying the legal text regarding the validity of this data and how it applies to your individual circumstances.