Midi-job
A midi-job is employment in the transitional band: the regular pay is above the marginal earnings threshold but not above 2,000 euros a month.
As of:September 2026
What characterises the transitional band
The employee's share of contributions rises gradually from the lower end of the band to the full share at 2,000 euros. At the lower edge they pay almost nothing, and the employer bears an increased share there.
Unlike a mini-job, there is full liability to social security in all branches, including health, long-term care, pension and unemployment insurance. The reduced contribution does not reduce pension entitlements: for the pension the full pay counts.
MetronHR works these figures out itself: time accounts, premiums, overtime and the limits of the German Working Hours Act, with every booking.
The step at the lower limit
Earnings of 604 euros are a midi-job, earnings of 603 euros a mini-job. That one euro changes tax, contributions and the reporting to the Minijob-Zentrale completely.
That is why planning hours for employees near the limit is no trifle. A single cover shift can tip the classification, and retroactively for the whole period if it becomes regular.
Example: 1,200 euros a month
- Earnings 1,200 euros, so in the transitional band between 603.01 euros and 2,000 euros.
- Full liability to insurance in all branches.
- The employee's share of contributions is below the standard rate.
- For the pension calculation the full pay of 1,200 euros still counts.
Common mistake
The midi-job gets treated like a mini-job and reported via the Minijob-Zentrale. The correct route is reporting to the competent health insurer, and the correction is laborious.
Further reading
- Section 20(2) SGB IV
- „The transitional band within the meaning of this Code covers remuneration from employment that is more than marginal under section 8(1) no. 1 and does not regularly exceed 2,000 euros a month.“
- Section 8(1a) SGB IV
This is not legal advice; for a specific case at your workplace you are better off asking someone qualified to give it.
Published by: AMNAU GmbH
Editorial responsibility: Ugur Aydogan, Product development.
Last reviewed: September 2026
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Related terms
Mini-job
A mini-job is marginal paid employment: the regular monthly pay does not exceed the marginal earnings threshold. In 2026 it is 603 euros a month.
Minimum wage
The statutory minimum wage is the amount every employee can claim as a minimum per clock hour. Since 1 January 2026 it has been 13.90 euros gross.
Work on demand
Work on demand means the work is performed according to the volume of work arising. The employer determines the timing at short notice, and in return section 12 TzBfG protects employees with four firm rules.
Basic wage
The base wage is the ongoing pay due for regular working time, converted to one hour. It is the basis of assessment for premiums under section 3b EStG.