Why Frankfurt is different from other German cities
Frankfurt am Main is the financial centre of continental Europe. The European Central Bank, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and dozens of international investment banks and asset managers are headquartered here. English is the de facto working language across the entire financial district (Bankenviertel). You can work in Frankfurt's finance sector for years without needing a word of German on the job.
The city's second major employer is the logistics and aviation sector — Frankfurt Airport is one of Europe's busiest, and companies like Lufthansa, DB Schenker, and DHL employ thousands of English-speaking professionals.
Which sectors hire in English in Frankfurt?
- Banking and finance – investment banking, asset management, risk, compliance, fintech
- Management consulting and Big Four – McKinsey, BCG, Bain (MBB), Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG all have major Frankfurt offices
- Logistics and aviation – Lufthansa tech and operations, DHL Global Forwarding, DB Schenker headquarters
- Law and compliance – international law firms (Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Allen & Overy) operating in English
- Tech and fintech – a smaller but growing tech scene with companies like Mambu, Raisin, and SAP Financial Services
Average salaries for English speakers in Frankfurt (2026)
| Role | Typical annual gross salary |
|---|---|
| Financial analyst | €55,000 – €75,000 |
| Compliance officer | €60,000 – €90,000 |
| Software engineer | €65,000 – €95,000 |
| Management consultant (senior) | €80,000 – €130,000 |
| Risk manager | €70,000 – €110,000 |
Frankfurt pays above the German average due to the concentration of financial services employers.
Cost of living in Frankfurt
Frankfurt is the most expensive rental market in Germany after Munich. A one-bedroom apartment in the centre costs roughly €1,400 – €2,000/month. The Sachsenhausen and Bornheim neighbourhoods offer slightly lower rents with good public transport links. Factor this into salary negotiations — the financial sector premium usually covers it.
Do I need German to live in Frankfurt?
For work in finance or consulting: no. For daily life — registering your address (Anmeldung), visiting doctors, dealing with landlords — basic German helps but is not essential. Frankfurt has one of the largest expat communities in Germany, and most services in the city centre are available in English.
Getting started
Browse English-speaking jobs in Frankfurt on our Frankfurt jobs page. Filter by "Finance" or "Consulting" category and enable the Visa Support filter if you need sponsorship. Apply within 48 hours of listing — Frankfurt recruiters move fast.
Also see: Visa Sponsorship Guide for Germany and Berlin vs Munich comparison.