© Fotolia, Thomas Reimer

... The structurally weaker areas, on the other hand, are making themselves felt." This picture also fits in with the fact that companies located in or near large cities often pay more than companies in rural areas. Salaries here are 16 to 19 % higher. "Corporate headquarters with better-paid areas such as research and development are often located in metropolitan areas," explains Veerkamp-Walz.