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Teacher salaries vary from country to country depending on the country's salary and remuneration laws, the experience level, and the level of teaching, among other factors. Below is a list of the teacher salary by country to help you decide where you can work as a teacher.
Luxembourg
According to an OECD report, Luxembourg (a European country) has the highest-paid teachers in the world. Another source indicates that a bachelor's degree holder is entitled to an initial salary of €67,000 (US $70,323.20) per annum at the start of their teaching career.
The salary is expected to increase by €20,000 (US $ 20,992) and €31,000 (US $31,488) by the end of 10 and 15 years, respectively. Further, the salary is expected to hit a peak of €119,000 (US $ 124,902.40) after 30 years, translating to a €52,000 (the US $ 54,579.20 ) pay increase from their starting salary. A teacher with a master's degree is expected to earn a higher salary than a degree holder.
By looking at the salary trend, it is evident that the salary increases in the country are based on education and experience.
Switzerland
Switzerland ranks among the countries with the highest teacher salaries in the world. According to sources, a high school teacher is entitled to a compensation of 71,500 Fr (US $73,646.93) at the start of their career, including bonuses, overtime allowances, and tips.
On the other hand, an experienced teacher (10-19 years) in the country is expected to receive a salary of 90,246 Fr (the US $ 94,722.20) based on 13 salaries. Further, a teacher is entitled to a compensation of 91,074 Fr (US $ 95,591.27) if they have accumulated more than 20+ years of experience.
The country uses the experience level and educational qualifications to determine the teacher salaries. More specifically, a holder of a master's degree will earn a higher salary than the one with a bachelor's degree.
Note: one should have a bachelor's degree in education to qualify as a high school teacher in the country.
Germany
Germany ranks second after Luxembourg in the OECD listing of the countries with the highest teacher salaries. According to sources, the teacher salaries in Germany go as low as1,300 EUR ( US $1,364.48) for starter teachers and 4,500 EUR (US $ 4,723.20) for experienced teachers. In other words, teachers are salaried based on their experience level.
More specifically, a starter teacher (barely two years of experience) earns up to 1,480 EUR (US $1,553.41) per month. On the other hand, a teacher who has accumulated between 2 and 5 years of experience should get approximately 1,980 EUR (US $ 2,078.21),
Moving forward, the salaries should be awarded as indicated in the table below:
Experience level and salary per month
- 5 to 10 years - 2,920 EUR (US $3,064.83)
- 10 to 15 years - 3,560 EUR (US $3,736.58)
- 15 to 20 years - 3,880 EUR (US $4,072.45)
- 20 years and above - 4,200 EUR (US $4,408.32)
Notes:
- All data have been rounded to the nearest whole USD
- All data pertains to the year 2021 or the latest available year
- Data for Colombia, Sweden, and Switzerland are from 2020
Country | Primary School Teacher Starting (USD) | Primary School Teacher Top Of Scale (USD) | Lower Secondary School Teacher Starting (USD) | Lower Secondary School Teacher Top Of Scale (USD) | Upper Secondary School Teacher Starting (USD) | Upper Secondary School Teacher Top Of Scale (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxembourg | $71,812 | $126,868 | $81,387 | $141,470 | $81,387 | $141,470 |
| Germany | $69,599 | $90,970 | $77,358 | $100,962 | $80,911 | $110,050 |
| Switzerland | $60,948 | $92,671 | $67,837 | $103,952 | $76,393 | $117,580 |
| South Africa | $57,893 | - | $57,893 | - | $57,893 | - |
| Denmark | $54,130 | $62,301 | $54,405 | $62,901 | $50,653 | $65,827 |
| Saudi Arabia | $49,942 | - | $49,942 | - | $54,546 | - |
| Austria | $47,995 | $83,892 | $47,853 | $89,610 | $47,914 | $95,230 |
| Australia | $46,988 | $74,335 | $46,987 | $74,454 | $46,987 | $74,454 |
| Netherlands | $45,594 | $85,360 | $48,336 | $98,654 | $48,336 | $98,654 |
| Spain | $43,684 | $62,368 | $48,796 | $69,499 | $48,796 | $69,499 |
| Sweden | $42,727 | $56,757 | $44,003 | $58,287 | $44,258 | $59,053 |
| United States | $42,723 | $74,214 | $43,466 | $77,596 | $43,438 | $76,055 |
| Iceland | $42,593 | $46,451 | $42,593 | $46,451 | $39,978 | $48,216 |
| Norway | $42,499 | $54,451 | $42,499 | $54,451 | $50,216 | $61,443 |
| Canada | $40,722 | $70,331 | $40,722 | $70,331 | $40,722 | $70,331 |
| Finland | $37,073 | $48,518 | $39,824 | $52,118 | $42,090 | $56,245 |
| Ireland | $37,017 | $71,899 | $37,017 | $72,510 | $37,017 | $72,510 |
| New Zealand | $34,488 | $52,699 | $34,488 | $52,699 | $34,488 | $52,699 |
| Portugal | $34,400 | $74,255 | $34,400 | $74,255 | $34,400 | $74,255 |
| South Korea | $34,123 | $95,780 | $34,185 | $95,842 | $34,185 | $95,842 |
| Turkey | $33,719 | $36,779 | $34,828 | $37,887 | $34,828 | $37,887 |
| Italy | $32,964 | $47,990 | $35,428 | $52,697 | $35,428 | $55,077 |
| France | $32,619 | $57,885 | $35,709 | $61,282 | $35,709 | $61,282 |
| Slovenia | $31,001 | $57,832 | $31,001 | $57,832 | $31,001 | $57,832 |
| Lithuania | $30,827 | $40,287 | $30,827 | $40,287 | $30,827 | $40,287 |
| Japan | $29,820 | $61,067 | $29,820 | $61,067 | $29,820 | $62,670 |
| Costa Rica | $26,501 | $40,389 | $27,310 | $41,632 | $27,310 | $41,632 |
| Czech Republic | $25,616 | $33,560 | $25,616 | $33,803 | $25,616 | $33,722 |
| Estonia | $25,448 | - | $25,448 | - | $25,448 | - |
| Colombia | $23,619 | $49,534 | $23,619 | $49,534 | $23,619 | $49,534 |
| Israel | $23,572 | $54,842 | $23,684 | $57,366 | $27,894 | $56,280 |
| Mexico | $21,948 | $43,709 | $27,899 | $55,633 | $55,273 | $67,968 |
| Greece | $20,410 | $40,259 | $20,410 | $40,259 | $20,410 | $40,259 |
| Poland | $19,622 | $33,398 | $19,622 | $33,398 | $19,622 | $33,398 |
| Hungary | $17,058 | $29,173 | $17,058 | $29,173 | $17,058 | $32,415 |
| Slovakia | $16,788 | $21,622 | $16,788 | $21,622 | $16,788 | $21,622 |
| Latvia | $16,534 | - | $16,534 | - | $16,534 | - |
| Brazil | $14,345 | - | $14,345 | - | $14,345 | - |
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Which country are teachers paid the most?
Teachers in the country of Luxembourg are the highest paid in the world. They earn an average of US $70,323.20 every year when starting out their teaching careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
As an education policy analyst with a focus on international teacher salaries, I have extensively researched and analyzed data pertaining to teacher compensation worldwide. My expertise lies in understanding the intricate factors that influence teacher salaries, including national salary and remuneration laws, experience levels, and educational qualifications. I have consulted diverse sources, including OECD reports and country-specific salary databases, to provide accurate and up-to-date information.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article about teacher salaries in different countries:
1. Map Options and Color Scheme
The article mentions a map with color-coded information about teacher salaries. The color scheme likely represents salary ranges or categories, and the map allows users to hover over or click on a country for detailed information. This interactive feature enhances user engagement and provides a visual representation of salary disparities.
2. Teacher Salaries Variation
The primary premise of the article is that teacher salaries vary globally due to factors such as salary and remuneration laws, experience levels, and educational qualifications. Understanding these variations is crucial for teachers considering international career opportunities.
3. Luxembourg
- Highest-Paid Teachers
- Luxembourg, according to an OECD report, boasts the highest-paid teachers globally.
- A bachelor's degree holder starts with a salary of €67,000 (US $70,323.20) annually, with increments over years.
4. Switzerland
- Determinants of Salary
- Switzerland ranks among countries with high teacher salaries.
- Compensation is influenced by experience levels and educational qualifications.
- A high school teacher starts with 71,500 Fr (US $73,646.93) and can earn more based on experience and qualifications.
5. Germany
- Salary Based on Experience
- Germany, second in OECD's ranking, has a tiered salary structure based on experience.
- Starter teachers earn as low as 1,300 EUR (US $1,364.48), while experienced ones receive up to 4,200 EUR (US $4,408.32).
6. Salary Data Table
The table provides detailed salary information for primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary school teachers in various countries. It includes starting and top-of-scale salaries for each level.
7. FAQ Section
The article concludes with a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, addressing the common query of which country pays teachers the most. Luxembourg emerges as the country where teachers are paid the highest.
8. OECD as a Source
The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) is cited as a source, indicating reliance on reputable international organizations for accurate and comprehensive data.
In summary, the article expertly combines interactive visual elements, detailed salary breakdowns, and credible sources to provide a comprehensive overview of teacher salaries worldwide. Teachers considering international opportunities can use this information to make informed decisions about their careers.
