The latest OECD “Education at a Glance 2024” report reveals significant global disparities in teacher salaries, placing Greece among the lowest of the 34 countries surveyed.
Greece: Among the lowest-paid educators in the OECD
Despite the increasing demands and crucial role of teachers in society, Greek educators continue to earn some of the lowest wages among OECD countries.
Greece ranks near the bottom, well below the OECD average.
Key Highlights from the OECD Report
- OECD average annual teacher salary: $57,399
- USA (primary school): $68,153
- England: $54,550, Scotland: $62,584
- Germany, Netherlands, Luxembourg: Over $90,000 annually in primary education
- Poland: $55,407
- Colombia (range): $26,862 – $119,850 (depending on qualifications and experience)
- USA (range): $49,386 – $85,827
- England (range): $41,468 – $97,930
These figures reflect real average salaries for public school teachers aged 25–64, adjusted using Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) for private consumption.
Teacher Pay by Level of Education (OECD Averages)
| Education Level | Avg. Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Pre-primary education | $55,725 |
| Primary education | $59,673 |
| Lower secondary education | $61,563 |
| Upper secondary education | $63,925 |
Why such big differences in pay?
Pay differences are not solely country-based but also influenced by:
- Qualification level at the start of employment
- Years of experience
- The educational level (pre-primary, primary, secondary)
- National wage policy and education budgets
Countries that value education tend to invest more in teacher compensation, attracting and retaining more qualified professionals.
What the report includes
The OECD Education at a Glance 2024, released on Tuesday, offers a comprehensive overview of global education systems, including:
- Teacher salary data
- Unemployment trends
- Retention rates in the teaching profession
- Educational attainment of the workforce
Teaching undervalued in Greece
While many nations reward educators in line with their importance, Greece continues to underpay its teachers, risking long-term impacts on education quality.
The OECD report underscores the urgent need for education reform and increased investment in educators – especially in countries like Greece where the profession remains underappreciated and undercompensated.
Source: pagenews.gr