Last year, the average salary of Estonian teachers increased by more than 420 euros, reaching the target of 120% of the average salary in Estonia set in the education development plan. However, the rapid increase in the average salary makes it difficult to maintain this level, according to the report “Teachers’ Salaries” published today by the Foresight Centre. Foresight Centre expert Eneli Kindsiko noted that the education development plan for 2021–2035 sets a target for the average salary of general and vocational education teachers to be 120% of the average salary in Estonia. “It is certainly encouraging that the target for teachers’ salaries has been achieved, and earlier than previously predicted. At the same time, due to the difficult state of the state budget, maintaining this level in the coming years may prove to be an impossible task,” said Kindsiko. The Bank of Estonia forecasts an average salary increase of 7.4% this year, which is why the average salary of teachers must be 2,362 euros this year to maintain the 120% target set in the development plan. According to Kindsiko, the growth of teachers' salaries in Estonia has been characterized by one-off increases for some time now. "For example, in 2008 and 2023, significant salary increases compensated for the lag in salaries compared to other specialists, but a more even annual salary increase would provide teachers with greater security in the future. Such a measure would also make the teaching profession more attractive," she emphasized. In its summary report, the Foresight Centre notes that the regional competitiveness of teachers' salaries has increased, but significant differences remain between counties. For example, the salary of a teacher in Harju County is 13% higher than the average salary in the county, while in Ida-Viru County a teacher can earn 55% higher than the average salary. “Harju County and Tartu County are the only counties where teachers earned less than 120% of the average salary in the county in 2023, but it must be remembered that these are the regions with the highest cost of living, including in terms of real estate prices. At the same time, more than half of all Estonian teachers work in these two counties – around 10,000 people. It must also be taken into account that in Harju County and Tartu County, teachers with a master's degree have more alternative job options; the low percentage of attachment to teaching probably indicates problems with working conditions and workload,” Kindsiko notes, pointing out important shortcomings. Since teachers are primarily expected to have a master's degree, it is important to compare teachers' salaries with those of people with a university education, the Foresight Centre emphasizes. For example, the average gross salary of a master's degree graduate in 2022 was 2,812 euros, while the average gross salary of a comprehensive school teacher was 28% lower. "There are a significant number of teachers in Estonia who do not have a master's degree, but they all receive similar salaries, meaning that the requirement for a master's degree does not bring any significant additional income," Kindsiko explained. The Foresight Centre's summary report also showed that teachers' salaries are still higher than the average salary of other education workers, and in 2023, they exceeded the average salary of a university lecturer with a master's degree. The brief report "Teachers' Salaries" is part of the Center for Development Monitoring's research direction "The Future of the New Generation of Teachers", the goal of which is to develop scenarios for demand for teachers and the formation of their new generation until 2040 based on local and global trends. Read RusDelfi wherever it is convenient for you. Follow us on Facebook, Telegram, Instagram and even TikTok.
