Novice teachers in Hungary paid less than 1/5th of annual salary of Danish counterparts
On the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, which falls on 5th of October, Eurydice, a network within the European Commission with a mission to overlook the organisation of education systems, published an annual report on the salaries and allowances of the teachers in 27 member states and 10 West-Balkan states. One of the key findings is that it takes Hungarian teachers 42 years to reach the maximum possible salary for their work, while in Denmark, this can be achieved in just 12 years.
Salaries and PPS
As Népszava reports, in the European Union, it is a policy for the member states to ensure an annual gross salary of between €4,000 and €92,000 to their citizens. The report notes that there are striking differences between countries, highlighting five member states, where the novice teachers’ salaries are below €10,000 per year. Hungary is amongst these states. However, the report not only presents the salaries of different countries but also measures the purchasing power parities (PPS) of teachers’ salaries, which accounts for differences in price levels between countries. The PPS statistics align with the salary measurements. There are significant differences between countries, with gross starting salaries ranging from 11,000 to 59,000 PPS per year in the states that were included in the report. Hungary is amongst the lowest-ranking EU countries, with PPS of 13,465, surpassing only two countries: Lithuania, with a PPS of 12,739 and Slovakia, where the PPS is 13,319.
Read more: Teacher shortage in Hungary critical: tens of thousands are missing
Career development of teachers in Hungary
The difference in pay among countries is not necessarily reflected in statutory wages. Where the differences become most evident is in the salary levels corresponding to various stages of education. Across the countries which were examined, salary increases for novice teachers differ over the course of their careers. While the rise can be as low as 16% (Denmark), it can reach as high as 143%(Cyprus). As a result, while it takes only 12 years in Denmark to reach the maximum income for a teacher, in Hungary, it takes nearly four times as long – 42 years.
In Hungary, teacher salaries have seen only small hikes in recent years, closely tracking inflation without significant growth in real value. In contrast, in other countries like the Czech Republic, teacher salaries have surged by 30% over the past five years. According to the study conducted by Eurydice, the average teacher salary shows a strong correlation with the GDP per capita. An example of a country where teacher salaries correspond to a lower GDP is Hungary.
In conclusion, the report published by Eurydice presents us with valuable yet shocking insights into the Hungarian education system, highlighting that teacher salaries in Hungary are among the lowest in the region. In addition, it also reveals the extended duration it takes for a novice teacher to reach their maximum salary.
Read also: Further decline in real earnings in Hungary
Author: István Martin Németh
Source: nepszava.hu
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6 Comments
Disgraceful
Repulsive.
Used this platform numerous times, just on the subject of recruitment of EDUCATORS into the Hungarian system – what is there to ATTRACT them ???
We know, the on-going BRAWLING that is occurring between the Educators – the Unions and representative of Education in Hungary, through the Orban Government, lack of investment into Education, and there massive numbers of BROKEN promises broadsheet, not just wages & salary’s – that Orban has been FOUND out, not speaking the TRUTH, but mistruths.
We know, in his “hidden” agenda – like the media, the judiciary, the ability to rule by decree, that Orban wants to CONTROL Education.
We know that Orban, a Government strangulated for CASH, has NO money to Invest into Education, and promises of pay & salary rises to EDUCATORS – the probability of this occurring is highly QUESTIONABLE.
We know the NADIR to where the Hungarian economy under Orban its direction, will WORSEN.
Orban – the Fidesz Party, as long as they remain in POWER in Hungary, they must NEVER never never – be allowed to control Education.
Entry into the life as an Educator is a VOCATION.
WHY – what would attractive that life commitment to the young of Hungary to-day, to Education ?
No mention of results teachers are getting here-than other EU countries.- not mentioned once.
The US has the highest paid public school teachers in the world and run by Unions who have paid millions to left wing party and NGOs.
Once the best schools in world – now one of worst in the world.
Tm, the point is hardly that Hungarians should celebrate the value they are getting out of underpaid teachers. I wonder if you know any teachers here. And the bit about American schools being among the world’s worst is unsubstantiated and ridiculous.
Worry about what continues to go ON and ON – in our own backyards – HUNGARY.
Fix the MASSIVE gargantuan appalling problems within the EDUCATION system in Hungary.
Democracy is Dialogue, and Education, the better part of 14 years, under the Orban leadership, his Government have dismally FAILED Hungary, the future of Hungary – educators, students their families in the millions, in DISGARDING the IMPORTENCE of Investment into Education.
Don’t let the Orban “mob” near any control of Education in Hungary – NEVER never.
Education – opens Windows of OPPORTUNITIES – and we the citizens use our POWER to continue our DRIVE that “shames & blames” rightfully the SHAMBLES the Orban Government have CREATED in the Education system in Hungary, but that we the citizens our POWER – our BELIEF in EDUCATION, we drive this MESSAGE deeper into Hungarian society.
Education, its standards are a MASSIVE future NEED of Hungary, not just for the rich families but for ALL of Hungarians – “little ones” from what ever “station in life” there families represent in civilian life.
Hungary – through Orban our backyard is a TIP, full of Rubbish, that needs CLEANSED removed and the cleaned space, used for FUTURE creativity in this case EDUCATION in Hungary.
If the EU would send us money, our Politicians could at last pay our teachers!
Will not mention the ever-increasing payments to our 2.5 million pensioners, which remain unaffected. They no doubt deserve this, however it appears our Politicians are very focused on keeping “the base” happy and prioritizing spend.
Let´s buy an airport, shall we?