If you are a teacher in Ireland, considering entering the profession, or working as a Special Needs Assistant, understanding exactly where you stand on the salary scale — and where you are headed — is essential financial knowledge. Ireland’s teacher pay system is one of the more structured public sector pay arrangements in the country, governed by Department of Education circulars, negotiated through public service agreements, and administered directly by the Department’s payroll.
This guide brings together every current pay point for primary teachers, post-primary (secondary) teachers, principal and deputy principal allowances, and SNA pay scales — all updated to reflect the June 2026 pay increase. Whether you are a newly qualified teacher stepping onto Point 1 for the first time, a mid-career teacher negotiating a move, or a school leader reviewing your allowance category, the figures here are drawn from the most recent official circulars and the Public Service Agreement 2024–2026.
All figures on this page are gross annual salaries in euro unless stated otherwise. Weekly equivalents are calculated by dividing the annual salary by 52.18 (the standard divisor used by the Department of Education).
Official Pay Update: June 2026
Effective date: 1 June 2026
Increase applied: +1% on all pay points
Governing agreement: Public Service Agreement 2024–2026
Relevant circulars: Circular 0055/2026 (primary) and Circular 0056/2026 (post-primary)
This June 2026 adjustment follows the February 2026 increase, which applied either +2% or €1,000 (whichever was greater) to all salary points. The combined effect of both 2026 increases means that a newly qualified post-primary teacher at Point 1 now earns €47,417 per year — an increase of approximately €1,850 compared to the equivalent rate in mid-2025.
The Public Service Agreement 2024–2026, sometimes referred to as the “Building Momentum” successor agreement, commits to further increases subject to ongoing review. Teachers and SNAs should monitor Department of Education circulars for any mid-year adjustments.
How Teacher Pay Scales Work in Ireland
Incremental Progression
Irish teacher pay is structured around an incremental pay scale: each year of satisfactory service entitles a teacher to move one point up the scale, resulting in an automatic pay increase. This progression continues until the teacher reaches the maximum point of the scale. For most teachers, the scale runs from Point 1 (starting point for new entrants) to Point 27 (maximum).
Increments are awarded on a teacher’s annual increment date, which is typically the anniversary of their commencement of service. Part-time or substitute teachers accrue increments on a pro-rata basis depending on their contracted hours and service type.
Long Service Increments (LSIs)
Beyond the maximum pay point, some teachers qualify for Long Service Increments (LSIs). These are additional pay enhancements awarded after a defined period at the maximum of the scale. LSIs recognise long-term commitment to the profession and are separate from the main incremental scale. They are particularly relevant in the SNA scale, where a single LSI point sits above the standard maximum and represents a significant uplift.
Skip Points for New Entrants (Post-2011)
A critical feature of the current Irish teacher pay scale is the existence of “skip points” — pay points that do not exist on the scale for teachers who entered service after January 2011. Specifically, Points 4, 8, and 12 are omitted from the scale for post-2011 entrants at both primary and post-primary level.
This means a post-2011 teacher progresses from Point 3 directly to Point 5, from Point 7 directly to Point 9, and from Point 11 directly to Point 13. In practice, new entrant teachers reach the maximum of the scale in fewer years than their pre-2011 counterparts, but there are also salary points in the middle of the scale that pre-2011 teachers occupy which post-2011 teachers never pass through.
Points 4, 8, and 12 are marked with an asterisk (*) in the tables below. Post-primary teachers should note that these are governed by Circular 0037/2021, which formalised the new entrant scale after the partial pay restoration that followed the Haddington Road and Lansdowne Road agreements.
Pre-2011 vs Post-2011 Teachers
Ireland’s teacher pay system has two distinct cohorts as a legacy of the financial crisis-era public sector pay cuts. Teachers who entered service before 1 January 2011 remain on the pre-2011 pay scale, which includes Points 4, 8, and 12, and in many cases also includes qualification allowances (see section below). Teachers who entered service on or after 1 January 2011 are on the post-2011 (new entrant) scale.
Over successive pay agreements since 2016, the pay gap between the two cohorts has been substantially narrowed, and the current scales are much closer than they were a decade ago. However, full pay parity has not been achieved and the distinction between pre- and post-2011 service remains relevant for calculating pay for teachers who have service across both periods.
Qualification Allowances (Pre-2011 Teachers)
Pre-2011 teachers who held recognised qualification allowances — for example, the H.Dip in Education (now replaced by the Professional Master of Education, PME), an honours degree, or a postgraduate qualification — may still be in receipt of allowances that were grandfathered at the time of the new entrant scale introduction. These allowances are not available to post-2011 entrants, for whom the unified scale is the sole basis for salary. Pre-2011 teachers should consult their payslip and any applicable Department of Education circular to confirm their full entitlement.
PRSI and USC
All teachers pay PRSI Class A contributions (4% employee contribution on reckonable earnings above the weekly threshold), which entitles them to the full suite of social welfare benefits including Jobseeker’s Benefit, Illness Benefit, and the Contributory State Pension. USC (Universal Social Charge) is applied on a sliding scale above the exempt threshold. These deductions mean that the net take-home pay is significantly below the gross figures listed in the tables below.
Teachers also contribute to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (if they joined the public service on or after 1 January 2013) or the older occupational pension scheme (for earlier entrants). The Single Scheme contribution rate is currently 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration plus 3% of pensionable remuneration above the contributory pension threshold.
Primary Teacher Pay Scale — June 2026
The following table shows the full primary teacher pay scale effective from 1 June 2026. This is based on the February 2026 base rates (Circular 0055/2026) with the estimated +1% June 2026 uplift applied. Points 4, 8, and 12 (marked *) exist on the pre-2011 scale only and are skipped by new entrants.
| Scale Point | Annual Salary (€) | Weekly Equivalent (€) | New Entrant? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point 1 | €45,833 | €879 | Yes |
| Point 2 | €47,503 | €911 | Yes |
| Point 3 | €49,409 | €947 | Yes |
| Point 4 * | — | — | Pre-2011 only |
| Point 5 | €51,510 | €988 | Yes |
| Point 6 | €53,015 | €1,017 | Yes |
| Point 7 | €54,742 | €1,050 | Yes |
| Point 8 * | — | — | Pre-2011 only |
| Point 9 | €58,051 | €1,113 | Yes |
| Point 10 | €60,785 | €1,165 | Yes |
| Point 11 | €62,495 | €1,198 | Yes |
| Point 12 * | — | — | Pre-2011 only |
| Point 13 | €66,567 | €1,276 | Yes |
| Point 14 | €68,618 | €1,316 | Yes |
| Point 15 | €70,329 | €1,348 | Yes |
| Point 16 | €72,596 | €1,391 | Yes |
| Points 19–22 | €75,721 | €1,452 | Yes |
| Points 23–26 | €79,854 | €1,531 | Yes |
| Point 27 (Max) | €84,412 | €1,618 | Yes |
* Points 4, 8, and 12 are incremental skip points. Post-2011 new entrant teachers do not pass through these points. Pre-2011 teachers on these points continue to receive the applicable rate. Weekly equivalent = annual salary ÷ 52.18.
Post-Primary Teacher Pay Scale — June 2026
The following table reflects the confirmed post-primary teacher pay scale effective 1 June 2026, as set out in Circular 0056/2026. Points 4, 8, and 12 (marked *) are incremental skip points applicable to pre-2011 teachers only, per Circular 0037/2021. Where a range of points (e.g. Points 17–18, 19–22) shares a single rate, this reflects the consolidated pay bands in the current scale.
| Scale Point | Annual Salary (€) | Weekly Equivalent (€) | New Entrant? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point 1 | €47,417 | €909 | Yes |
| Point 2 | €49,092 | €941 | Yes |
| Point 3 | €51,005 | €978 | Yes |
| Point 4 * | €51,888 | €995 | Pre-2011 only |
| Point 5 | €53,137 | €1,019 | Yes |
| Point 6 | €54,679 | €1,048 | Yes |
| Point 7 | €56,458 | €1,082 | Yes |
| Point 8 * | €58,279 | €1,117 | Pre-2011 only |
| Point 9 | €59,808 | €1,147 | Yes |
| Point 10 | €62,551 | €1,199 | Yes |
| Point 11 | €64,264 | €1,232 | Yes |
| Point 12 * | €66,317 | €1,271 | Pre-2011 only |
| Point 13 | €68,356 | €1,310 | Yes |
| Point 14 | €70,410 | €1,350 | Yes |
| Point 15 | €72,129 | €1,383 | Yes |
| Point 16 | €74,405 | €1,426 | Yes |
| Points 17–18 | €74,405 | €1,426 | Yes |
| Points 19–22 | €77,541 | €1,487 | Yes |
| Points 23–26 | €81,684 | €1,566 | Yes |
| Point 27 (Max) | €86,265 | €1,654 | Yes |
* Points 4, 8, and 12 are retained on the pre-2011 scale per Circular 0037/2021. New entrant teachers (post-January 2011) skip directly from Point 3 to Point 5, Point 7 to Point 9, and Point 11 to Point 13. Weekly equivalent = annual salary ÷ 52.18.
Pre-2011 vs Post-2011 Teachers: What You Need to Know
The two-tier structure of Irish teacher pay has been a source of significant industrial tension since it was introduced during the financial crisis. Here is a practical summary of how the two cohorts differ in June 2026:
Pre-2011 Teachers
- Entered service before 1 January 2011
- Scale includes Points 4, 8, and 12 (the “skip points”)
- May hold legacy qualification allowances (H.Dip, honours degree allowance, etc.) that were grandfathered in at the time of pay cuts
- Pension arrangements under the older occupational pension scheme (typically 1/80th accrual per year)
- Generally further along the scale due to longer service, so the headline salary difference is largely academic for most pre-2011 teachers at this stage
Post-2011 Teachers (New Entrants)
- Entered service on or after 1 January 2011
- Scale omits Points 4, 8, and 12 — progression jumps over these points
- No access to legacy qualification allowances; the unified scale is the entire salary basis
- Subject to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (career average, 0.58% accrual per year of pensionable remuneration + 1.25% above the contributory pension threshold)
- Reach the maximum of the scale in fewer years than pre-2011 counterparts (effectively 24 increments rather than 27 for the skip points)
The INTO (Irish National Teachers’ Organisation) and TUI (Teachers’ Union of Ireland) have both called for full pay equalisation. Successive public service pay agreements have narrowed the gap considerably, and the June 2026 scale represents one of the closest alignments between the two cohorts since the divergence began. However, complete unification of the two scales remains an open industrial relations issue.
Principal Teacher Salaries — June 2026
Primary school principals receive their base teacher salary plus a principal allowance. The allowance is determined by the size category of the school, expressed in terms of the number of mainstream classroom teachers in the school. The larger the school, the higher the category and the higher the allowance.
The figures below are based on the February 2026 base rates with the estimated +1% June 2026 uplift applied. All figures are annual.
Principal Allowances by School Category
| School Category | Approximate School Size | Principal Allowance (€) — June 2026 est. |
|---|---|---|
| Category I | 1–2 mainstream teachers | €8,277 |
| Category IV | 3–5 mainstream teachers | €11,885 |
| Category VII | 6–11 mainstream teachers | €18,531 |
| Category X | 12–19 mainstream teachers | €24,687 |
| Category XIV | 20+ mainstream teachers | €31,444 |
The principal’s total salary is calculated as their position on the teacher pay scale (based on their years of service as a teacher) plus the applicable principal allowance. For example, a principal of a Category X school who is on Point 20 of the primary teacher scale would receive €75,721 (base) + €24,687 (allowance) = approximately €100,408 per year.
Teaching principals (principals of smaller schools who also carry a classroom teaching load) may receive a reduced allocation of preparation time or class contact relief. Non-teaching principals of larger schools are supernumerary to the classroom staffing and spend their full working time on administrative and leadership duties.
Deputy Principal Salaries — June 2026
Deputy principals receive a similar structure — base teacher salary plus a deputy principal allowance. The allowances are slightly below those of the principal for equivalent categories, reflecting the relative seniority of the two roles.
Deputy Principal Allowances by Category
| School Category | Deputy Principal Allowance (€) — June 2026 est. |
|---|---|
| Category I | €8,101 |
| Category VII | €18,180 |
| Category XIV | €31,415 |
Deputy principals in post-primary schools operate under a similar framework but the specific allowances and categories differ according to the school’s staffing level and are governed by separate Department of Education circulars relating to post-primary school management. Post-primary deputy principals should consult the most recent circular applicable to their school type (ETB, voluntary secondary, community/comprehensive).
Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Pay Scale — June 2026
Special Needs Assistants play a vital role in Irish schools, providing individual pupil support under the direction of the class teacher. SNAs are employed by the school’s board of management and are paid according to a Department of Education pay scale that is separate from the teacher scale.
The figures below reflect the March 2025 agreed rates with an estimated +1% June 2026 uplift applied (subject to confirmation in the relevant circular). The post-2011 SNA scale is the standard scale for all SNAs who entered service from 1 January 2011 onward.
SNA Pay Scale (Post-2011) — June 2026 Estimate
| Scale Point | Annual Salary (€) | Weekly Equivalent (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Point 1 | €30,851 | €591 |
| Point 2 | €31,770 | €609 |
| Point 3 | €32,848 | €630 |
| Point 4 | €33,931 | €651 |
| Point 5 | €35,148 | €674 |
| Point 6 | €36,233 | €695 |
| Point 7 | €37,310 | €715 |
| Point 8 | €38,394 | €736 |
| Point 9 | €39,484 | €757 |
| Point 10 | €40,563 | €778 |
| Point 11 | €41,731 | €800 |
| Point 12 (Maximum) | €42,900 | €822 |
| Long Service Increment (LSI) | €49,164 | €942 |
Weekly equivalent = annual salary ÷ 52.18. The LSI is awarded after a defined period at the maximum point. SNAs should verify their LSI eligibility date with their payroll administrator or the Department of Education.
SNAs also pay PRSI Class A and are entitled to the same social welfare benefits as teachers. They do not hold teaching qualifications and are not registered with the Teaching Council. The role of the SNA is defined by Department of Education policy as providing non-instructional care and support; the SNA works under the professional direction of the class teacher or school principal at all times.
Hourly Rate Breakdown
Teachers in Ireland do not work to a standard office-hours model, which makes hourly rate calculations somewhat complex. However, for comparison purposes, a working year of approximately 167 days (33 weeks of school plus preparation time, training days, etc.) with an average 22-hour instructional week plus preparation time gives a conventional calculation framework.
The Department of Education’s standard approach for calculating hourly rates for part-time or substitute teachers is to divide the annual salary by 1,560 hours per year (for a full-time teacher). This yields the following indicative hourly rates at key points on the post-primary scale:
| Scale Point | Annual Salary (€) | Hourly Rate (€) at 1,560 hrs/yr |
|---|---|---|
| Point 1 (Post-Primary) | €47,417 | €30.39 |
| Point 5 (Post-Primary) | €53,137 | €34.06 |
| Point 10 (Post-Primary) | €62,551 | €40.10 |
| Point 16 (Post-Primary) | €74,405 | €47.70 |
| Point 27 (Post-Primary Max) | €86,265 | €55.30 |
| Point 1 (Primary) | €45,833 | €29.38 |
| Point 27 (Primary Max) | €84,412 | €54.11 |
Substitute teachers (those engaged on a day-to-day basis without a fixed-term contract) are paid at the equivalent full-time rate pro-rated to the actual days worked, using the daily rate of annual salary ÷ 167 for primary or ÷ 167 for post-primary. This rate applies from the first day of a substitute engagement.
Irish Teacher Pay vs Other Countries
In a European context, Ireland now ranks among the higher-paying countries for teachers at the upper end of the pay scale, though starting salaries remain a concern for recruitment. A newly qualified post-primary teacher in Ireland earns approximately €47,417 in June 2026. By comparison, a starting secondary teacher in the UK earns around £30,000–£35,000 (approximately €35,000–€41,000), while France and Germany start at broadly similar levels to Ireland but with faster early progression in some cases. At the other end of the scale, Ireland’s maximum teacher salary of €86,265 is notably competitive against UK maximums of around £47,000–£57,000 depending on the region and whether leadership allowances are included.
Against OECD averages, Ireland sits above the median for teacher compensation relative to GDP per capita — a measure that accounts for the cost of living differences between countries. The OECD’s Education at a Glance reports consistently place Ireland in the upper quartile for teacher pay when measured against national average wages, which is a more meaningful comparison than raw currency figures. This is partly a function of Ireland’s high average wage level rather than a uniquely generous teaching salary, but the practical purchasing power of Irish teacher salaries is broadly comparable to those in other high-income English-speaking countries.
The main competitiveness challenge for Irish teacher recruitment is at the entry level. The cost of living in Irish cities — particularly Dublin — means that a starting salary of €45,000–€47,000 leaves newly qualified teachers in a difficult position regarding housing. This has been acknowledged in Department of Education workforce planning documents and was a factor in the accelerated pay restoration of recent years.
Career Progression Guide for Irish Teachers
Step 1: Qualification
To teach in a recognised school in Ireland, you must hold a relevant teaching qualification. For primary teaching, this is a Bachelor of Education (BEd, typically four years) or a Professional Master of Education (PME, two years postgraduate). For post-primary teaching, a subject degree followed by a two-year PME is the standard route. Some specialist areas (e.g. home economics, physical education) have specific qualification pathways.
Step 2: Teaching Council Registration
Registration with the Teaching Council of Ireland is mandatory before you can be employed in a recognised school. The Teaching Council maintains the register of qualified teachers and sets the standards for initial teacher education. Registration is renewable and requires evidence of ongoing professional development.
Step 3: First Appointment and Point 1
On first appointment to a permanent, fixed-term, or specified purpose contract, a teacher enters the pay scale at Point 1 (subject to any prior reckonable service that may warrant a higher starting point). Newly qualified teachers should confirm their starting point with the school’s board of management and, if in doubt, contact the Department of Education’s Teacher Payroll Section.
Step 4: Annual Increments
Each year of satisfactory service earns one increment. A new teacher starting at Point 1 in September 2026 will be eligible for Point 2 from September 2027, and so on. Progress through the scale is automatic for satisfactory service — there is no performance review requirement for increments, though the board of management must certify satisfactory service.
Step 5: Mid-Career Development
Teachers who wish to take on additional responsibilities can apply for posts of responsibility, subject coordinator roles, year head positions (post-primary), or Special Education Teacher (SET) roles. These carry additional hours obligations and, in some cases, additional allowances. Principal and deputy principal positions become relevant from around Point 10 onwards for those with the required leadership skills and experience.
Step 6: Maximum Scale and Long Service
Reaching the maximum of the teacher pay scale (Point 27, €86,265 for post-primary or €84,412 for primary in June 2026) typically occurs after approximately 24 years of service for a post-2011 new entrant (accounting for skip points). Teachers at the maximum who continue in service do not receive further increments, but benefit from any general pay increases negotiated under public service agreements.
Step 7: Pension Entitlement
Teachers under the older occupational pension scheme (pre-2013 entrants) accrue a pension of 1/80th of final salary per year of service, with a lump sum of 3/80ths per year. Teachers in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (from 1 January 2013) accrue a pension based on career average earnings. The normal pension age under the Single Scheme is 67, aligned with the State Pension age. Teachers should obtain a pension projection from the relevant pension administrator (either the Department of Education or their employing ETB) at regular intervals during their career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a teacher in Ireland in 2026?
From 1 June 2026, a newly qualified post-primary teacher starts at Point 1 of the pay scale, which is €47,417 per year. A newly qualified primary teacher starts at €45,833 per year. These are gross annual figures before tax, PRSI, USC, and pension contributions.
How often do teachers get a pay increase in Ireland?
Teachers receive two types of pay increases. First, automatic annual increments move a teacher up one point on the pay scale each year until the maximum is reached — these are built into the scale structure. Second, general pay increases apply to all points on the scale when agreed under public service pay agreements. In 2026, there were two general increases: +2% (or €1,000 whichever was greater) in February, and +1% in June.
What are skip points and do they affect me?
Skip points (Points 4, 8, and 12) are points on the scale that exist for teachers who entered service before 1 January 2011 but are omitted for teachers who entered service on or after that date. If you qualified and started teaching in 2011 or later, you will skip from Point 3 to Point 5, Point 7 to Point 9, and Point 11 to Point 13. This means you reach the maximum scale point in fewer years.
How much does a principal earn in Ireland?
A principal earns their base teacher salary plus a principal allowance based on school size. For a principal of a large primary school (Category XIV — 20 or more mainstream teachers), the allowance is approximately €31,444 per year. A principal at Point 20 of the primary scale in a Category XIV school would have a total salary of approximately €75,721 + €31,444 = €107,165 per year (June 2026 estimate).
How much does an SNA earn per year?
An SNA in Ireland starts at approximately €30,851 per year (Point 1, June 2026 estimate) and can progress to €42,900 at the maximum of the standard scale (Point 12). SNAs who qualify for the Long Service Increment receive €49,164 per year. All figures are gross before tax and deductions.
Do teachers in Ireland pay PRSI?
Yes. Teachers pay PRSI Class A at 4% of reckonable weekly earnings above the weekly exemption threshold. Class A entitles teachers to the full range of social insurance benefits, including the Contributory State Pension, Jobseeker’s Benefit, Illness Benefit, and Maternity Benefit.
When is the next teacher pay increase in Ireland?
The Public Service Agreement 2024–2026 provides for increases through to the end of 2026. The June 2026 +1% increase is the most recent. Any increases for 2027 onwards will be subject to negotiation of a successor agreement between the Government and public sector unions, including the INTO, TUI, and ASTI. Both unions and the Government typically begin discussions on successor agreements in the final year of the current deal.
Can previous employment outside teaching count toward my starting scale point?
In limited circumstances, yes. Previous public sector service may be reckonable for incremental credit purposes. Certain prior professional experience may also be recognised for salary starting point purposes in some specialist subject areas or where the Department of Education has made a specific determination. Teachers should apply to the Department of Education’s Teacher Payroll Section for a determination on reckonable service before accepting any appointment.
Is teacher pay in Ireland the same for all school types (ETB, voluntary secondary, community)?
Yes. The pay scales set by the Department of Education apply uniformly to all recognised schools regardless of patronage model or school type. A teacher in an ETB school earns the same scale salary as a teacher in a voluntary secondary school or community college. The scales apply equally to Gaelscoileanna, special schools, and mainstream schools.
How does the teacher pension work in Ireland?
Teachers who joined the public service before 1 January 2013 are on the pre-existing occupational pension scheme, accruing 1/80th of final salary per year of service plus a lump sum of 3/80ths per year. Teachers who joined on or after 1 January 2013 are in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, which accrues pension on a career average basis at 0.58% of pensionable remuneration per year (plus 1.25% of the amount above the contributory pension threshold). The normal retirement age under the Single Scheme is 67. Both schemes require employee pension contributions, and the State also contributes as the employer.
Official Sources and Further Information
All pay figures in this article are derived from or consistent with the following official Department of Education circulars and public service pay agreements. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult these primary sources directly, as the Department of Education may issue amended circulars or corrections:
- Circular 0056/2026 — Post-Primary Teacher Pay Scale, effective 1 June 2026. Available from the Department of Education website (gov.ie/education).
- Circular 0055/2026 — Primary Teacher Pay Scale, effective 1 June 2026.
- Circular 0037/2021 — New Entrant Teacher Pay Scale and Skip Points for Post-Primary Teachers.
- Public Service Agreement 2024–2026 — Governing framework for all public service pay increases, including teachers. Available from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
- Teaching Council of Ireland — teachingcouncil.ie — for registration requirements, Fitness to Teach information, and teacher education standards.
- INTO (Irish National Teachers’ Organisation) — into.ie — member resources on pay, conditions, and incremental credit.
- TUI (Teachers’ Union of Ireland) — tui.ie — post-primary pay information and industrial relations updates.
- ASTI (Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland) — asti.ie — voluntary secondary sector pay and conditions guidance.
- Department of Education — gov.ie/education — official circulars, teacher payroll contact information, and SNA employment conditions.
Disclaimer: The figures in this article are provided for guidance purposes based on the most recently available official data as at June 2026. Pay scales are subject to change following new circular publication or pay agreement. Always verify current figures with the Department of Education or your union representative before making financial decisions based on pay scale information.
Article published: July 2026 | Source: JobVacancies.ie | Last reviewed: July 2026
