Searching for the Cross River State salary structure for teachers in Nigeria (2025)? Whether you're preparing for SUBEB recruitment, looking to relocate to teach in Calabar or Obubra, or just comparing state teaching salaries across Nigeria, this comprehensive guide gives you all the details you need.
We’ll break down monthly salaries by qualification and grade level, explain allowances, detail promotion pathways, and answer the most searched questions about teacher salary in Cross River State this 2025.
Understanding Teaching Jobs in Cross River State
Cross River State runs a dual education system managed by:
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Cross River State SUBEB – oversees primary education
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Teaching Service Commission (TSC) – manages secondary school teachers
Teachers are posted across 18 Local Government Areas, including Calabar Municipal, Ikom, Ogoja, Akamkpa, and more rural communities. Salaries are paid monthly using the civil service Grade Level (GL) structure, determined by qualifications and experience.
Cross River State Salary Structure for Teachers in Nigeria (2025)
Just like other Nigerian states, Cross River uses the Unified Salary Structure, which places teachers on different Grade Levels (GL 07 to GL 16) based on their academic credentials and job role.
Salary Breakdown for Teachers in Cross River State (2025)
| Grade Level (GL) | Qualification | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| GL 07 | NCE | ₦52,000 – ₦62,000 |
| GL 08 | B.Ed / HND | ₦64,000 – ₦76,000 |
| GL 09 | PGDE / M.Ed | ₦78,000 – ₦89,000 |
| GL 10 – 12 | Senior Classroom Teachers | ₦90,000 – ₦110,000 |
| GL 13 – 16 | Heads/Principals | ₦115,000 – ₦165,000+ |
These salaries represent the basic monthly pay, not including housing, transport, and other allowances.
Cross River State Teacher Salary Per Month (2025)
Here’s a clearer monthly breakdown for those searching for teacher salary per month in Cross River State:
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GL 07 (NCE holders): ₦52,000 – ₦62,000
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GL 08 (B.Ed / HND): ₦64,000 – ₦76,000
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GL 09 (PGDE / M.Ed): ₦78,000 – ₦89,000
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GL 10 – 12: ₦90,000 – ₦110,000
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GL 13 – 16: ₦115,000 – ₦165,000+
Annual step increases and promotion bonuses also apply.
Cross River State SUBEB Salary Structure for Teachers (2025)
The Cross River SUBEB salary structure applies to teachers in public primary schools. Most are hired at:
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GL 07 if they hold NCE
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GL 08 if they have a B.Ed or HND
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GL 09 or higher for PGDE/M.Ed holders
Rural and riverine areas like Bakassi, Biase, and Obubra offer extra rural posting incentives, especially for teachers willing to stay long-term.
Allowances for Teachers in Cross River State (2025)
Teachers in Cross River receive monthly or quarterly allowances on top of their salaries.
| Allowance Type | Estimated Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
| Housing Allowance | ₦8,000 – ₦20,000 |
| Transport Allowance | ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 |
| Rural Posting Allowance | ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 (by LGA) |
| Teaching Materials Support | ₦3,000 – ₦7,000 (as needed) |
| Leave Bonus | One month’s basic salary annually |
| Responsibility Allowance | ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 (for HODs, Principals) |
Allowances vary based on posting, responsibilities, and subject area.
Qualification and Entry Salary Placement
Here’s how your qualification affects your placement and pay:
| Qualification | Entry Level | Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| NCE | GL 07 | ₦52,000 – ₦62,000 |
| B.Ed / HND | GL 08 | ₦64,000 – ₦76,000 |
| PGDE / M.Ed | GL 09 or GL 10 | ₦78,000 – ₦89,000+ |
Some experienced teachers may be placed at GL 10 or higher during employment screening.
Promotion Structure for Teachers in Cross River State
Teachers in Cross River enjoy a structured path to career advancement. Promotions occur:
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Every 3–4 years based on experience and evaluations
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After internal exams or workshops
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Upon acquiring higher qualifications (e.g. M.Ed, PGDE)
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With open vacancies in senior positions
Promotions often increase salaries by ₦10,000 to ₦25,000 or more monthly.
Responsibilities of Cross River State Public School Teachers
Teachers here are not just instructors—they are education ambassadors. Key duties include:
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Lesson planning and classroom teaching
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Continuous assessments and progress monitoring
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Conducting extracurricular programs
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Attending state and federal training workshops
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Community engagement and parent communication
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Promoting safe, inclusive, and gender-balanced learning
Teachers in remote areas also help with enrollment mobilization and literacy campaigns.
Job Benefits of Teaching in Cross River State
Here’s why many educators find teaching in Cross River rewarding:
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Pensionable job under PENCOM
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Stable monthly salary even during holidays
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Access to federal and state workshops
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Opportunity to rise to HOD or Principal roles
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Community impact and respect as educators
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Annual leave, maternity leave, and study leave options
Public teaching remains a secure and long-term career for Cross River residents.
Cost of Living for Teachers in Cross River (2025)
| Item | Estimated Monthly Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Feeding | ₦18,000 – ₦30,000 |
| Transport | ₦6,000 – ₦10,000 |
| Rent (1-room) | ₦15,000 – ₦28,000 |
| Utilities & Airtime | ₦4,000 – ₦7,000 |
In semi-urban areas like Ugep or Akamkpa, cost of living is lower making the teacher salary more manageable, especially with allowances.
Comparison with Other States’ Teaching Salaries
| State | Starting Salary (₦) | Top Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Cross River State | ₦52,000 – ₦62,000 | ₦165,000+ |
| Akwa Ibom State | ₦55,000 – ₦65,000 | ₦170,000+ |
| Ebonyi State | ₦50,000 – ₦60,000 | ₦140,000 |
| Delta State | ₦60,000 – ₦70,000 | ₦180,000+ |
| Rivers State | ₦65,000 – ₦75,000 | ₦200,000+ |
Cross River offers competitive mid-range salaries, especially with steady allowances and strong support for primary education.
FAQs on Cross River State Salary Structure for Teachers (2025)
How much is GL 08 teacher salary in Cross River State?
Teachers on GL 08 earn between ₦64,000 and ₦76,000 monthly.
Do Cross River SUBEB teachers get rural posting allowances?
Yes, teachers in remote LGAs earn extra ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 monthly.
Is NCE enough to get a teaching job in Cross River?
Yes. NCE holders start at GL 07, especially for primary school roles.
Does the state pay teacher leave bonus?
Yes. Teachers receive one month’s basic salary as leave allowance annually.
Are teachers in Cross River under PENCOM pension?
Yes. They’re enrolled in the contributory pension scheme.
Final Thoughts: Is Cross River Teaching Salary Worth It in 2025?
The Cross River State salary structure for teachers in Nigeria (2025) remains one of the most balanced in South-South Nigeria. With a structured promotion pathway, timely allowances, and moderate cost of living, it's a strong choice for both entry-level and experienced teachers.
If you're asking “Is teaching in Cross River State worth it?” — the answer is yes, especially if you're passionate about rural education and long-term public service.