The Ghana teachers salary structure 2025 is a subject of high interest for many teachers, prospective educators, and parents. Teachers form the foundation of Ghana’s educational system by nurturing students from primary to senior high school (SHS). Understanding their salaries, allowances, and promotion prospects is essential for those in the profession or planning to join it.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Ghana Education Service (GES) teachers salary structure in 2025, including how much teachers earn at the primary, junior high school (JHS), and senior high school (SHS) levels. We will discuss allowances, ranks, grades, promotion systems, and other benefits available to teachers in Ghana.
Overview of the Ghana Teachers Salary Structure 2025
The salaries of teachers in Ghana are determined by the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) managed by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. This system ensures uniformity and fairness in salaries across the public sector.
Key features of the Ghana teachers salary structure:
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Salaries depend on rank, qualifications, and years of service
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Promotions result in salary increases and additional allowances
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Teachers in rural areas often receive extra incentives
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Teachers on higher qualifications (degree or postgraduate level) earn more than those with certificates or diplomas
Ranks and Grades of Teachers in Ghana
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has a structured ranking system that determines the salary and responsibilities of teachers.
Ranks of teachers include:
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Teacher (Newly recruited)
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Senior Superintendent II
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Senior Superintendent I
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Principal Superintendent
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Assistant Director II
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Assistant Director I
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Deputy Director
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Director II
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Director I
Teachers usually start as newly recruited teachers and climb the ranks through promotions based on performance, qualifications, and years of service.
Teachers Salary by Qualification
Teachers’ salaries vary greatly depending on their academic qualifications.
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Certificate A or Diploma holders: Usually placed at the entry-level salary grade
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Degree holders (B.Ed, B.A, or B.Sc with Education): Placed at higher grades and enjoy better salaries
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Postgraduate degree holders (M.Ed, M.Phil, Ph.D): Often placed on senior positions and receive higher pay packages
Ghana Teachers Salary Structure 2025 by Level (Primary, JHS & SHS)
The salaries of teachers differ slightly depending on whether they teach at primary, JHS, or SHS levels, although they all fall under the same general GES structure.
Primary School Teachers Salary
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Entry-level teachers earn between GHS 2,200 – GHS 2,600 per month, excluding allowances.
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Senior teachers and heads of schools earn higher, often GHS 3,000 – GHS 4,000 per month.
JHS Teachers Salary
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Salaries range between GHS 2,400 – GHS 3,200 per month, depending on rank and years of service.
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Headteachers and senior staff at JHS earn higher packages.
SHS Teachers Salary
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SHS teachers generally earn more because they often have higher qualifications. Salaries range between GHS 2,800 – GHS 4,200 per month, excluding allowances.
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Heads of departments and school heads earn more, especially with additional responsibilities.
Allowances for Teachers in Ghana
Allowances form a significant part of the total earnings for teachers.
Common allowances include:
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Professional Responsibility Allowance: Paid to teachers for maintaining professional standards
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Deprived Area Allowance: For teachers working in rural or hard-to-reach areas
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Vehicle Maintenance/Transport Allowance: For teachers who commute long distances
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Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Allowance: Supports training and skill upgrades
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Overtime and Extra Class Allowance: For teachers who take additional classes beyond normal hours
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Clothing Allowance: For uniforms and work-related clothing
Summary Table: Ghana Teachers Salary Structure 2025
| Rank/Level | Estimated Monthly Salary (GHS) | Allowance Range (GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Newly Recruited Teacher | GHS 2,200 – GHS 2,600 | GHS 400 – GHS 800 |
| Senior Superintendent II | GHS 2,600 – GHS 3,000 | GHS 500 – GHS 900 |
| Senior Superintendent I | GHS 2,900 – GHS 3,400 | GHS 600 – GHS 1,000 |
| Principal Superintendent | GHS 3,200 – GHS 3,800 | GHS 800 – GHS 1,200 |
| Assistant Director II | GHS 3,600 – GHS 4,200 | GHS 1,000 – GHS 1,500 |
| Assistant Director I | GHS 4,000 – GHS 4,600 | GHS 1,200 – GHS 1,800 |
| Deputy Director | GHS 4,500 – GHS 5,200 | GHS 1,500 – GHS 2,000 |
| Director II | GHS 5,500 – GHS 6,000 | GHS 2,000 – GHS 2,500 |
| Director I | GHS 6,200 – GHS 7,000+ | GHS 2,500 – GHS 3,000+ |
Promotions and Career Progression
Promotions in the teaching profession are based on years of service, academic qualifications, and performance.
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Years of Service: Teachers must serve a minimum number of years at a rank before they can be considered for promotion
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Further Studies: Teachers with additional qualifications such as a master’s degree or Ph.D. are eligible for faster promotions
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Examinations: Some ranks require teachers to pass promotional examinations set by the GES
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Performance Appraisal: Teachers with consistently good performance appraisals have higher chances of being promoted
Each promotion leads to an increase in basic salary and allowances.
Benefits of Working as a Teacher in Ghana
Apart from salaries and allowances, teachers enjoy other employment benefits:
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Pension and Retirement Benefits: Teachers contribute to SSNIT and receive gratuity payments at retirement
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Job Security: Teaching is one of the most stable professions in Ghana
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Annual Leave: Paid leave every year
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Study Leave with Pay: Teachers can pursue further studies while still receiving salaries
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Health Insurance: Teachers and their dependents enjoy coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme
Cost of Living vs Teachers Salary
The cost of living in Ghana varies between urban and rural areas.
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Teachers in rural areas often have lower living costs and benefit from deprived area allowances
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Teachers in cities like Accra and Kumasi face higher living expenses, but their salaries and allowances help to cover costs
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Teachers at senior levels or with additional duties often have more disposable income
How Teachers Salaries Are Paid
Teachers in public schools receive their salaries monthly through the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD).
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Salaries are paid directly into bank accounts
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Teachers receive payslips showing their basic salary, allowances, and deductions
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Private school teachers are paid directly by their employers, and salaries vary widely
Teachers Salary Compared to Other Professions
Teachers’ salaries are comparable to other public sector workers at similar ranks.
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Senior teachers and directors earn salaries similar to mid-level civil servants
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Teachers with postgraduate degrees and administrative roles often earn higher salaries than nurses and other allied health professionals
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Private sector teachers may earn more or less depending on the school and location
Challenges Affecting Teachers Salaries
While the salary structure is clear, some challenges affect teachers’ earnings:
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Delays in promotions and salary adjustments
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Lack of allowances in certain private schools
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Higher cost of living in urban areas reducing disposable income
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Limited incentives for extra work in some schools
FAQs on Ghana Teachers Salary Structure 2025
1. How much does a newly recruited teacher earn in Ghana?
A newly recruited teacher earns between GHS 2,200 and GHS 2,600 monthly, excluding allowances.
2. Do teachers in rural areas earn more?
Yes. Teachers in deprived areas receive additional rural allowances.
3. How much does a senior high school teacher earn?
SHS teachers earn between GHS 2,800 and GHS 4,200 monthly, excluding allowances.
4. What is the highest salary a teacher can earn?
Directors at the top of the rank can earn over GHS 7,000 monthly, excluding allowances.
5. Are private school teachers paid the same as GES teachers?
No. Private school salaries vary and may be higher or lower than public sector teachers.
6. Do teachers receive professional responsibility allowance?
Yes. It is a standard allowance for all GES teachers.
7. How often do teachers get promoted?
Teachers can be promoted every few years based on performance and qualifications.
8. Do teachers receive pension benefits?
Yes. Teachers contribute to SSNIT and receive retirement benefits.
9. Are there allowances for training and development?
Yes. Teachers receive CPD allowances to support training and further studies.
10. Can teachers go on study leave with pay?
Yes. Teachers can apply for study leave with pay after meeting the required criteria.
Conclusion: Is the Ghana Teachers Salary Structure Competitive in 2025?
The Ghana teachers salary structure 2025 provides a fair and structured system that rewards experience, qualifications, and performance. While challenges remain, teachers receive competitive salaries and allowances compared to other public sector jobs. With opportunities for promotions, study leave, and additional allowances, teaching remains a rewarding career choice for many Ghanaians.