High School Graduates Salary Vrs Teachers Salary in the Public Sector Worldwide
High School Graduates Salary Vrs Teachers Salary in the Public Sector Worldwide
We attempted to compare the salaries of teachers with those of high school graduates when they all enter the public sector across the globe and found some interesting revelations. We also endeavored to gather feedback from teachers across different platforms worldwide, and the reactions we observed were remarkably similar.
Here are the reactions:
Low salary and allowances for teachers.
District or government concern regarding lesson planning.
Supervisors, who were in the classroom centuries ago, make policies for 21st-century students and teachers.
Intimidation by supervisors.
Poor performance of teacher unions in negotiating for better salaries.
Decreased respect for teachers by students.
Parents frequently complain about homework assignments and more. Does this sound familiar in your country regarding teachers?
Flashback to when the President of Ghana stated that nobody enters teaching to become a millionaire, and if you desire wealth, pursue other avenues. Teaching, he said, is about contributing to society.
Currently, the CCT-GH President revealed his salary after being in the system for 19 years, leaving many shocked. Upon recruitment from college or university, salaries start from GHS 0.00 and rise to about GHS 2,500 or GHS 3,000 annually. Subsequent annual incremental raises are minimal. Even after obtaining a master’s degree and a promotion, a teacher’s salary increase might only amount to 65 Ghana cedis.
The total comparison of teachers’ pay has brought much to light. Teachers educate many, yet the same individuals they teach often earn more than them immediately upon graduation. Similarly, salaries of high school graduates recruited into the fire service, immigration, police, and other fields often surpass those of teachers who have worked for years.
Bored Teachers, a page in America, also expressed concerns about teacher pay, noting that entry-level teaching positions with two master’s degrees earn significantly less than bartenders with only a high school diploma.
Entry-level teaching position with two master’s degrees; $32,800 a year and also a bartending with a high school diploma; $55,000 a year.
In the UK, teacher salaries within five years range from £30,000 to £56,959, depending on the location. Headteachers in London can earn between £53,380 and £131,050.
In the US, high school graduates entering fields other than teaching often earn higher salaries. For example, firefighters earn an average of $44,830 per year, while police officers earn around $54,167 annually. Meanwhile, entry-level teaching positions with two master’s degrees may only pay $32,800 per year.
In Canada, teachers earn an average salary of $45,007 per year, while entry-level positions start at $36,096 annually.
- Teacher in the UK:
- Within 5 years: At least £41,333 (or more in London)
- Qualified Teacher Salary in different areas:
- England (excluding London): £30,000 – £46,525
- London Fringe: £31,350 – £47,839
- Outer London: £34,514 – £51,179
- Inner London: £36,745 – £56,959
- Head Teacher in London:
- Minimum: £53,380
- Maximum: £131,050
Also, check what High school Graduates pay when they go elsewhere than teaching in the US
- Dispensing Optician in the US:
- National average salary: $15.49 per hour
- Earning over $41,637/year with a high school diploma
- Community Health Care Worker in the US:
- National average salary: $15.90 per hour
- Pharmacy Technician in the US:
- National average salary: $16.03 per hour
- Gaming Manager in the US:
- National average salary: $35,630 per year
- Mail Carrier in the US:
- National average salary: $17.26 per hour
- Audiovisual Technician in the US:
- National average salary: $18.36 per hour
- Firefighter in the US:
- National average salary: $44,830 per year
- Police Dispatcher in the US:
- National average salary: $45,410 per year
- Hotel Manager in the US:
- National average salary: $50,510 per year
- Farm Manager in the US:
- National average salary: $50,993 per year
- Plumber in the US:
- National average salary: $25.29 per hour
- Police Officer in the US:
- National average salary: $54,167 per year (with a high school diploma)
- Transportation Inspector in the US:
- National average salary: $74,453 per year
- Distribution Manager in the US:
- National average salary: $70,330 per year
- Public Transportation Operator in the US:
- National average salary: $62,643 per year
- Insurance Agent in the US:
- National average salary: $209,448 per year
In the UK:
- Healthcare Assistant One-to-One:
- Entry requirement: High school certificate
- Pay: £13.04 per hour
In Canada:
- Teacher:
- Average Salary: $45,007 per year or $23.08 per hour
- Entry-level positions: Start at $36,096 per year
- Most experienced workers: Makeup to $72,113 per year
- Passenger Car Cleaner (General Worker):
- Salary: $32.39 per hour
- Entry requirement: High school diploma
- On Train Service Attendant:
- Salary: $27.45 per hour
- Entry requirement: High school diploma
- Receptionist:
- Salary: $24 – $30 per hour
- Entry requirement: High school diploma
All of the listed jobs in Canada require a high school diploma or equivalent.
What can be done
As a teacher, you were not solely born to teach; you are born into a family and will eventually create one of your own. You need to work to provide for your family’s needs as well.
Some argue that teachers receive numerous holidays, hence the justification for their modest salaries and perceived shorter work hours. However, it’s crucial to note that a teacher’s work extends far beyond classroom hours. A teacher is on duty 24/7. Before going to school, preparation is necessary, which includes planning lessons and preparing lesson notes, a task that can take up to 4 hours. Additionally, teachers often spend their own money on purchasing teaching and learning resources. They arrive early to prepare the learning environment and after teaching, they bring assessments home to work on. Even during holidays, there are exams to mark and grades to finalize, leaving little downtime.
Many teachers find themselves in financial hardship because they attempt to start businesses. The high-interest rates on loans make it challenging to sustain a business venture. Their salaries are insufficient to save or invest in a business. Therefore, there’s a need for a special scheme that allows teachers to access affordable loans for business ventures, such as farming, with manageable repayment terms.
Excessive taxation on businesses and products further compounds the issue. Teachers struggle to access significant loans due to their limited affordability and lack of meaningful collateral. Taking out a loan of GHS 35,000 could result in paying back GH 70,000 or more within a short period, making it challenging to utilize the funds effectively.
While teaching may not lead to millionaire status, implementing measures to support the professional growth of teachers can alleviate financial struggles. Teacher unions can play a role by reducing interest rates to the lowest possible level, enabling teachers to access better financing options for business ventures.
It would be unwise to advise teachers to quit their jobs and seek alternative employment solely due to dissatisfaction with their salaries. Instead, we must collectively work to support our country while ensuring that teachers can adequately support themselves and their families.
