Teaching in Ghana comes with both challenges and rewards. While many teachers express dissatisfaction with their compensation, the Ghana Education Service (GES) offers a structured salary system with annual increments and various allowances. This comprehensive guide breaks down the  salary structure for all teacher ranks, from newly trained teachers to directors, based on the latest Single Spine Salary Structure on the  base pay increment.

Understanding the GES Salary Structure

The GES operates on a hierarchical ranking system where salaries are determined by rank, qualifications, and years of service. The salary levels start at various points (e.g., 25.1, 24.1, 20.1, 18.1, 16.1) with annual step increments that increase pay.

Key terms to understand:

• Gross Salary: Total monthly payment before deductions

• Net Salary: Amount received after deductions (tax, social security, etc.)

• Base Pay: Foundation salary before allowances

• Step Increment: Annual salary increase based on years of service

Latest GES Salary Structure by Rank

1. Director General (Highest Rank)

• Salary Level: 25

• Annual Gross Salary: GH₵89,864.99 (previously GH₵75,050.10)

• Monthly Gross Salary: GH₵7,488.75

• Responsibilities: Oversees national education policies, teacher recruitment, and conditions of service negotiations

2. Deputy Director General

• Salary Level: 24

• Annual Gross Salary: GH₵77,215.05 (previously GH₵65,581.98)

• Monthly Gross Salary: GH₵6,434.59

• Note: There are two deputy directors – one for quality/assurance and one for management services

3. Assistant Director I

• Salary Level: 20

• Annual Gross Salary: GH₵44,270.10 (previously GH₵37,600.45)

• Monthly Gross Salary: GH₵3,689.18

• Promotion Requirement: 3 years as Assistant Director II

4. Assistant Director II

• Salary Level: 18

• Annual Gross Salary: GH₵34,379.24 (previously GH₵29,199.72)

• Monthly Gross Salary: GH₵2,864.94

• Promotion Requirement: Minimum 3 years as Principal Superintendent

5. Principal Superintendent

• Salary Level: 16

• Annual Gross Salary: GH₵27,613.65 (previously GH₵23,852.14)

• Monthly Gross Salary: GH₵2,301.14

• Note: Degree holders can enter at this rank without prior service

6. Senior Superintendent I

• Salary Level: 15

• Annual Gross Salary: GH₵24,540.16 (previously GH₵21,197.30)

• Monthly Gross Salary: GH₵2,045.01

• Promotion Requirement: 4 years as Senior Superintendent II

7. Senior Superintendent II

• Salary Level: 14

• Annual Gross Salary: GH₵21,808.74 (previously GH₵18,837.96)

• Monthly Gross Salary: GH₵1,817.40

• Entry Point: For diploma holders from colleges of education

8. Teacher (Entry Level)

• Salary Level: 12-13

• Annual Gross Salary Range: GH₵17,224.13 – GH₵19,381.34 (previously GH₵14,877.87)

• Monthly Gross Salary Range: GH₵1,435.34 – GH₵1,615.11

• Includes: Non-professional teachers with WASSCE/HND qualifications

Specialized Teacher Salaries 2025

Newly Trained Teachers (Diploma Holders)

• Starting Salary Level: 13L

• Monthly Gross Salary: GH₵1,615.11 (GH₵19,381.34 annually)

• Net Monthly Salary: Approximately GH₵1,568.30 after deductions

Degree Holder Teachers

• Starting Salary Level: 16L (as Principal Superintendent)

• Monthly Gross Salary: GH₵2,301.14 (GH₵27,613.65 annually)

• Net Monthly Salary: Approximately GH₵2,188.04 after deductions

Masters Degree Holders

• Salary Note: Having a Masters doesn’t automatically increase salary unless it leads to promotion to higher ranks

• Potential Salary: Up to GH₵3,689.18 monthly if promoted to Assistant Director I

JHS/SHS/TVET Teachers

• Salary Range: Same structure applies based on rank

• Additional Allowances: Some SHS teachers may receive form masters allowance (not universal)

Allowances and Benefits

Beyond base salaries, GES teachers may receive:

1. Professional Development Allowance: GH₵1,200 annually

2. Teacher Retention Premium: For teachers in classroom roles

3. Critical Allowance: For non-teaching education professionals

4. Special Duty Allowances: Including:

   • Vehicle maintenance/kilometric allowance

   • Night allowance

   • Deprived area allowance

   • Acting allowance

   • Transfer grant

   • Category 4 allowance (for specific roles)

Important Notes About GES Salaries

1. Professional vs. Non-Professional: Teachers with education degrees/diplomas earn more than those without professional teaching qualifications, even if they have higher academic degrees.

2. Promotion System: Annual step increments increase pay, but significant jumps require passing promotion exams and interviews.

3. Allowance Variability: Not all teachers receive all allowances – they depend on specific roles and locations.

4. 2025 Changes: The 10% base pay increase has elevated all salary points from previous years.

While GES salaries may not compete with some private sector jobs, the structured pay system offers stability and gradual growth. The 2025 increases have improved earnings across all ranks, and the additional allowances can significantly boost take-home pay for many teachers.

For prospective teachers, the key to maximizing earnings lies in:

• Obtaining professional teaching qualifications

• Pursuing promotions through the ranks

• Taking on additional responsibilities that qualify for allowances

• Continuing professional development

The GES remains one of Ghana’s largest employers with a transparent pay structure and benefits package that, while not perfect, offers a viable career path for education professionals.