Teachers are fairly under-appreciated in the United States. The average teacher only earns about $47,000 per year, which is far less than many of them deserve. Considering how much they have to put up with in their primary, secondary, and high school classrooms, they should be earning more money than most tycoons and rock stars!
But not all countries under-appreciate the skills and abilities of teachers. There are a few countries that offer excellent salaries for the people teaching their children. Here are the countries with the highest salaries:
1. Luxembourg
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Luxembourg is known for having an amazing quality of education. The majority of the schools in the country are state-run, with no tuition for the students. Everyone between the ages of 4 and 16 must attend school, where they learn to speak three languages (Luxembourgish, German, and French).
With such emphasis placed on education, it’s no surprise that teachers make a decent wage. A primary school teacher with no experience earns around $64,000 per year, while the average teacher makes around $98,000 after 15 years of teaching. Talk about a good salary!
2. Switzerland
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The educational system in Switzerland is not run by the federal government, but by the government of each canton. Most students start primary school at 6, and the average student attends 12 years of school. The country ranks highly in quality of education, particularly in advanced mathematics.
After 15 years of experience, the average Swiss teacher earns around $69,000 per year. Even in their first year of teaching, a primary school teacher can earn around $47,500.
3. Germany
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In Germany, each state is responsible for the quality of education. Children must attend school from the age of six, and they graduate after 12 or 13 years. There is little or no tuition charged in the majority of the schools, but students must take tests to prove their qualifications. It is a highly competitive educational system.
Teachers in Germany can earn a little over $64,000 after 15 years of experience, though their starting salary is around $47,500. Experienced lower-secondary school teachers can earn closer to $65,000 per year.
4. Netherlands
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The Dutch educational system is much more student-oriented, with individuals attending different schools depending on their needs, background, and career choices. The educational system was ranked 9 in the world back in 2008.
The Dutch pay their teachers a good salary, with primary school teachers earning around $36,000 as a starting salary. However, after 15 years of experience, the average teacher can earn close to $60,000 per year.
5. Canada
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The public education system in Canada is quite good, with roughly 80% of students attaining a secondary diploma--and 53% of students attaining a post-secondary diploma. Roughly 5.4% of the country’s GDP is spent on education, with the Canadian government investing around $20,000 on each student’s tertiary education (high school, college, and beyond).
Teachers are paid well in Canada, with the average teacher salary rising to around $56,500 after 15 years of experience.
If you are studying to be a teacher, these are definitely the countries where you want to get a job! And remember, landing a top teaching role will require a well-structured résumé. Take a look at our teacher résumé examples for some inspiration.