Teachers in Greece earn 70% of the average European income, while the poverty line is set at 60%. As a result, even though they are fully employed, many are close to this threshold, according to Eurostat data presented in a report by “Efimerida ton Sintakton.”
Between 2010 and 2024, teachers’ salaries in Greece have decreased by 40%, according to the OECD. New hires face the greatest challenges, earning around €780-€850 (net), and often having to either pay high rents or commute long distances (up to 100 km) to save money. This situation also pushes them to take on additional jobs to make ends meet, as reported.
From 2020 to 2025, the cost of living rose by 22%, while teachers’ salaries increased by only 5%-6%, according to the report.
Teachers with 15 years of experience earn low salaries as well (€1,050-€1,150 net), as do school principals, for whom 20 years of experience are required (€1,200-€1,300 net).
From 2020 to 2025, although teachers’ salaries increased by 5%-6%, the cost of living rose by 22%, according to the report. In addition, in 2024, Greece ranked last in the EU in terms of teachers’ purchasing power, according to Eurydice data. Specifically, while Greek teachers had an average annual net salary of €12,000, Portuguese teachers earned €17,500, French teachers €24,000, and German teachers €38,000.
