Frequently Asked Questions on Salary Scales

Which pay scale am I on?

The pay scale you are on is determined by both the date you were first paid by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) and by the date of your first qualified service in a DES-funded position. n Teachers who were first appointed to a Department-paid teaching position prior to January 1, 2011, are paid according to a common basic salary scale plus qualification allowances. Teachers on this scale would have commenced on point three of the scale. Teachers who were first appointed to a Department-paid teaching position between January 1, 2011, and January 31, 2012, are paid in accordance with the revised salary scale, which includes the Honors Primary Degree Allowance, and any applicable qualification allowances. Teachers on this scale would have commenced on point one of the scale. Teachers who were first appointed to a Department-paid teaching position on or after February 1, 2012, are paid in accordance with the revised salary scale, which now includes the Honors Primary Degree Allowance. Teachers on this scale commence on point one of the scale. To view these salary scales, visit our pay section.

How do I calculate my point on the scale?

Depending on which scale you were on, you will have commenced on either the first or third point of the scale (see above). Incremental progression is determined by your own employment history, i.e., the number of hours completed and types of contract secured. For example, 600 hours are required to move up one incremental point.

Only qualified service counts towards incremental progression. To check that you are getting the correct salary, look at the figure in the ‘Basic Pay’ section of your pay slip. If you are on full-time hours, multiply this figure by 26.09 and check that it matches the annual salary for your point on your salary scale.

What if I am not on full hours?

If you are not on full hours, take the figure in the ‘Basic Pay’ section of your pay slip and multiply it by 26.09. This will give you your annual pro-rated salary. Then divide your annual pro-rated salary by the number of hours you are contracted to teach, and then multiply this figure by 22. This should equate to your point on the salary scale.

What should I do if I don’t think I am being paid the correct amount?

If you think there is any discrepancy between what you are being paid and what you should be receiving, please contact the payroll department of the DES. You should do this if you believe you are being paid too much or too little.

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