Salary Scale for Teachers in Zambia
Teaching is one of the most important professions in Zambia. Understanding teacher salary scales can help both current and aspiring teachers set expectations, negotiate allowances, and plan their careers.
Teacher Salaries in Zambia - An Overview
In Zambia, teacher salaries vary depending on:
- Qualification (certificate, diploma, degree)
- Experience (years in service)
- Government grade/scale (for example, Scale F, Scale G)
- School type (government vs private)
- Location (urban vs rural)
- Allowances (housing, hardship, transport, responsibility)
Monthly Salary Range
Based on available data:
- Secondary school teachers typically earn between ZMW 4600 - 8200 gross per month.
- Some aggregated averages suggest teacher pay at around ZMW 11500 - 14500 per year, though this may reflect base salaries without allowances.
Note: In government schools, salaries are structured by official salary scales. In private schools, pay can vary widely depending on resources and location.
Example Salary Breakdown
Teacher Type
Monthly Gross Salary
Notes
Junior / Newly Qualified
ZMW 4000 - 5500
Certificate or diploma level, entry scale
Secondary School Teacher (mid-level)
ZMW 5500 - 8200
Degree qualified, with experience
Senior Teacher / Head of Department
ZMW 8000+
Seniority, responsibility, leadership roles; allowances may apply
Allowances That Impact Pay
Many teachers in Zambia receive allowances in addition to their basic salary. These can include:
- Housing allowance (where no government housing is provided)
- Rural hardship allowance (for remote postings)
- Transport allowance
- Responsibility allowance (for roles like head teacher or head of department)
Key Takeaways
- Allowances can significantly increase take-home pay.
- Private schools may pay more for specialist subjects or high-demand teachers.
- Career progression (moving up scales, leadership roles) is the main way to increase pay.
Looking for teaching jobs? Browse the latest education vacancies on GoZambiaJobs.com.
