On Thursday, the Estonian government confirmed that the minimum wage for teachers in full-time employment in 2026 will rise to €1,970 a month. The government will also increase the teachers’ salary fund by 10 percent from its 2025 level.

The minimum wage for teachers is set to increase by 8.2 percent, or €150 a month, the ministry announced on Thursday. The minimum wage for teachers applies to those who meet the qualification requirements, are currently in teacher training, hold a master’s degree or are in the process of acquiring one.

The government will allocate a differentiation component of 22 percent for each teaching position, meaning teachers are paid a salary in line with their career level, responsibilities and professional duties.

On March 1 this year, Estonian will introduce a national career model for teachers, which defines career levels based on professional standards and corresponding salary coefficients.

According to the career model, the minimum salary for teachers (€1,970 a month), will be paid to beginner teachers and teachers at entry level.

The salary coefficient for senior teachers is 1.1 times that of the minimum – €2,167 a month –, and for highly experienced teachers, 1.3 times the minimum, or €2,561 per month.