The highest salary in the world

Luxembourg is renowned for its high-quality education system and teachers’ salaries are among the highest in the world. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), experienced secondary school teachers here earn an average of 107,000 euros (about 2.9 billion VND) per year, while primary school teachers earn around 100,000 euros (about 2.7 billion VND).

High teacher salaries are the result of the strong commitment of the Luxembourg government toeducation development. The country spends a large part of its budget on education and sees it as the foundation for sustainable economic and social development.

In 2022, Luxembourg's spending on education reached 4.7% of GDP, higher than the average of developed countries, according to World Bank (WB) data.

The education system is designed not only to ensure that teachers are paid fairly but also receive enough support to perform to their full potential in complex working environments.

However, the salaries of Luxembourg teachers, which are said to be “the highest in the world”, need to be seen in the context of one of the most expensive countries in Europe.

Like many other professions, teachers face pressure from housing costs and basic necessities, which take up a large portion of monthly income.

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Luxembourg teachers are among the highest paid, according to OECD data. Photo: LW/Luxembourg Times.

High social demands

Luxembourg's social values ​​also play an important role in shaping the education system and teachers' salaries.

The country places great importance on education and sees it as a driver of economic and social progress. The emphasis on education has guided public policy, driven budget priorities, and enhanced support for teachers.

Another important factor contributing to high teacher salaries in Luxembourg is the emphasis on qualifications and professionalism. The education system here sets strict standards for teacher qualifications.

The multilingual nature of the education system further complicates the recruitment process. Teachers are often required to have good command of Luxembourgish, German and French in addition to English proficiency.

Therefore, the government must offer competitive salaries to recruit and retain teachers who are well-adapted to a multilingual environment.

Cost of living in top 10% in Europe

Despite the attractive salaries, many teachers say that the high cost of living in Luxembourg significantly impacts their overall quality of life. The country is regularly ranked among the most expensive in Europe.

Luxembourg’s capital consistently ranks in the top 10% of Europe’s most expensive cities, according to Numbeo, a website that provides data on cost of living and quality of life. The soaring costs of housing, transportation and everyday living are putting pressure on all professions, including teachers.

According to the Just Arrived Luxembourg platform, the average cost of housing in Luxembourg City could eat up a large portion of teachers' income. Housing will account for a significant portion of total household expenditure by 2024.

Specifically, the minimum monthly cost to maintain accommodation (including heating costs) is 1,542 euros (about 42 million VND) for a family of 4, 1,292 euros (about 35.2 million VND) for a couple and 1,101 euros (about 30 million VND) for a single person.

While teachers' salaries may seem high on paper, the financial pressures of living in central Luxembourg significantly limit their spending power.

Preschool teacher salary: Highest 15 million in the city, 20 million in difficult areas

Preschool teacher salary: Highest 15 million in the city, 20 million in difficult areas

The monthly income of preschool teachers in the plains ranges from 7-15 million VND, while teachers in mountainous areas with 18 years of experience in difficult areas receive about 20 million VND.