Salary Scales for Teachers in Tanzania and Their Grades (2025/2026)
Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of any nation, and in Tanzania, their contribution to education and national development is highly valued. Understanding teachers’ salary scales and how they relate to professional grades helps explain how the teaching profession is structured, rewarded, and progressed within the public service system.
In Tanzania, teachers’ salaries are determined by several factors, including level of education, professional qualifications, years of service, and job responsibilities. The government salary structure groups teachers into specific grades, each linked to a defined pay scale. These grades are commonly categorized under systems such as TGOS (Teacher Grade for Ordinary Schools) and TGTS (Teacher Grade for Technical and Secondary Schools).
Primary School Teachers Salary Grades
For primary school teachers, the most common entry level has traditionally been Grade C, which includes teachers holding a Grade A Teacher Certificate. These teachers earn relatively lower salaries compared to diploma and degree holders, reflecting the basic level of professional training required for primary education.
Teachers with a Diploma in Education are usually placed in Grade B, which offers a higher salary scale than Grade C. This reflects their additional academic training and broader teaching competencies.
Secondary School Teachers Salary Grades
Secondary school teachers are mainly classified under TGTS grades, depending on their qualifications:
- Diploma holders in Education are commonly placed in TGTS C
- Bachelor’s Degree holders in Education are placed in TGTS B
Graduate teachers receive higher salaries due to their advanced academic qualifications and the increased complexity of teaching at secondary school level. Their roles often involve subject specialization, curriculum interpretation, and student assessment at national examination standards.
Senior and Postgraduate Teachers
At the top of the teaching profession are teachers with postgraduate qualifications, such as Master’s Degrees or PhDs. These educators are placed in higher salary grades such as TGTS A or equivalent senior scales.
In addition to higher basic salaries, senior teachers may also receive leadership and responsibility allowances, particularly if they serve as:
- Head of School
- Academic Master/Mistress
- Education Officer
- Subject Coordinator
Allowances and Additional Benefits
Apart from basic salary, teachers may qualify for various allowances depending on their posting and responsibilities. These may include:
- Housing allowance
- Responsibility allowance
- Hardship allowance
The availability and amount of these allowances depend on government policies, job location, and budget allocations.
Salary Progression and Promotions
Salary progression for teachers is influenced by:
- Years of service
- Promotions
- Performance evaluations
- Acquisition of higher academic qualifications
Movement from one grade to another usually requires additional training, experience, or successful promotion interviews conducted by the relevant authorities.
Important Note on Salary Adjustments
NB: The salary scales discussed in this article refer to the structure before the recent salary adjustment. Following the latest government reforms, the minimum salary for public servants, including teachers, has been raised to TSh 500,000. This adjustment aims to improve teachers’ welfare and motivation across the country.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PDF
Conclusion
Understanding teachers’ salary grades promotes transparency within the education sector and highlights the importance of continuous professional development. As Tanzania continues to reform its education system, improving teachers’ remuneration remains a key step toward enhancing the quality of education and national development.
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