GES Teacher Salaries and Grading Structure in Ghana 2026 – Full Details Revealed
The Ghana Education Service (GES) operates a structured grading and salary system for both newly recruited and existing teachers across the country. The grading structure determines promotions, salary levels, responsibilities, and career progression within the education sector.
According to available salary breakdowns and GES grading structures, newly recruited degree holders are placed at the rank of Principal Superintendent (PSH 16.1H) while diploma holders are placed at Senior Superintendent II (PSH 14.1H).
GES Salary Breakdown for Newly Recruited Degree Teachers
| Salary Component | Amount (GHS) |
|---|---|
| Basic Monthly Salary | ₵4,524.83 |
| 15% Market Premium | ₵678.72 |
| Gross Income | ₵5,203.55 |
| Social Security (5.5%) | ₵248.87 |
| Taxable Income | ₵4,954.69 |
| Income Tax | ₵837.17 |
| Estimated Net Salary | ₵4,117.52 |
A newly posted graduate teacher may earn an estimated annual basic salary of about ₵54,297.96 excluding allowances and deductions.
GES Salary Breakdown for Newly Recruited Diploma Teachers
| Salary Component | Amount (GHS) |
|---|---|
| Basic Monthly Salary | ₵3,573.63 |
| 15% Market Premium | ₵536.04 |
| Gross Income | ₵4,109.67 |
| Social Security (5.5%) | ₵196.55 |
| Taxable Income | ₵3,913.12 |
| Income Tax | ₵576.78 |
| Estimated Net Salary | ₵3,336.34 |
Diploma teachers recruited into the service are estimated to receive an annual basic salary of ₵42,883.52 before other deductions and allowances.
Full GES Ranking and Grading Structure
| Level | Rank/Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | Director General | H |
| 24 | Deputy Director General | H |
| 23 | Director I | H |
| 22 | Director II / Principal | H/L |
| 21 | Deputy Director | H/L |
| 20 | Assistant Director I | H/L |
| 19 | Assistant Director I (District Grade) | H/L |
| 18 | Assistant Director II | H/L |
| 17 | Principal Superintendent | H/L |
| 16 | Principal Superintendent | H/L |
| 15 | Senior Superintendent I | H/L |
| 14 | Senior Superintendent II | H/L |
| 13 | Superintendent I | H/L |
| 12 | Superintendent II | H/L |
| 8 | Pupil / Trainee Teachers | H/L |
The “H” means High while “L” refers to Low classification within the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS).
Below is the Ghana Education Service (GES) rank and level structure, with the Step 1 monthly basic salary and net take-home pay added for each level, based on the Single Spine Salary Structure effective January 2026.
| Level | Job Title / Description | Status | Basic Salary (GH₵) | Net Pay (GH₵) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | Director General | H | 13,765.29 | 11,706.24 |
| 24 | Deputy Director General | H | 12,028.67 | 10,280.05 |
| 23 | Director I | H | 10,511.15 | 9,033.78 |
| 22 | Director II / Principal | H/L | H: 9,185.07 L: 8,732.12 |
H: 7,944.74 L: 7,572.75 |
| 21 | Deputy Director (SHS Head, Vice Principal, etc.) | H/L | H: 8,162.74 L: 7,630.48 |
H: 7,105.15 L: 6,668.03 |
| 20 | Assistant Director I (SHS Head, Unit Head, etc.) | H/L | H: 7,013.70 L: 6,556.37 |
H: 6,161.50 L: 5,785.92 |
| 19 | Assistant Director I (District Head, Basic Grade) | H/L | H: 5,925.67 L: 5,539.29 |
H: 5,267.96 L: 4,950.64 |
| 18 | Assistant Director II | H/L | H: 5,446.69 L: 5,091.54 |
H: 4,874.60 L: 4,582.93 |
| 17 | Principal Superintendent | H/L | H: 5,006.43 L: 4,679.98 |
H: 4,513.03 L: 4,244.94 |
| 16 | Principal Superintendent (Prof./Non-Prof.) | H/L | H: 4,524.83 L: 4,159.08 |
H: 4,117.52 L: 3,817.15 |
| 15 | Senior Superintendent I | H/L | H: 4,021.20 L: 3,696.16 |
H: 3,703.91 L: 3,436.97 |
| 14 | Senior Superintendent II / Supervisor Instructor | H/L | H: 3,573.63 L: 3,284.76 |
H: 3,336.34 L: 3,076.62 |
| 13 | Superintendent I / Principal Tech Instructor | H/L | H: 3,175.87 L: 2,919.16 |
H: 2,978.25 L: 2,746.34 |
| 12 | Superintendent II / Tech Instructor I & II | H/L | H: 2,822.38 L: 2,594.25 |
H: 2,658.92 L: 2,452.83 |
| 8 | Craft / Senior Craft / Pupil / Trainee Teachers | H/L | H: 1,760.47 L: 1,618.17 |
H: 1,699.62 L: 1,571.07 |
H = High (professional-level, specific qualifications required)
L = Low (non-professional/support-level roles)
Figures shown are Step 1 (entry point) of each level, based on the Single Spine Salary Structure effective January 2026, and include the 15% market premium built into Gross Income before SSF and tax deductions. Relief, night duty, fuel, and rent allowances are not included. Figures remain subject to change with future government adjustments.
Understanding the GES Salary Structure
The Ghana Education Service uses the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) to determine salaries for teachers and other education workers.
Salaries are influenced by:
- Academic qualification
- Rank and promotion
- Years of service
- Professional status
- Responsibility allowances
- Market premium adjustments
Teachers move through the ranks based on promotion examinations, years of experience, performance, and further education qualifications.
Important Notes for Teachers
- Degree holders normally begin at PSH 16.1H.
- Diploma holders enter at PSH 14.1H.
- Allowances such as responsibility, rent, and deprived area allowances may increase total earnings.
- Newly recruited teachers may experience salary arrears processing delays due to payroll validation procedures.
The grading structure continues to guide career progression within the Ghana Education Service as teachers climb from Superintendent ranks to Director levels through promotions and experience.