Teaching is an important profession in Hungary, with opportunities in public schools, vocational education, private schools, language schools and international schools. Teacher salaries have increased substantially in recent years, and further salary adjustments were introduced in 2026.
If you are considering a teaching career in Hungary, it is important to understand gross salaries, teacher career levels, qualifications, language requirements and the difference between public and international schools.
Hungarian teacher salaries increased again in January 2026. The Hungarian government reported that teachers and kindergarten teachers received an additional 10% average pay increase, bringing the average teacher salary to above HUF 900,000 gross per month.
More recent government information puts the average salary for teachers at approximately HUF 950,000 gross per month. Actual earnings vary according to qualification, career level, subject, location, performance-related increases and additional responsibilities.
| Teacher Category | Indicative Gross Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Beginning / Early-Career Teacher | Approximately HUF 700,000+ |
| Experienced Teacher | Approximately HUF 800,000 – 1,000,000+ |
| Senior / Highly Experienced Teacher | Approximately HUF 900,000 – 1,200,000+ |
| Vocational Education Instructor | Approximately HUF 775,000 – 1,000,000+ |
| International School Teacher | Varies by school and contract |
These figures should be treated as indicative rather than guaranteed salaries. Public-sector teacher pay is governed by Hungary's teacher career and salary system, while private and international schools can use their own salary structures.
Teacher pay in Hungary has undergone several major increases in recent years. The government reported a 32.2% increase in 2024, a further 21.2% increase in 2025, and another 10% increase in 2026.
The government has also stated that teacher salaries are intended to continue increasing in line with the average earnings of university-educated workers.
| School Type | Salary Information |
|---|---|
| Public Primary School | Based on Hungary's teacher career and salary system |
| Public Secondary School | Based on qualification, career level and other factors |
| Vocational School | Approximately HUF 775,000 minimum in 2026 for vocational instructors |
| Private School | Varies according to employer and experience |
| International School | Varies significantly by school, subject and experience |
| Language School | Usually depends on teaching hours and qualifications |
Teachers employed within Hungary's public education system can progress through different professional career levels. Qualification, professional experience, performance and additional responsibilities can affect remuneration.
Hungary's 2026 regulations specify broad monthly salary ranges depending on the teacher's career level. The published ranges illustrate how significantly salary can vary between professional levels and individual circumstances.
| Career Level | Published Monthly Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Pedagógus I | HUF 718,000 – 1,400,000 |
| Pedagógus II | HUF 725,000 – 1,490,000 |
| Mesterpedagógus | HUF 785,000 – 1,790,000 |
| Kutatótanár | HUF 915,000 – 1,930,000 |
These are broad statutory salary ranges rather than guaranteed salaries for every teacher. Actual pay can depend on the individual's appointment, qualifications, career level, performance-related increases and other applicable allowances.
Teacher shortages remain an important issue in Hungary. OECD data indicates shortages at several levels of education in some subjects, including mathematics and natural sciences.
This can create better employment opportunities for qualified teachers in subjects where schools have difficulty finding suitable candidates.
Foreign teachers can find employment in Hungary, particularly in international schools, bilingual schools, private education and language teaching. However, requirements depend on the school and position.
International schools in Budapest regularly advertise positions for qualified teachers. For example, current international-school vacancies include roles such as English as an Additional Language (EAL) teacher.
English teaching is one of the most accessible areas of education for qualified foreign teachers. Opportunities can be found in language schools, private schools, international schools and extracurricular education.
Some Hungarian schools specifically seek native English speakers with recognized teaching qualifications and classroom experience.
International schools generally operate differently from Hungary's public-school salary system. Pay can depend on the school's curriculum, the teacher's qualifications, experience, subject and contract.
Budapest has several international schools offering English-language and other international curricula. Qualified teachers should check individual vacancies because salary, benefits, housing assistance and other employment conditions can vary considerably.
Some international schools may also provide additional benefits such as professional development, health benefits or other allowances, depending on the employment contract.
Hungarian language requirements depend heavily on the type of school.
Foreign teachers who learn Hungarian can significantly expand their employment options and make everyday life in Hungary easier.
Teacher salary figures in Hungary are commonly quoted as gross monthly salary. The amount a teacher receives after taxes and social contributions will be lower.
Net income depends on personal circumstances and available tax benefits, including age, family situation and other applicable deductions. Therefore, gross salary figures should not be confused with take-home pay.
Yes. Teacher salaries have increased significantly in recent years. According to the Hungarian government, teacher pay increased by 32.2% in 2024, 21.2% in 2025 and another 10% in 2026.
The government's longer-term policy links teacher salary growth to the earnings of university-educated workers, with the aim of maintaining teacher salaries at a specified proportion of graduate earnings.
In 2026, the Hungarian government reported an average teacher salary of around HUF 950,000 gross per month, although individual salaries vary by career level, experience, qualifications and other factors.
Starting salaries depend on the teacher's career stage and applicable salary rules. The statutory salary range for Pedagógus I begins at HUF 718,000 per month under the 2026 salary framework.
Teacher salaries have improved substantially in recent years. However, the OECD continues to show that Hungarian teacher earnings remain below those of many tertiary-educated workers and below OECD averages when adjusted for purchasing power.
Yes. Foreign teachers can find opportunities, particularly in international, private and language schools. Public-school positions can involve additional qualification recognition and Hungarian-language requirements.
Yes. English teachers are employed by language schools, private institutions and international schools. Requirements vary, but recognized teaching qualifications and classroom experience can significantly improve your chances.
Not necessarily. International and English-language schools may operate primarily in English. Hungarian is much more important for teachers working in the Hungarian public education system.
Yes. The OECD reports teacher shortages in Hungary at some levels and in some subjects, including mathematics and natural sciences.
Government figures for 2026 indicate that vocational education instructors have a minimum gross monthly salary of approximately HUF 775,000, with an average close to HUF 890,000 and experienced instructors potentially earning more than HUF 1 million per month.