Teacher Salary in Amsterdam in 2026
How much does a teacher earn in Amsterdam? Teacher salaries in the Dutch capital depend on the education sector, job classification, salary scale, experience, qualifications and employment percentage. Most teachers in mainstream Dutch schools are employed under a collective labour agreement, known in Dutch as a CAO (collectieve arbeidsovereenkomst).
Primary education, secondary education, vocational education and international schools do not all use identical employment arrangements. For that reason, it is important to compare the correct salary scale and the full compensation package, rather than rely on one claimed average for every teacher in Amsterdam.
Teacher Pay in the Netherlands: Quick Overview
The Dutch government's published 2026 figures show the following monthly compensation benchmarks for full-time teachers under the primary and secondary education agreements. The figures below reflect the salary amounts scheduled to apply from November 2026.
These are national pay-scale figures, not a measured Amsterdam-only average. The actual salary depends on the applicable CAO, job classification and salary step.
Date note: This page is dated 2026. The figures above are identified as the rates scheduled from November 2026, not as rates already in effect before that date. Check the official salary table for the effective date and any subsequent updates.
Official Teacher Salary Scales in the Netherlands
Dutch teacher salaries are normally set through the applicable sector CAO. The primary education agreement (CAO PO) covers primary education and relevant special education settings. The secondary education agreement (CAO VO) covers secondary schools. Vocational colleges have a separate CAO for MBO.
For mainstream primary and secondary education, LB, LC and LD are commonly used teacher salary scales. The scale is related to the job and responsibilities; it is not simply a label for the number of years someone has taught.
| Scale | Monthly base salary at start | Monthly base salary after 10 years* | Monthly base salary at maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| LB | €3,665 | €5,035 | €5,586 |
| LC | €3,688 | €5,809 | €6,509 |
| LD | €3,703 | €6,454 | €7,401 |
*Rounded figures from the Dutch government's published table scheduled for November 2026. The figures are base monthly salary, not total compensation. The precise salary depends on the CAO and salary step that apply to the role.
Official sources: Dutch government: primary education teacher pay and Dutch government: secondary education teacher pay.
Basic Salary vs Total Teacher Compensation
A monthly base salary does not tell the whole story. Dutch education employment packages generally include holiday pay and an end-of-year payment, alongside other applicable allowances. Government salary summaries may calculate a broader monthly compensation figure that includes these components.
| Pay component | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Basic monthly salary | The regular salary attached to the employee's scale and step. | CAO, scale, step and working hours. |
| Holiday allowance | An additional payment under the applicable employment agreement. | Percentage, calculation basis and payment date. |
| End-of-year payment | A separate annual compensation component under the applicable CAO. | Eligibility, calculation and payment terms. |
| Additional allowances | Payments that may apply to particular roles or employment circumstances. | Whether the allowance is fixed, conditional or temporary. |
| Pension and deductions | Employment deductions and pension arrangements affect take-home pay. | Personal payslip and applicable pension rules. |
Do not add holiday pay or the end-of-year payment twice if a published figure already includes them. Likewise, a total-compensation estimate should not be mistaken for the amount deposited into a bank account each month.
Primary School Teacher Salary in Amsterdam
Primary education in the Netherlands is called basisonderwijs. Teachers employed by Dutch primary schools generally fall under the primary education CAO. Their salary depends on the job classification, scale, salary step, employment percentage and recognized experience.
Teachers should not assume that every primary school position is automatically assigned to one scale. Schools use job classifications, and additional duties or responsibilities may affect the applicable scale.
What affects primary teacher pay?
- The salary scale and step stated in the employment offer.
- Recognized teaching experience and the employer's salary placement decision.
- Whether the appointment is full-time or part-time.
- Additional responsibilities, specialist duties or leadership tasks.
- The current version of the primary education CAO.
For current rates, consult the official primary education salary guide.
Related guide: Primary Teacher Salary in Amsterdam
Secondary School Teacher Salary in Amsterdam
Secondary education is called voortgezet onderwijs. Dutch secondary school teachers are generally employed under the secondary education CAO. The LB, LC and LD scales are used for different teaching roles and responsibilities.
The salary scale is not determined solely by whether someone teaches lower or upper secondary classes. The school's job classification and the duties assigned to the teacher are important factors.
- Check the scale named in the vacancy and employment contract.
- Ask how prior teaching experience will be credited for salary placement.
- Compare basic pay with the total compensation package.
- Confirm whether the advertised salary assumes full-time employment.
Read the official secondary education salary guide for the applicable national salary information.
Related guide: Secondary Teacher Salary in Amsterdam
Kindergarten and Early Years Teaching in Amsterdam
The Dutch education system does not map exactly onto the Swiss or other countries' kindergarten systems. Early-years education is often provided within Dutch primary schools, while childcare and preschool arrangements may operate under different employment conditions.
When comparing a kindergarten or early-years role in Amsterdam, first identify whether the job is a qualified primary-school teaching position, a childcare role, a teaching assistant position or another early-years position. The required qualification and applicable employment agreement may differ.
Related guide: Kindergarten and Early Years Teacher Salary in Amsterdam
Special Education Teacher Salary in Amsterdam
Special education roles can involve different qualifications, responsibilities and employer arrangements. Some positions are covered by the primary or secondary education CAO, while the correct classification depends on the actual role and institution.
Teachers should confirm whether the position involves special primary education, special secondary education, specialist support, or another type of educational service. Do not assume a separate salary scale without checking the job classification and applicable agreement.
Related guide: Special Education Teacher Salary in Amsterdam
International School Teacher Salary in Amsterdam
Amsterdam and the surrounding region have international education options for families seeking instruction in English or another language. International schools may use different curricula, recruitment practices and employment packages from mainstream Dutch schools.
There is no single salary scale that applies to every international school. Pay can depend on the school, curriculum, subject, teaching qualification, experience, leadership responsibilities and benefits package.
What to compare in an international school offer
- Annual gross salary and how it is paid.
- Holiday entitlement and any additional annual payments.
- Pension arrangements and employer contributions.
- Relocation assistance, where offered.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- Contract duration, probation terms and notice period.
- Whether the school assists with immigration formalities, if needed.
English-language instruction does not automatically exempt a teacher from qualification requirements. Ask the school which teaching credentials are required for the exact position.
Related guide: International School Teacher Salary in Amsterdam
English Teacher Salary in Amsterdam
English-language teaching jobs can be found in international schools, language schools, adult education, private tutoring and other educational settings. Salary and qualification requirements vary substantially across these employers.
A qualified school teacher, a language-school instructor and a private tutor should not expect the same pay structure. Some jobs are salaried positions under a CAO, while others may use hourly pay or a different contract arrangement.
Before accepting an offer, check the guaranteed working hours, paid preparation time, holiday pay, contract type and whether the advertised rate is gross or net.
Related guide: English Teacher Salary in Amsterdam
Vocational Education Teacher Salary in Amsterdam
Dutch vocational education is commonly known as middelbaar beroepsonderwijs (MBO). Teachers and instructors at MBO institutions may be covered by a separate collective labour agreement, so primary and secondary school salary tables should not automatically be applied to these jobs.
MBO roles may value both subject expertise and practical industry experience. The exact salary depends on the job, scale, step and applicable agreement.
The Dutch government publishes a separate MBO teacher salary guide.
Related guide: Vocational Teacher Salary in Amsterdam
Teacher Salary by Experience
Experience can affect salary placement, but years of teaching do not automatically determine a particular scale or step. Employers consider the relevant CAO, the role, recognized experience and the terms of the appointment.
| Career stage | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Newly qualified teacher | Starting scale and step | There is no single starting salary for every teaching job. |
| Teacher with prior experience | Recognition of previous employment | Experience may affect the starting step if accepted by the employer. |
| Experienced teacher | Current step and progression rules | Salary progression is governed by the applicable agreement and terms. |
| Specialist teacher | Job classification and specialist duties | Responsibilities may affect the applicable scale. |
| Teacher with leadership duties | Leadership role and formal classification | Management responsibilities can change the role and pay structure. |
When applying for a job, prepare a clear record of previous employers, teaching subjects, age groups, contract dates and qualifications. Ask the hiring school to explain how your experience will be taken into account.
Part-Time Teacher Salary in Amsterdam
Many education employees work less than full-time. If the salary is proportional to the employment percentage, an employee working 80% would generally receive 80% of the comparable full-time base salary, subject to the applicable agreement and contract.
| Employment percentage | Illustrative share of full-time salary |
|---|---|
| 100% | 100% of the comparable full-time amount |
| 80% | 80% of the comparable full-time amount |
| 60% | 60% of the comparable full-time amount |
| 50% | 50% of the comparable full-time amount |
These are proportional illustrations, not individual salary quotations. Check the employment contract and CAO for the exact calculation of salary, allowances, leave and pension contributions.
Can Foreign Teachers Work in Amsterdam?
Yes, foreign-trained teachers may be able to work in Amsterdam, but the rules depend on the position, teaching qualification and country where the qualification was awarded. For many regulated teaching roles, a foreign professional qualification must be recognized by the Dutch Education Executive Agency (DUO).
DUO explains the conditions and application procedure for people who want to use a foreign teaching qualification in the Netherlands. Requirements may differ between permanent employment and temporary or occasional teaching work.
Start with the official DUO guide to working as a teacher with a foreign diploma. You can also consult Government.nl's guide to foreign teaching qualifications.
Practical checklist for overseas applicants
- Check whether your teaching qualification needs formal recognition.
- Confirm that your qualification matches the type of teaching position.
- Prepare diplomas, transcripts and proof of teaching authorization.
- Check whether documents need translation or additional verification.
- Confirm the required language level with DUO and the prospective employer.
- Check your right to live and work in the Netherlands.
- Ask the employer how previous experience affects salary placement.
Related guide: Jobs in Amsterdam for Foreigners
Do Teachers Need Dutch to Work in Amsterdam?
Dutch is generally important for teaching in mainstream Dutch-language primary and secondary schools. Teachers may need to communicate with pupils, parents, colleagues and school management in Dutch, and specific qualification or language conditions can apply.
International schools, English-language programmes and some specialist roles may have different language requirements. However, the teaching qualification and admission requirements still need to be checked for the exact position.
If you are applying from abroad, ask the school which language level is required and whether the role requires a formal language certificate.
How to Find Teaching Jobs in Amsterdam
- Identify the sector: primary, secondary, special education, MBO or international education.
- Check the qualification requirements for the exact teaching role.
- For foreign qualifications, consult DUO about recognition requirements.
- Prepare a CV with your teaching experience, subjects, age groups and qualifications.
- Gather diplomas, transcripts, references and any required translations.
- Review vacancies and confirm the salary scale, step and employment percentage.
- Compare total compensation, leave, pension and contract terms before accepting.
- Check immigration and work authorization requirements if you are not already entitled to work in the Netherlands.
The Dutch government provides a starting point for information about working in education in the Netherlands.
Teacher Salary vs Cost of Living in Amsterdam
A competitive gross salary does not automatically mean that living in Amsterdam is inexpensive. Rent, energy, transport, groceries, insurance and other household costs affect how much income remains available after essential expenses.
Before accepting a teaching position, prepare a budget using the salary you are likely to receive after deductions. If you are moving from abroad, also account for initial housing costs, deposits, relocation and any period before your first salary payment.
Teacher Salary in Amsterdam: Quick Comparison
| Teaching role | Salary reference | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Primary school teacher | Applicable primary education CAO | Scale, step and recognized experience |
| Secondary school teacher | Applicable secondary education CAO | LB, LC or LD classification and step |
| Kindergarten / early years | Depends on whether the job is school teaching or childcare | Correct role and employment agreement |
| Special education teacher | Applicable agreement and job classification | Institution, responsibilities and qualification |
| International school teacher | School-specific employment package | Curriculum, subject, experience and benefits |
| English teacher | Depends on school and contract type | Qualified school teaching vs language instruction |
| MBO teacher | Applicable vocational education CAO | Professional expertise, role and scale |
| School leader | Leadership classification and applicable agreement | Management responsibility and job grading |
This table identifies the appropriate salary reference for each role. It does not imply that all positions share one pay scale or that every employer offers the same compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teacher Salaries in Amsterdam
How much does a teacher earn in Amsterdam?
There is no single salary for every teacher in Amsterdam. Pay depends on the sector, CAO, job classification, salary scale, step and employment percentage. The Dutch government's published salary tables are a useful national reference, but they are not an Amsterdam-only average.
What is the average teacher salary in Amsterdam?
A reliable Amsterdam-only average should be based on a clearly defined dataset and date. Rather than inventing a city-specific figure, this guide uses official Dutch salary scales and recommends checking the applicable CAO and individual job offer.
What is the starting salary for a teacher in Amsterdam?
Starting pay depends on the scale and step assigned to the job. The published national table scheduled for November 2026 shows monthly base starting figures of €3,665 in LB, €3,688 in LC and €3,703 in LD. These amounts should be checked against the effective date and the actual employment agreement.
How much can an experienced teacher earn?
Salary progression depends on the applicable scale, step and job classification. The November 2026 national table lists maximum monthly base amounts of €5,586 for LB, €6,509 for LC and €7,401 for LD. These are scale figures, not a guarantee that an individual teacher will be placed in a particular scale.
Do Dutch teachers receive holiday pay and an end-of-year payment?
Education CAOs generally provide holiday pay and an end-of-year payment. Check the applicable agreement and compare total annual compensation, not just basic monthly salary.
Can foreign teachers work in Amsterdam?
Yes, if they meet the relevant qualification, recognition and work authorization requirements. Teachers with foreign qualifications should check the official DUO process for their specific role.
Do I need Dutch to teach in Amsterdam?
Dutch is generally important for mainstream Dutch-language schools. International schools and some specialist roles may use another language, but each position has its own requirements.
Is international school teaching paid on the same scale as Dutch public schools?
Not necessarily. International schools can use school-specific salary structures and benefits. Compare the complete offer and verify the qualification requirements for the particular school.
How much does a part-time teacher earn?
Salary is generally adjusted according to the employment percentage, subject to the applicable agreement and contract. Confirm the actual hours, pay and benefit arrangements with the employer.
Where can I verify official teacher salary information?
Use the Dutch government's primary, secondary and vocational education salary guides and the relevant sector CAO. For foreign teaching qualifications, consult DUO.
Official Sources and Further Reading
Salary agreements and qualification rules can change. Use official sources to verify the current terms before making a career or relocation decision.
- Dutch government — teacher salary in primary education
- Dutch government — teacher salary in secondary education
- Dutch government — teacher salary in MBO vocational education
- VO-raad — secondary education CAO information
- DUO — working as a teacher with a foreign diploma
- Government.nl — teaching qualifications
Explore More Amsterdam Jobs and Salary Guides
Explore related guides for employment, career planning and living costs in Amsterdam. These links assume the corresponding pages exist on isamsterdam.com.