Proposed Teacher Salary Increases Delayed Amid Budget Uncertainty in Bulgaria

The absence of a finalized 2025 state budget has delayed plans to increase teachers' salaries in Bulgaria, keeping remuneration at 2024 levels, Diyan Stamatov, Chairperson of the Union of Managers in the Public Education System, told BTA on Wednesday. Stamatov, also Principal of the Academician Mihail Arnaudov 119th Secondary School in Sofia, emphasized that the government’s election and swift adoption of the budget are crucial for implementing retroactive salary increases from January 1, 2025, CE Report quotes BTA

Stamatov expressed optimism that the government would honor its promises of a 15% to 16% pay rise made over the past five months. However, he highlighted concerns about the current pay gap between teachers and other workers, making the profession less attractive. "The planned 14.5% increase would align with the rise in the minimum wage. However, the minimum wage has already surpassed many teachers' starting salaries, creating a significant challenge," Stamatov noted.

As of January 2025, the minimum teacher salary is BGN 1,853, while the national minimum wage is BGN 1,077. Alarmingly, nearly 60% of kindergarten staff earn minimum wages, including non-teaching personnel.

While no significant wave of resignations has occurred, Stamatov warned that this could change if salary disparities persist. "Many young teachers lack the patience for years of experience to achieve higher wages. Addressing this requires adopting the 2025 state budget to ensure funding for promised pay raises," he said.