For years, Hungary has faced a growing shortage of teachers, fuelled in part by low wages. Until recently, teachers’ average salaries were around 60 % of the average graduate wage – well below the EU average of 90 %. 

Reports from the European Commission and country-specific recommendations from the Council of the EU repeatedly warned that improving teachers’ pay was essential to making the profession attractive again.

Significant EU-backed investment

To address this, Hungary and the European Union agreed on a long-term programme of wage increases. Backed by EUR 1.8 billion from EU funds between 2024 and 2031 – around HUF 735 billion at current exchange rates – the plan represents an average increase of more than HUF 5 million (EUR 12 000) per teacher over the period. In the first years, most of the wage increases will come from EU funds.

At the start of 2025, the second step in this sustained programme took effect, raising average teachers’ pay to 80 % of the average graduate wage. This level will be maintained until at least 31 December 2031.

Social dialogue for better education

The wage increase programme was set out in two key agreements: as a reform in Hungary’s Recovery and Resilience Plan, and as a funded measure under the Human Resources Development Operational Programme Plus (HRDOP+) through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). This combination ensures that the reform is sustainable, with funding tied to clear conditions.

As part of the agreement, meaningful social dialogue with teachers’ unions remains a priority. This cooperation aims to ensure that higher wages lead to better quality education and greater accessibility for all learners.

An exceptional measure

Education is generally the responsibility of EU Member States, but the EU decided to support Hungary’s wage reform exceptionally because of the country’s urgent teacher shortage and the clear need to raise pay. The goal is clear – to make teaching a profession that attracts and retains talented educators, ensuring a stronger education system for the future.