Shocking 2024 Salary Disparity: Newly Employed Teachers vs. Nurses in Ghana – Who Earns More?

The 2024 salary adjustments in Ghana have brought to light some disparities in earnings between newly employed nurses and teachers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the net salaries for both professions, comparing those with diploma and degree qualifications, and highlighting the differences.

Net Salary Comparison

Diploma Holders

Newly Employed Nurse

Level: SS15H, Point 1Net Salary: GHC 3,138.99

Difference: Newly employed nurses with a diploma earn GHC 337.23 more than their teacher counterparts.

Newly Employed Teacher

Level: SS14H, Point 1

Net Salary: GHC 2,801.76

Degree Holders

Newly Employed Nurse

Level: SS18L, Point 1

Net Salary: GHC 3,888.93

Newly Employed Teacher

Level: SS16H, Point 1

Net Salary: GHC 3,500.76

Difference: Nurses with a degree earn GHC 388.17 more than teachers with a degree.

Additional Allowances

Nurses’ Allowances: Some categories of nurses benefit from additional allowances, such as an annual uniform allowance of GHC 400. They may also receive other specific allowances depending on their roles.

Teachers’ Allowances: Newly employed teachers are entitled to an annual professional allowance of GHC 2,400 and a data allowance of GHC 800. These allowances provide extra financial support beyond their basic salary.

Analysis: Why the Disparity?

Several factors contribute to the salary disparity between nurses and teachers:

Grade Levels: Nurses generally start at a higher grade level (SS15H for diploma holders and SS18L for degree holders), compared to teachers (SS14H for diploma holders and SS16H for degree holders). This difference in grade levels directly impacts the base salary.

Demand and Policy: The Ghanaian government may prioritize certain professions for higher starting salaries based on perceived demand, training costs, or policy decisions aimed at improving specific sectors like healthcare.

Conclusion

The salary difference reflects a broader policy approach to compensation for public sector workers in Ghana. While newly employed nurses tend to earn more than teachers, the additional allowances for teachers, such as the professional and data allowances, offer some financial support that narrows the gap.

This comparison underscores the importance of understanding both base salaries and allowances when assessing compensation for different professions, providing a clearer picture of overall earnings in Ghana’s public sector.