What are the average salaries and how is yours?

Wage vs. salary

From a legal point of view, the main difference lies in the fact that salaries are paid to civil servants or public employees. This salary is determined on the basis of salary scales, which are divided into grades and salary steps. On the other hand, private sector employees receive a salary. However, in common parlance, these two terms are commonly confused, and we will treat it in the same way in this article.

Average salary by profession

The main differences in average wages can be found between different types of occupations. This is based on a survey by Platy.cz, which uses current data no more than 12 months old. We will focus on the most popular ones and discuss them in more detail.

Average teacher salary

Teachers are, with the exception of private schools, public employees. Their salaries are therefore based on salary scales. Salaries vary considerably from one teacher to another. In fact, a teacher with 30 years of experience and additional responsibilities will have a much higher salary. On the other hand, such a beginning teacher will not earn much. The specific range is between CZK 29 000 gross per month and CZK 57 000 gross. Kindergarten teachers and teaching assistants will earn the least. The best off are school principals and their deputies and some university teachers. Salaries exceeding CZK 60 000 gross are no exception for these groups.

In private schools, salaries vary even more. In some places, teachers receive only a guaranteed salary, while in others they can earn up to twice what they would get in a state school.

Average salary for nurses and doctors

There are significant differences between nurses’ salaries, as not all work is the same. For example, a nurse working in a private dental practice will be valued differently from a nurse working in a lung unit in a public hospital. The salary of general nurses ranges from CZK 30 000 to CZK 61 000. Senior nurses earn up to CZK 79 000.

Specialised health professions such as midwives (CZK 29 000 – 64 000), dental hygienists (CZK 28 000 – 80 000) or optometrists (CZK 35 000 – 60 000) usually have better salaries.

Even doctors’ salaries range over a relatively wide range. Beginning doctors, in particular, do not earn much, and they also have to work a lot of overtime. This year, their salary starts at CZK 42 780. Specialist doctors, on the other hand, make better money. On average, the salaries of all doctors are above CZK 80 000.

The average salary of a police officer

The average salaries of police officers vary mainly based on whether they are state or municipal police. Additional pay for two-shift, three-shift or round-the-clock work also plays a role. The average salary of the state police is around 56 000 gross per month. The average salary of a municipal police officer is around CZK 46 000.

Most promising professions and average salaries

If you are yet to make a decision about your future profession or are planning to retrain in a new direction, you may find it useful to find out how different professions fare. The job market is constantly changing and we must not forget the development of artificial intelligence, which may well replace some professions in time. So let’s take a look at the professions that are likely to be with us for a long time to come:

Health professions

Healthcare professionals will not be replaced by anything. Moreover, with an ageing population, there will be even more demand for these professions. With this will come an increase in demand for workers who care for the sick or elderly. The salaries of these care workers range from 25 000 to 42 000 gross.

There is also a growing demand for mental health professionals, as mental illness is on the rise. More and more people are therefore likely to seek the help of psychiatrists, psychologists and various therapists. The average salary of a clinical psychologist ranges from CZK 33 000 to CZK 76 000.

IT disciplines

information technology is such an evergreen among the most promising professions. There are still plenty of jobs and a shortage of quality professionals. But some specific IT professions stand out. The first is artificial intelligence specialists, which is currently experiencing huge growth. As everything moves more and more online, cybersecurity is also gaining importance.

Not only are you almost guaranteed a job in IT, but the average salaries are well worth it. After all, IT professions are always on the highest rungs of the ladder, and in addition to great salaries, IT companies also tend to have extensive job benefits for their employees. On average, an IT security specialist earns between CZK 49,000 and CZK 125,000 gross. A software engineer makes 56,000 to 148,000 gross and an IT architect makes 66,000 to 157,000 gross.

Energy

The energy industry is experiencing a truly turbulent period. Not only are we being forced to switch to renewables because of the deteriorating environment, but the current situation in the world is not helping the situation. It follows that there will be a growing need for renewable energy experts.

There will be a need not only for developers of renewable energy systems, but also for technicians who will be responsible for their maintenance and proper functioning. Moreover, these are quite well paid positions, for example the average salary of a service engineer ranges from CZK 41 000 to CZK 79 000. The average salary of a power plant operator is between 27 000 and 69 000 gross.

Crafts

The last group of promising occupations is crafts. There is nothing like the golden Czech hands, and this is increasingly evident in certain areas in particular. Some craftsmen are in short supply. It is not surprising that a good craftsman is nowadays worth its weight in gold.

There is a shortage of craftsmen in the construction sector in particular. But there is also a shortage of cooks, welders, painters, carpenters and plumbers. These are professions that people often work in as a trade. It is therefore difficult to determine exactly what their average wage is. However, their salaries as employees are roughly as follows: a roofer earns an average of CZK 25 000-69 000, a painter CZK 24 000-71 000, a construction worker CZK 26 000-81 000, a welder CZK 31 000-73 000, a bricklayer CZK 23 000-59 000, an electrician CZK 27 000-59 000, a joiner CZK 25 000-50 000 and a cook CZK 21 000-48 000.

Summary

Salaries vary considerably across professions, not only between the public and private spheres, but also within individual sectors. Teachers and health professionals are among the most frequently discussed groups in the public sector, and their salaries reflect both their experience and the specialisation of their work. In the health sector, specialists have higher incomes, while for teachers it depends on the length of experience and the type of school. Police officers, like other public sector employees, have salaries that depend on the specific type of work and functions.

Prospective professions such as information technology, energy or skilled trades offer interesting salaries and career development opportunities. In particular, fields related to technology or renewable energy promise stable employment and high earnings in the future. The demand for skilled craftsmen is also significant.

Average salaries are influenced by many factors, including job complexity, experience, location and sector. For those deciding on a new career or planning to retrain, it is a good idea to focus on occupations with a long-term perspective and adequate financial reward. However, job choices should always take into account not only salary but also personal interests and development opportunities.