Wage Watchers: How much does a secondary school teacher earn?

What do you do?
I teach third-year French in a secondary school in Antwerp. I do not yet have my own classroom, so I substitute for teachers throughout the city where needed. This is the fourth school where I have substituted in the last two years.

Do you enjoy the work?
Very much. I get along really well with the students: Their trust in me builds over time to the point where they stay after class to ask advice or talk about personal issues because they value my input. The knowledge exchange is also very rewarding: It’s always so great to see all that they have learned by the end of the year.

What do you think of the pay?
I’m incredibly happy with my net salary of €1,825. I started working more than two years ago, and I earn already well above the average salary for people my age.

How many hours a week do you work?
I spend 20 hours a week teaching in the classroom. But, of course, being a teacher is not only about standing in front of the class: I prepare lessons, correct exams, adapt test materials… the hours add up quickly.

Would you change jobs if it meant making more money?
No. Even if I wanted a higher salary, there are not many alternatives in the same field that pay better than I earn. Plus, I am lucky to currently be teaching in a school that is near my house because things could have turned out much differently. I find that the short distance to work is another important job benefit.

Do you manage to save?
Yes, or at least I try. I have a pension plan, and I try to put something aside every month. The amount I manage to put aside does vary depending on the time of the year. During the summer and holidays I found myself spending more on vacations and gifts and therefore saving less.

What is your largest monthly cost?
My rent, I would say. That and fixed costs like electricity and internet.

Has the financial crisis made you more money-conscious?
The financial crisis was already well underway when I began working, so I cannot really compare. I do not live an extremely conservative lifestyle, but when I go shopping I do pay attention to where I go.

What do you hate spending money on?
Technology stuff. For example, I don’t have a TV and getting one is not high on my to-do list. I have an iPhone, but not the latest model. It’s just not that important to me.

What do you like to spend money on?
Eating well. I love to eat out, and you can spend a lot in restaurants; after all, it’s more than just about eating. I also love to go out with friends, have a drink in a café and so on. And shopping of course: a lovely pair of shoes, even if expensive, is hard to resist.

What is your current career goal?
Getting my own classroom. My current job as a substitute has no job security. I may have a lot of work now, but that can all change in the blink of an eye. In which case I am without a job or salary.

What would you do if you won the lottery?
I would buy my own place, so that I would no longer have to rent. Aside from that, perhaps I would take a long vacation, but really, I cannot imagine changing my spending regime that much.