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Trade2Teach

FE teaching salary guide

Pay in further education is set differently from school teaching. Here is how it works and what affects it.

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How FE pay is set

In England, each college sets its own pay scales. National bodies may recommend pay awards, but colleges decide whether to adopt them. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own national bargaining arrangements for college staff.

What affects your salary

  • The type of role: lecturer, instructor or assessor
  • Whether you hold a teaching qualification (some scales link progression to it)
  • The college's location and pay structure
  • Shortage-subject supplements, which some colleges offer

Comparing with industry

Depending on your trade, college pay may be lower than you earn now, especially with overtime or self-employment. Many people weigh this against regular hours, holidays and a pension.

Ask us

We share the salary range for every specific vacancy we discuss with you. We do not publish general salary figures we cannot back up.

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