The wage fund for institutions under the Ministry of Culture will increase by 2.9 million euros in 2027. This additional funding will give institution leaders the opportunity to raise employees' salaries according to the institution's needs and the salary situation.
The state minimum wage for cultural workers with higher education will remain at 1720 euros in 2027. It will not change. It is important to understand that a cultural institution does not consist solely of workers with higher education. The operation of a theater, museum, or concert organization also requires other key employees.
At the beginning of this year, there were nearly 2400 full-time cultural worker positions. There were approximately 1200 support workers. The average gross monthly salary of cultural workers last year was 2090 euros. This year, it is projected to increase to 2263 euros.
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas (Eesti 200) announced that the teachers' wage fund will grow by three percent. The minimum wage for teachers next year will be 2030 euros, with an average salary of 2500 euros. The minimum wage for senior teachers is 2230 euros, and for master teachers, it is 2639 euros.
According to Kallas, the salaries of teachers in Ida-Viru County will increase significantly. They will receive a salary with a 1.5 coefficient, exceeding 3000 euros.
The wage fund will also increase by three percent for firefighters and police officers. Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (RE) said that next year's state budget will receive government approval on Monday.