Educate and inspire the next generation by teaching secondary school students. Teachers are central to Jamaica's development and are always in demand across the island.
Salary Breakdown
Trained Teacher (Diploma) starts at $2,245,059 and a Trained Graduate at $3,000,000 per annum - Ministry of Finance teachers' scale, effective 1 April 2024. A pre-trained teacher starts lower, at $1,370,094.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($2,622,530 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.
Show deduction breakdown
- Gross (annual)
- $2,622,530 JMD
- NIS (3%)
- −$78,675 JMD
- NHT (2%)
- −$52,450 JMD
- Education Tax
- −$57,236 JMD
- PAYE Income Tax
- −$160,373 JMD
- Net (annual)
- $2,273,793 JMD
Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
Career Path Roadmap
- 1
High School & CXC Subjects
Pass CSEC in Mathematics, English, and at least 3 other subjects including the subject(s) you plan to teach.
5 years - 2
Bachelor's Degree in Education
Complete a BEd or BSc with Education at a teachers' college or university. Includes teaching practice in schools.
3 - 4 years - 3
Teacher Registration & Licensing
Register with the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC). Licensing is being introduced under the JTC Act - teachers are given 24 months from promulgation to apply - so check the current requirement with your school board. Complete any required induction or probationary period.
6 - 12 months - 4
Classroom Teacher
Teach your assigned subject(s), prepare CSEC/CAPE syllabuses, and manage student assessments and reports.
3 - 5 years - 5
Department Head / Senior Teacher
Lead a subject department, mentor new teachers, and contribute to school improvement planning.
3 - 5 years - 6
Principal / Education Administrator
Pursue a postgraduate diploma or Master's in Educational Leadership. Lead school operations and community engagement.
5+ years
Required Education
- CSEC/CXC Mathematics, English, and at least 3 other subjects
- BEd or BSc with Education from an accredited institution
- Registration with the Teaching Council Jamaica
Common Local Certifications
- Trained Teacher's Certificate (TTC)
- HEART/NSTA teaching assistant certification - check the current NVQ-J level on the Qualifications Registry of Jamaica
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
- National Professional Qualification for Principals (NPQP)
Where to Train
Local Institutions Offering Programs
- The Mico University College
- Church Teachers' College
- Shortwood Teachers' College
- Bethlehem Teachers' College
- University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI) – School of Education