Salary for public sector employees
Your salary as a public sector employee consists of several fixed elements – such as base salary, qualification supplements, and function-based allowances. We guide you so you fully understand your salary and employment terms.
When you work in the public sector, you are covered by a collective agreement. This ensures clear rules for how your salary is calculated – and how you can negotiate it.
What your salary includes
Your public sector salary consists of:
Base salary – salary levels are agreed in the collective agreement and depend on your seniority
Centrally agreed allowances – for example if you are a cand.pharm. or a research assistant
Qualification supplements – based on your professional skills
Function-based allowances – for specific responsibilities
One-off payments – for example recognition of a special contribution
The state and regions use the same salary system, but salary levels and allowances may vary.
How seniority affects your salary
Your placement in the salary system depends on how long you have worked after completing your master’s degree.
As a newly graduated professional, you are typically placed at salary level 4, which lasts two years.
This is followed by salary levels 5, 6, and 8, which each last one year.
How to calculate your seniority
When calculating your seniority, consider the following:
Years and months of relevant work after your master’s degree
An approved PhD programme
Work completed during your bachelor’s or master’s studies does not count.
Base salary and pension
Find your salary level, salary, and pension in our salary overviews:
Centrally agreed allowances
Some roles include centrally agreed allowances – for example if you work at a university or a hospital pharmacy.
Find the allowances here:
When can you negotiate your salary?
You are entitled to a salary negotiation when you are hired and once a year thereafter.
Negotiations take place through your union representative or Pharmadanm
Our salary statistics show current salary levels and allowances. They give you insight into what others with your experience, seniority, and skills earn.
This helps you understand both what you are entitled to – and what you can negotiate.
Get personal advice
Are you unsure whether you are receiving the right salary as a public sector employee? Do you have questions about seniority, allowances, or negotiation?
We help you with:
Reviewing your salary and seniority
Advice on allowances and payments
Support for salary negotiation through your union representative
Do you need legal assistance?
You can always contact our legal team if you have questions or need help.
Phone: +45 39 46 36 05
Mail: jura@pharmadanmark.dk
