Public Sector Employee

With Pharmadanmark’s salary tables for public sector employees, you get a clear overview of what others with your experience, seniority, and qualifications are paid.

View salary table

How your public sector salary is structured

Your salary typically includes:

• Pay grade – based on your years of service (seniority)
• Centrally agreed allowances – e.g., for holding a master’s in pharmacy or being a research assistant
• Qualification allowance – linked to your professional competencies
• Function allowance – for specific tasks or responsibilities
• One-time bonuses – often awarded for extraordinary contributions

Both the state and regional sectors use the same salary structure, but amounts for grades and allowances may vary.

What does seniority mean for your salary?

As a new graduate, you’ll usually start at pay grade 4, which covers your first 2 years. After that, you progress to pay grades 5, 6, and 8—each lasting 1 year.

Your position on the pay scale depends on how long you’ve worked after finishing your master’s degree.

How to count your seniority

Make sure you count all relevant experience:

• Include years and months of relevant work after your master’s
• A completed PhD program also counts
• Work done during your bachelor’s or master’s program does not count

When can you negotiate your salary?

You’re entitled to a salary negotiation:

• When you're hired
• Once a year thereafter

Negotiations are part of your collective agreement and typically go through your union representative or Pharmadanmark. The exact timing can vary depending on your workplace.

Need help? Ask:

• Your union representative
• Your immediate manager
• Your HR department

Use salary tables as your benchmark

Pharmadanmark’s salary tables show current rates for grades and allowances in both state and regional roles. They help you see what you’re entitled to—and what you may be able to negotiate.

Get personal advice on your public sector salary

Not sure if you’re being paid correctly? Need help with seniority, allowances, or negotiation options?

We offer one-on-one guidance, including:

• Review of your current salary and seniority
• Advice on allowances and one-time payments
• Support in preparing for salary negotiations via your union rep

We’re here to help you understand and improve your salary as a public sector employee.