Teaching is an important profession in Iraq, with opportunities available in public schools, private schools, international schools, language institutes, and educational organizations. Teacher salaries vary considerably depending on qualifications, experience, school type, subject, location, and whether the position is in the public or private sector.
For 2026, available salary datasets estimate the average teacher salary in Iraq at around 19.9 million IQD per year, or approximately 1.66 million IQD per month. Reported salaries can range from less than 1 million IQD per month to more than 2.5 million IQD per month depending on experience, specialization, and employer. These figures should be treated as market estimates rather than an official national salary scale.
Teacher pay in Iraq differs significantly between government employment, local private schools, and international schools. Public-sector teachers generally benefit from greater employment stability, while private and international schools may offer different salary levels and benefit packages.
| Teacher Level | Estimated Annual Salary (IQD) | Approx. Monthly Salary (IQD) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Teacher | 9,700,000 – 14,000,000 | 800,000 – 1,170,000 |
| Mid-Level Teacher | 14,000,000 – 22,000,000 | 1,170,000 – 1,830,000 |
| Experienced Teacher | 22,000,000 – 28,000,000 | 1,830,000 – 2,330,000 |
| Senior / Specialized Teacher | 28,000,000 – 31,000,000+ | 2,330,000 – 2,590,000+ |
These ranges are indicative rather than fixed government salary grades. A current salary dataset estimates an average Iraqi teacher at approximately 19,921,600 IQD per year, with a reported range of about 9,744,400 to 31,081,900 IQD per year.
The type of school is one of the most important factors affecting teacher pay in Iraq. Government schools operate under public-sector salary structures, while private and international schools normally negotiate employment conditions directly with teachers.
| School Type | Typical Salary Situation |
|---|---|
| Public / Government School | Generally follows government salary scales, allowances and experience-based progression |
| Private School | Varies considerably by school, subject, qualifications and experience |
| International School | Often higher than local-school salaries, particularly for qualified and experienced teachers |
| Language School | Varies according to English-language qualifications, teaching experience and workload |
| University / Academic Teaching | Depends on academic qualification, rank, institution and experience |
Public and private teaching jobs can have very different compensation structures. Available salary estimates indicate that public-sector compensation can be higher on average for comparable secondary-school teaching roles, while private-sector employers may sometimes offer stronger bonuses or additional benefits.
Foreign teachers can find opportunities in Iraq, especially in international schools, British-curriculum schools, American-curriculum schools, English-language programs and other private educational institutions.
International-school vacancies in Baghdad and Erbil commonly request a bachelor's degree, teaching certification and strong English-language skills. International-school experience, TEFL/TESOL/CELTA qualifications and experience with international curricula can also be valuable.
Some international teaching packages can include benefits such as accommodation, annual flights, transportation or health insurance. These benefits can substantially increase the overall value of an employment offer. For example, a Baghdad international school vacancy has advertised accommodation and an annual return ticket as part of its package, with salary depending on qualifications and experience.
International-school salaries are more difficult to summarize because schools can use different contracts and benefit packages. Experienced teachers working in international schools may receive significantly different compensation from teachers working in local private schools.
A current 2026 recruitment listing for a British-style school position in Erbil advertised approximately £16,000–£25,000 per year, illustrating how international school packages can differ substantially from ordinary local teacher salaries.
Teacher salaries can also vary between Iraqi cities. Current salary data for secondary-school teachers provides useful examples of this geographic variation.
| City | Estimated Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Basra | Approximately 23.0 million IQD |
| Baghdad | Approximately 22.3 million IQD |
| Najaf | Approximately 21.8 million IQD |
| Erbil | Approximately 20.8 million IQD |
| Kirkuk | Approximately 19.3 million IQD |
| Mosul | Approximately 18.0 million IQD |
These figures refer specifically to secondary-school teachers and should not be interpreted as official salary scales for every teacher in each city. They demonstrate that location and local employment conditions can affect reported pay.
Requirements depend on whether you are applying to a government school, private school, international school, language institute or university.
Current international-school recruitment in Iraq confirms that bachelor's degrees, teaching certification and English fluency are common requirements, with international curriculum experience often preferred.
International schools in Baghdad and Erbil provide opportunities for teachers with international qualifications and experience. Schools may follow British, American or other international curricula.
For example, current recruitment in Baghdad includes positions for mathematics, science, biology, chemistry, physics, English, French, learning support and curriculum coordination. Applicants are commonly expected to have a bachelor's degree, teaching certification and strong English communication skills.
Arabic is extremely useful for teachers working in Iraqi local schools because it is the main language of education and everyday communication in most of the country.
However, the language requirements can be different in international schools. Some international schools specifically recruit English-speaking teachers and may conduct much of the curriculum and professional communication in English.
In the Kurdistan Region, Kurdish may also be important depending on the school and location.
Teachers considering employment in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah or other parts of the Kurdistan Region should distinguish the regional public-sector employment situation from the wider Iraqi teaching market.
The Kurdistan Region has experienced prolonged disputes and delays involving public-sector teacher salaries. Reports in 2025 documented continuing salary-payment problems affecting teachers and other public employees.
Private and international schools operate under different employment arrangements, so applicants should carefully review the salary, payment schedule, accommodation, insurance, working hours and other contractual terms before accepting an offer.
Available 2026 salary estimates put the average Iraqi teacher at approximately 1.66 million IQD per month, although actual salaries vary substantially according to experience, school type and employer.
Current estimates put the average secondary-school teacher salary at approximately 20.4 million IQD per year, or around 1.7 million IQD per month. Reported salaries vary considerably between locations and experience levels.
Yes. Foreign teachers can find opportunities, particularly in international schools, English-language programs and private educational institutions. Requirements vary by employer and position.
Many international schools request a bachelor's degree and teaching certification. International curriculum experience and qualifications such as TEFL, TESOL or CELTA can also strengthen an application.
English teaching is an important area of private and international education in Iraq. International schools and language programs may recruit teachers with strong English skills and relevant teaching qualifications.
Teaching opportunities can be found in Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, Najaf, Kirkuk, Mosul and other Iraqi cities. International-school opportunities are particularly visible in major urban centers.
Teaching can provide stable employment and meaningful career opportunities, particularly for qualified professionals. However, salary and working conditions differ substantially between government, private and international schools, so teachers should compare the complete employment package before accepting a position.