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Updated Civil Service Compensation In Cyprus: A Comprehensive Look At 2026 Wage Scales

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 13, 2026

Updated remuneration tables released by the Department of Public Administration and Personnel reveal a significant range in hourly wages for Cyprus civil servants, spanning from €9.48 at the entry level up to €46.12 for senior roles during the first half of 2026.

Overview Of Updated Remuneration Tables

For the period from January to June 2026, the figures clearly demonstrate a stark progression in earnings across the various pay scales. At the entry-level A1 scale, employees receive annual salaries ranging from €15,100 to €17,200, equating to monthly earnings between €1,322 and €1,644 and an average hourly rate of €9.48. Detailed figures are available in the official document.

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Grade-Specific Earnings And Hourly Rates

Progressing through the scales, mid-level earnings on the A8 scale begin at €24,500 and rise to €45,800, with monthly salaries ranging from €2,101 to €3,818. This segment sees hourly wages averaging between €18.17 and €18.87. At the top of the hierarchy, the A16 scale—which caters to senior administrative positions—features annual salaries from €71,000 to €99,200, with monthly pay increasing from €6,768 to €8,266 and an average hourly rate of €46.12.

Fiscal Implications And Sector Impact

These updated figures come at a time when public sector wages are under significant scrutiny due to their impact on state finances. The Ministry of Finance reported a 6.9% rise in employee compensation in 2025, with total salary expenditure increasing to €4.1 billion from €3.9 billion in the previous year. This escalation was driven by cost-of-living adjustments, increased payroll costs within state health services, annual increments, and a notable salary increase implemented in October 2024.

Looking ahead to 2026, growth is expected to moderate with compensation expenditures projected to expand by approximately 4% to reach €4.3 billion, supported by a stable inflation environment.

Revised Entry Scales And Future Outlook

The department has clarified that reduced entry scales apply exclusively to employees hired after January 1, 2012, at the introductory grade, without affecting promotional posts. In addition to the base salary, the overall compensation package includes general increases, cost-of-living adjustments, and annual increments.

Further details on the revised hourly pay rates and work allowances for government personnel effective from January 1, 2026, following the latest cost-of-living adjustment, can be found in the official announcement.

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Societe Generale Bank Cyprus Introduces Four-Day Workweek Under New Labour Agreement

The Societe Generale Bank – Cyprus has introduced a four-day workweek for employees during July and August under a renewed collective agreement with the banking union ETYK.

Setting A New Standard For Banking Institutions

Societe Generale Bank Cyprus employs around 100 staff members. The new agreement introduces a reduced working schedule during the summer months as part of the collective contract for 2023–2027.

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ETYK supported the introduction of the four-day schedule during negotiations for the agreement. Other financial institutions, including Bank of Cyprus, Eurobank Ltd, Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece (Cyprus), the Housing Finance Organization, the Bankers Association representing personnel, KEIDIPES and several insurance subsidiaries, signed separate agreements with ETYK that do not include a four-day workweek.

Key Provisions And Broader Implications

The collective agreement introduces a four-day workweek during July and August. Employees will work their regular daily hours across four days on a rotational basis while banking services continue throughout the week.

Additional provisions in the agreement include several benefits for employees. Staff will receive a one-time bonus of €1,500 upon signing the contract, a three-day increase in annual leave, adjustments to salary scales and higher contractual loan limits.

Comparative Analysis With Industry Peers

The agreement differs from arrangements negotiated between ETYK and the Banking Employers Association. Under those agreements, employees received an additional six days of annual leave. The Societe Generale Bank Cyprus agreement provides a three-day increase, bringing total annual leave to 36 days, excluding public holidays.

The bonus structure also differs. Agreements with the Banking Employers Association include a total bonus of €4,500 paid in three installments in 2025, 2026 and 2027. Societe Generale employees receive a single payment of €1,500.

Looking Forward

ETYK said the introduction of a four-day workweek during the summer months reflects discussions about working conditions in the banking sector. The arrangement may contribute to broader discussions about work schedules and employee benefits within the financial industry in Cyprus.