In 2019, there were 5.2 million teachers employed in primary, lower secondary and upper secondary education. This marked a 5% increase compared with 2013 (5.0 million).
Women accounted for the majority of this workforce. In 2019, 73% of teachers employed in primary, lower secondary and upper secondary education were women (3.8 million), a 6% increase compared with 2013 (3.6 million). Meanwhile, the number of male teachers increased by just 2% when comparing 2019 with 2013.
In terms of age, in 2019, there were 0.4 million (7% of the total) teachers less than 30 years old in the three education levels. This number increased by 10% compared with 2013. In the same year, 2 million teachers were aged 50 years or more, forming 39% of the total (from 38% in 2013).
Source dataset: educ_uoe_perp01
In the EU, more than 70% of school teachers are female
In 2019, the teaching workforce was predominantly female in all the EU countries. The highest share of female teachers was recorded in Latvia (87%), followed by Lithuania (85%), Bulgaria (84%), Slovenia and Estonia (both 83%).
Meanwhile, the country with the highest share of male teachers was Denmark (38%), followed by Luxembourg (35%), Spain (34%) and Greece (33%).
Source dataset: educ_uoe_perp01
More than half of teachers aged 50 years or above in Lithuania, Italy and Greece
The largest amount of teachers aged 50 or more years old in 2019 was recorded in Lithuania (54%), followed by Italy and Greece (53% and 51%, respectively). Estonia also recorded a large share of teachers in this age group: 50%.
Only 1% of teachers in the EU were over 65 years old in 2019. The highest share of teachers in this age group were reported in Estonia (9%), Latvia (5%), Sweden and Lithuania (both 4%).
Source dataset: educ_uoe_perp01
For more information:
- Statistics Explained articles on education and training
- Eurostat dedicated section on education and training
- Eurostat database of statistics on education and training
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