The government has promised a significant pay raise for healthcare workers. This announcement focuses on the many skilled professionals who support doctors and keep the system running.
An average 15% salary increase is planned starting in 2027. Combined with a separate cut to the personal income tax this could mean a net pay increase of up to 17% for many people. The plan involves a new annual funding of 192 billion Hungarian forints. This money is meant for salary adjustments for about 123,000 healthcare and related workers.
This is described as the broadest pay adjustment so far for non-doctor roles in healthcare. It aims to include groups that were left out of previous raises.
The list of affected jobs is long and detailed. It includes:
- nurses
- nursing assistants
- head nurses
- lab assistants
- dental assistants
- dietitians
It covers physiotherapists and midwives. So are radiographers, paramedics, ambulance drivers, and even air ambulance pilots. Social workers, health educators, and clerks are part of the plan. Workers in home care, hospice care, patient transport, and dialysis centers are also included.
The raise also extends to non-medical staff working in healthcare institutions. This means human resources and payroll staff, IT professionals, accountants, kitchen staff, warehouse workers, and supply managers.
For those working in private practices like at a family doctor’s office, certain staff are also covered. This includes nurses, assistants, and dental assistants.
A new pay table is being prepared for these workers. This system is designed to reward experience and further education. The planned structure has 6 classification groups and 15 steps based on practical experience.
In practice, this means your pay could go up not just once. Moving to a higher pay step will typically be possible every three years based on your recognized professional experience. Some may qualify for a higher base salary after just one year, others after two or three. If you continue your studies and earn higher qualifications moving into a higher classified role can also increase your salary. A key goal stated is to bring up the lowest wages.
The exact details are still being finalized. The Ministry of Health will provide official information later regarding precise job classifications the new salary amounts and the detailed rules for advancement.
| Classification Group | Steps | Experience Required (years) |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Step 1 – Step 3 | 1-3 |
| Group 2 | Step 4 – Step 6 | 3-5 |
| Group 3 | Step 7 – Step 9 | 5-8 |
| Group 4 | Step 10 – Step 12 | 8-10 |
| Group 5 | Step 13 – Step 15 | 10+ |
| Group 6 | Special Cases | Varies |
