Czech police and firefighters' salaries to rise by CZK 3,000 a year through 2029

On Monday, the Czech government approved next year's budget, which projects a deficit of CZK 386 billion and includes a phased pay rise for police officers, firefighters, customs officers and prison service staff between 2027 and 2029. Interior Minister Jan Metnar announced the move on social media platform X.

According to him, salaries will increase by CZK 2,600–2,900 a month each year, adding up to a total rise of CZK 8,700 over three years. The goal is to bring the starting salary of a fully trained police officer or firefighter up to CZK 50,000 by January 1, 2029.

Who gets what

Speaking at a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Alena Schillerová explained that the average salary of police officers, firefighters and other security service employees will rise by CZK 2,900, with the increase phased in gradually each year to fulfill the government's policy commitment to reach a starting salary of CZK 50,000 by 2029.

Contract soldiers will see a slightly smaller rise of CZK 2,440. Schillerová noted that their salaries had already grown faster in previous years thanks to various measures, which had prompted staff from other security services to move into the army — a trend she called undesirable, adding that the pay gap needs to be narrowed somewhat. Civilian staff at security agencies will receive a CZK 3,000 raise.

New hires and equipment

The interior minister noted that alongside the pay rises, the ministry needs to recruit new staff and strengthen its workforce. He said more than 1,500 new police positions will gradually be created, bringing the force's total strength to 43,000 officers, along with roughly 100 new firefighter posts. Funding for volunteer fire brigades will also increase by a further CZK 50 million.

Metnar added that cybersecurity spending will rise by CZK 240 million, while the remaining funds will go toward equipment, gear and weapons the ministry needs. He plans to present the details of the approved budget soon, first and foremost to those directly affected — security service employees and trade union representatives.

Source: novinky.cz