Ministry of Defence - Republic of Albania

26/06/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Defence Minister Niko Peleshi: Significant salary increases for all ranks, from junior soldiers to generals, firefighters to benefit as well

Defence Minister Niko Peleshi: Significant salary increases for all ranks, from junior soldiers to generals, firefighters to benefit as well


Published: Wednesday, 26 June 2024 11:46



Defence Minister Niko Peleshi has announced a new salary increase for both the Armed Forces and civilian personnel within public administration. Following a government meeting, Minister Peleshi highlighted the substantial impact this raise will have across all ranks, spanning from soldiers to generals. He emphasized that military salaries will progressively increase each year with the aim of aligning them with the salary standards of NATO member countries.

"In 2022, Albania witnessed a significant surge in salaries, marking the largest increment since the 1990s, with a notable 30% raise for the Armed Forces. The Prime Minister has committed to continue implementing annual salary raise until the average level of NATO countries is reached. These incremental raises will progressively bring Albanian military salaries closer to surpassing regional countries and approaching the standards of dignified nations." - emphasized the Defence Minister.

In his statement, he also specified the extent of the increase effective from July 1st.
"For the rank IV soldier, the base salary will increase to 71,000 ALL, factoring in both rank and years of service, up from 42,000 ALL in 2019, marking an increase of 29,000 ALL during this period. Additionally, all salaries will incorporate a food allowance in the form of food compensation totaling 16,000 ALL." It's important to note that a IV soldier won't be receiving 71,000 ALL anymore, but will receive 87,000 ALL. This is significant news for all young individuals, especially those considering joining the Armed Forces, as it sets a starting payment of 87,000 ALL. The decision's policy ranges from 7% to 22%, notably prioritizing lower ranks more than in previous years".

In 2019, the salary of a sergeant stood at 48,200 ALL. Following a subsequent 30% increase, it rose to 62,660 ALL, and as of today, it stands at 80,000 ALL. Additionally, a food allowance of 16,000 ALL is provided, as clarified by Minister Peleshi.
Minister Peleshi further elaborated that the salary of a major increased from 68,800 ALL to 89,440 ALL after a 30% raise, and currently stands at 107,000 ALL excluding food allowances. Over the span of five years, this marks a difference of 38,200 ALL. Minister Peleshi underscored that in 2019, the salary of a colonel was 110,000 ALL, which escalated to 143,000 ALL following a 30% increment, and presently stands at 163,500 ALL exclusive of food allowances. Regarding generals, their salary rose from 127,500 ALL in 2022 to 165,000 ALL after a similar 30% rise, and as of today, stands at 190,000 ALL, reflecting an increase of 62,500 ALL.

During his speech, Peleshi emphasized that the government has allocated a budget of 2% of GDP to the Ministry of Defense, thereby confirming Albania's commitment as one of the 22 allied countries in NATO. The Defence Minister further stated that $11 million has been allocated towards salary increases, taking into consideration the civilian personnel as well.
The Minister of Defense announced that there will be salary increases for firefighters, whom he described as doing very important, irreplaceable, and valuable work. According to him, these increases range up to 30% depending on the ranks:

"Firefighter assistant, the lowest rank, currently earns 46,000 ALL, increasing by 30.43%, which is 14,000 ALL, bringing today's salary to 60,000 ALL. Upon entering the Fire Service, the starting salary will be 60,000 ALL. A firefighter, a higher rank, previously earning 52,500 ALL, now goes up to 65,000 ALL; chief firefighter goes from 55,000 ALL to 70,000 ALL; chief fire inspector from 74,500 ALL to 85,000 ALL; fire inspector from 64,200 ALL to 75,000 ALL; fire commissioner from 97,500 ALL to 105,000 ALL; fire director from 108,000 ALL to 115,000 ALL; senior fire director from 120,000 ALL to 140,000 ALL; and top fire director from 131,000 ALL to 160,000 ALL." - specified Minister Peleshi, referring to these as very dignified salary levels.

Minister Peleshi also issued a call to local leaders amidst rising temperatures and heightened fire risks: "Regrettably, we stand at the threshold of the fire season, where the scorching summer conditions typically bring about numerous blazes. I appeal to mayors and our entire firefighting force to remain vigilant in mitigating the aftermath in what is unfortunately anticipated to be a hotter season compared to previous years." - stated Peleshi.