Caribbean Pay Scales

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How much of your pay will you keep?

Answer three quick questions. We'll take off everything the government deducts from a Jamaican payslip.

1
J$
Work for the government? Use your pay grade

Fills in your salary from the official scale for the tax year you pick below.

2Do you pay into a pension?

Most public servants pay 5%.

3Which tax year?
You'd keep
J$0

Where your pay goes

    This is an estimate. It leaves out allowances, the extra threshold for pensioners and people over 65, voluntary deductions and loans. Your payslip is the final word.

    How the deductions work

    NIS
    3% of gross pay, up to a yearly wage ceiling of J$5,000,000.
    NHT
    2% of gross pay.
    Education Tax
    2.25% of gross pay after NIS and approved pension contributions.
    Income tax (PAYE)
    25% on income above the tax-free amount, and 30% on income above J$6,000,000.

    Tax-free amount by year

    Tax yearPer yearPer month
    Apr 2025 to Mar 2026J$1,799,376J$149,948
    Apr 2026 to Mar 2027J$1,902,360J$158,530
    Apr 2027 to Mar 2028 (not yet announced)J$1,902,360J$158,530

    Threshold source: Jamaica Information Service, 14 April 2026. Public servants can pick their exact step on their grade page.