UN P-Level Matrix.

1. The Base Salary Scale

UN salaries for internationally recruited staff are composed of a base salary and a post adjustment. The base salary is determined by the grade (P-1 to D-2) and the step within that grade. Movement between steps usually occurs annually or biennially based on satisfactory performance.

The figures below represent the Net Base Salary (2023 scale). "Net" means the figure is calculated after the deduction of staff assessment (an internal UN tax). Note that UN salaries are generally exempt from national income taxation; where they are not (e.g., US citizens), the UN operates a tax reimbursement system.

Note: Do not read these figures in isolation. A P-3 in Geneva does not take home $62,120; they take home significantly more due to post adjustment.

2. The Post Adjustment Multiplier

The base salary is multiplied by a Post Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) designed to ensure that staff at the same grade and step have equal purchasing power regardless of their duty station.

For example, if the PAM for Geneva is 81.6 (as it was recently), a P-3 Step 1 base salary of $62,120 is adjusted as follows: $62,120 + ($62,120 × 0.816) = $112,809 net.

PAM fluctuates monthly based on currency exchange rates and local inflation. Duty stations in highly developed, expensive cities (Geneva, New York, Copenhagen) have high multipliers. Duty stations in developing countries often have low or zero multipliers, though staff there may receive hardship and danger pay instead.

3. Allowances that Skew the Economics

Comparing a UN salary to a private sector salary using base + PAM is still inaccurate. The UN compensation package is heavily skewed toward staff with dependents.

• Dependency Allowance: An annual allowance is paid for a dependent spouse (usually ~6% of net remuneration) and each dependent child.
• Education Grant: For internationally recruited staff serving outside their home country, the UN subsidizes up to 75% of admissible education expenses (tuition) for children up to the end of their first post-secondary degree, subject to maximum limits. This single benefit often dictates retention among mid-career P-4/P-5 staff.
• Rental Subsidy: If local rent exceeds a established threshold percentage of the staff member's income, the UN may subsidize a portion of the difference for a limited number of years.

4. Contract Precarity (TA vs FTA)

The economics described above assume a standard Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA). However, the UN system increasingly relies on precarious contract types to manage headcount and budget volatility.

Temporary Appointments (TA): Typically issued for less than one year. TA staff are placed on a different, lower scale (the single rate scale) and are not eligible for many allowances, including the education grant and relocation grants.

Consultancies: Not staff. Paid a daily or monthly rate without benefits, health insurance, or pension contributions. See our Consulting Day Rates guide for modeling this.