As teachers in England and Wales stage a strike over pay, the BBC News website examines how public sector workers' pay deals compare.
TEACHERS
Teachers' pay is negotiated in three-year deals
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Teachers starting off in classrooms in England and Wales earn £20,133. There is an extra £4,000 for those working in inner London.
The most experienced teachers in England and Wales can reach £34,281 outside London.
Headteachers can earn a great deal more. Salaries start at £39,525 and can reach nearly £100,000 outside London.
Teachers' pay is negotiated in three-year deals. They are due to receive a 2.45% pay increase in September 2008 and 2.3% rises in 2009 and 2010. An independent pay review body advises the government.
POLICE OFFICERS
Police officers said their pay award amounted to 1.9% not 2.5%
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Police officers earn increasing amounts as their experience grows.
After initial training, all officers start earning £24,039 a year. There is also London weighting for those working in the capital, currently just over £2,000.
Experience is recognised by the pay system. An officer with 10 years behind them would be earning £33,800.
Promotion also brings financial rewards. A sergeant's starting salary is £33,810 which can rise to £37,998 and an inspector's starting salary is £43,320.
In 2007 police officers were recommended a pay increase of 2.5% (included in the above figures). But because the government refused to backdate it to September 2006, the Police Federation said this was only worth 1.9%.
FIREFIGHTERS
Firefighters have gone on strike for increased pay
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Qualified firefighters all receive £27,185. Unlike police constables, there is no extra money for experience.
Salaries will rise only with promotion.
A firefighter leading a crew earns just over £30,000, while a station officer can earn more than £38,000.
In July 2007 staff received a pay rise of 2.4% which was paid outright.
NURSES
Nurses threatened industrial action over pay
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In 2007 nurses were unhappy with their pay rise but ultimately agreed to accept it.
Nurses were recommended an increase of 2.5%. The government implemented this in full across Britain, except for those in England who had a staggered increase.
Despite threatening strike action, nurses in England accepted 1.5% and a further 1% six months later. This was an effective pay rise of 1.9%.
The average pay for a nurse is almost £25,000. However, the pay scale is very wide. Pay is decided on experience, specialist skills and the actual role.
A clinical support worker would start on £12,500. A hospital nurse would expect about £7,000 more, while a nurse consultant could earn £90,000.
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