Our benefits

Pay and pension

As we are an accredited Living Wage employer paying the Scottish Local Government Living Wage, we guarantee that you will earn more than the National Minimum Wage regardless of the role you choose.

Our rates of pay are reviewed and negotiated nationally between COSLA and SJC Trades Unions on an annual basis and information is available on the pay award site on the City of Edinburgh Council website.

Pension

As a member of a pension scheme, you'll benefit, because we will contribute to your pension, and so will the Government in the form of tax relief. It's an easy way to save for your retirement.

Local Government pension scheme

  • Our Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is managed by the Lothian Pension Fund.
  • The employer contribution rate for 2025-2026 is 17.6%.
  • A pension when you retire.
  • Choice of lump sum on retirement.
  • Life cover in form of a death grant of three times actual pay.
  • Pension for your close dependents (husband or wife or civil partner or eligible cohabiting partners or children).
  • Employer pays around £3 for every £1 you pay.
  • If you pay tax, you'll receive tax relief on the contributions you make.
  • Refund option if you leave before two years membership with no transfers or other LGPS benefits.
  • Option to join the 50/50 section to pay 50% of contributions and receive 50% of the benefits.

Teachers pension scheme

  • The Scottish Teachers Pension Scheme (STPS) is provided by Scottish Public Pensions Agency.
  • This pension is a career average salary scheme and a qualifying pension scheme, which meets or exceeds the government standards.
  • A 'career average salary scheme' means that your pension will be worked out every year and inflation increases added, to ensure it keeps up with the cost of living. The STPS is contracted out of the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS).
  • There are lots of reasons to save for your future with the STPS, including
    • generous contributions from your employer
    • valuable benefits that have you covered during your service like tax relief, partial retirement and much more.