The International Schools Review Forum

Does anyone know if DOD teacher salaries are tax free?

Yes, you pay U.S. taxes, as clearly stated on their website:

http://www.dodea.edu/Offices/HR/employe ... /index.cfm

"Deductions from your Biweekly Pay: There are two type of deductions: discretionary and non-discretionary. Discretionary deductions are those deductions that only you may authorize, which may include life and health insurance, thrift savings, and plan contributions. Non-discretionary deductions will occur automatically, and include withholding of federal, state, and local income taxes, FICA tax and retirement plan contributions."

No, you pay taxes just like any other USA job.

Then where are these large salary figures of 100K+ coming from? Say the salary is 50K... COLA, etc. can bring it up how much?

Thanks

LQA, COLA, etc., all in compensation hits around 100K. Our starting salary on step 1 with just a BA is 40K. The average DoDDS teacher is over 50K and when you consider housing for a family in Japan and Europe yeah, compensation is around 100K.

While the pay is lower due to taxation, there are numerous benefits like:
-healthcare for life once you get enuf years in (currently 72% paid by govt)
-social security taxes matched
-discount food at the commissary
-post allowances that vary by exchange rate and cost of living location
-kids on health insurance till 26
-kids get reunification flights while in college
-you can put in additional retirement amounts thru TSP, up to 23k after 55
-free housing package gives you an opportunity to afford to live in western Europe AND save money
-the ease of living and traveling in western Europe

International schools have similar befefits, sometimes including tax free salaries.

Does anyone know if my pension contributions from prior military service would be applicable as a DOD teacher?

Your time in the service will count towards your total retirement years and the retirement money should also count.