Atomic Energy Committee Tops Security System Salary Report, IDF Earns Least

A recent salary report for Israel's security system reveals that employees of the Atomic Energy Committee earn the highest average monthly gross salary, exceeding 34,000 shekels in 2024. In contrast, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have the lowest average salary at approximately 18,756 shekels. Other security bodies such as Mossad and Shin Bet report salaries slightly above 32,000 shekels, while the Biological Research Institute employees earn just under 32,000 shekels. Civilians working for the IDF earn nearly 21,000 shekels, with police officers earning around 20,000 shekels and prison service employees about 19,000 shekels.

The report also highlights a reduction in wage gaps between lower and higher ranks within the security forces, but notes a widening gender pay gap. This disparity is attributed to the different roles men and women occupy, with men more often serving in field and combat positions that carry higher risk and additional pay.

Regarding pensions, the report states that IDF officers retire relatively early, at an average age of 45, and receive the highest pension value among security personnel, averaging 9 million shekels with a monthly pension of about 20,019 shekels. Police officers retire at 54 with pensions averaging 7.4 million shekels and monthly payments of 22,000 shekels, while prison service officers retire at 55 with pensions of 5.4 million shekels and monthly payments of 17,000 shekels. The report notes that despite a 2016 law intended to regulate pension payments to converge towards a target amount, the average pension in 2024 remains significantly above the set goal.

This comprehensive salary and pension analysis provides insight into the financial conditions of Israel's security personnel, highlighting disparities across agencies, ranks, and genders, as well as the challenges in pension reform.