However, 29 years’ service is needed to reach the highest pay steps in France, as opposed to an average of 24 years for the OECD countries. The average salary in France is still significantly below average for the OECD countries in respect of preprimary and primary education (by respectively 7% and 14%). However, the average actual pay is virtually equal to the OECD average for French teachers employed in lower or upper secondary education (where average pay is below the OECD average at 3% and 2%respectively ). It should be noted, however, that actual pay for France includes that of college and lyc£e teachers holding the country's highest teaching degree (I’agregation) at the end of their careers (with the highest salaries), whereas for these levels of education, statutory salaries include only the amounts corresponding to certified teachers with 15 years' service (see Table D3.4).