This is longer than the average length of teacher salary scales in OECD countries (24 for lower secondary education, see OECD, 2014a). The maximum salary of a pre-primary, primary or lower secondary teacher is approximately 73% greater than the beginning salary, whereas for upper secondary teachers the maximum salary is about 76% greater. The salary scales for Flemish teachers look slightly "steeper” than the OECD average (OECD, 2014a). Compared to most OECD countries, the Flemish Community puts a heavy emphasis on length of teaching experience in determining individual teachers’ salaries. Teachers with the same levels of qualifications and teaching experience receive essentially the same salary.