Salary band

EUR 7461-8225 /month

Basic gross salary band, before allowances (expatriation, household, dependent-child) and the country correction coefficient. Use the salary calculator to estimate net pay.

Current vacancies

8 open at AD9

Live vacancies refreshed daily from every EU institution and agency we track. Jump to AD9 vacancies.

Career path: AD vs AST vs FG

AD9 is an Administrator (AD) grade, covering policy development, legislative drafting, management, and senior specialist roles across the EU institutions. By contrast, AST grades (AST1-AST11) cover technical and administrative assistants, AST/SC grades cover secretarial and clerical support, and FG grades (FG I-IV) are Contract Agent fixed-term roles. AD careers run from AD5 (entry) to AD16 (Director-General).

AD9 Salary in 2026: Step by Step

Basic monthly salary for AD9 under Annex I of the EU Staff Regulations. Every two years of service moves you up one step automatically (Article 44). The net estimate deducts EU community tax, pension, sickness insurance and the solidarity levy at a flat ~25%; actual net varies with allowances and family situation.

Step Gross salary (EUR/month) Est. net (~75%)
Step 1 €10,083 €7,562
Step 2 €10,506 €7,880
Step 3 €10,948 €8,211
Step 4 €11,253 €8,439
Step 5 €11,408 €8,556

On top of basic salary, staff may receive the 16% expatriation allowance, household and dependent-child allowances, and the country correction coefficient adjusts pay outside Brussels. See the full EU salary tables or estimate your own net pay with the salary calculator.

About AD9 positions, requirements, and career path

What is a AD9 Position?

AD9 is a senior Administrator grade, often associated with team leadership, head-of-unit, or senior specialist roles. AD9 officials are experienced professionals who manage policy areas, lead teams, or provide high-level technical expertise. The current AD9 basic monthly salary ranges from approximately EUR 7,266 to EUR 8,225. Positions at this level carry significant responsibilities including budget management, staff supervision, and strategic planning.

How to Get a AD9 Position

AD9 positions are reached primarily through internal promotion from lower AD grades or through direct recruitment by agencies seeking senior specialists. EPSO occasionally runs competitions at this level for highly specialized profiles. Agency recruitment at AD9 typically requires ten or more years of relevant professional experience and demonstrated leadership capabilities. Some positions at this level are reserved for internal candidates through promotion exercises.

AD9 Career Progression

AD9 is a pivotal grade where staff may transition into formal management roles. Head-of-unit positions at the European Commission typically start at AD9 or above. Further progression to AD12 (Director) and AD14-AD16 (Director-General) requires management experience and successful participation in senior management selection procedures.

Requirements

A completed university degree plus extensive professional experience (typically ten or more years). Management experience is often required or strongly preferred. Thorough knowledge of at least two EU official languages, with some positions requiring three languages.

Frequently asked questions about AD9

8 positions found

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