Andorra Male Prison Officers' Salaries Surge 33%, Creating 16% Gender Pay Gap

Male prison officers at Andorra's La Comella penitentiary received a fixed monthly salary of €3,336.59 in July 2026, €457.24 above the €2,879.35 average for female officers, government figures show. This represents a 16% gender pay gap among basic-scale agents, where men earned €3,550.91 and women €2,872.46 in 2025—a €678.45 difference—and €3,458.05 versus €2,573.90 in 2024.

Interior and Justice Minister Ester Molné shared the data in a written reply to Social Democrat deputy Pere Baró, covering base pay plus complements for operations, career progression, seniority, personal antiquity, and provisions under prison staff rules for permanent positions. Categories with one or two staff were excluded to protect privacy.

The ministry attributes the gap to specializations and individual career paths within the department. Men's salaries climbed 32.58% since 2018, when women averaged €2,640.37—€124 more than men's €2,516.28—while women's rose 9.05%. Changes accelerated after 2022 restructurings in operational and antiquity complements, with women's pay stabilizing at €2,879.35 by mid-2026. First-class sub-officers now receive €7,003.82, nearly double the 2018 level of €3,662.32.

La Comella has 66 staff: 58 men and eight women. Agents number 41 men and four women; officers two men and three women; sub-officers 10 men and two women; first-class sub-officers four men and two women. Leadership includes one director and one deputy director. A public competition for five agent posts opened on 12 August, amid plans to assess needs against retirements.

Without early exits at age 55, eight positions face mandatory retirement within five years: the deputy director, four intermediate commanders (sub-officers), and three agents. The government plans gradual replacements.

Baró inquired about a reintegration protocol for returning staff, reportedly for one person. Molné said it was created with equality specialists, applies on a case-by-case basis, and separates general from intervention units. It features temporary measures without pay cuts, sanctions, or career harm.

Molné rejected claims of broad unrest, tying tensions solely to the Andorran Prison Union (SPA), which unilaterally suspended dialogue in July 2025. The government remains open to resuming talks and maintains fluid relations with the other two unions.