Salary band

EUR 3523-3883 /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

3 open at AST3

Live vacancies refreshed daily from every EU institution and agency we track. Jump to AST3 vacancies.

Career path: AD vs AST vs FG

AST3 is an Assistant (AST) grade, covering technical and administrative support across the EU institutions. By contrast, AD grades (AD5-AD16) cover Administrator policy and management work, AST/SC grades (AST/SC1-AST/SC6) cover secretarial and clerical roles, and FG grades (FG I-IV) are Contract Agent fixed-term posts. AST careers progress from AST1 to AST11 through merit-based promotion every three to five years.

AST3 Salary in 2026: Step by Step

Basic monthly salary for AST3 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 €4,806 €3,605
Step 2 €5,008 €3,756
Step 3 €5,219 €3,914
Step 4 €5,364 €4,023
Step 5 €5,438 €4,078

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 AST3 positions, requirements, and career path

What is a AST3 Position?

AST3 is an Assistant grade in the EU institutions, covering administrative and technical support roles. AST-grade staff handle tasks such as financial management, human resources administration, IT support, and office management. AST3 is an entry to mid-level assistant position requiring a post-secondary diploma or equivalent. The current AST3 basic monthly salary ranges from approximately EUR 3,371 to EUR 3,817. AST staff are permanent officials with career prospects within the assistant function group.

How to Get a AST3 Position

AST3 positions are available through EPSO open competitions for Assistants. These competitions test candidates through computer-based reasoning tests and competency assessments. Some agencies also recruit temporary agents at AST levels directly. Internal reclassification from contract agent to AST grade is possible in some institutions.

AST3 Career Progression

AST staff can progress from AST1 through AST11 via the regular promotion system. Promotions are merit-based, with typical progression of one grade every three to four years. At higher AST levels (AST7-AST11), staff may take on team coordination or supervisory responsibilities. The AST/SC (Secretary/Clerk) category provides an alternative pathway for support staff.

Requirements

A post-secondary education diploma or a secondary education diploma plus relevant professional experience. Knowledge of at least two EU official languages is required. Specific technical roles may require additional qualifications or certifications.

Frequently asked questions about AST3

3 positions found

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