# Pay grades

> Academium SMS Help › Human Resource
> For: School Owner, School Admin, Accountant
> Web page: https://helpcenter.academium.com.ng/academium-sms/article/sms-pay-grades
> Last updated: 2026-10-06

A **pay grade** is a salary structure that several staff can share, such as *Graduate Teacher* or *Senior Staff*. Open **Payroll → Pay Grades**.

## Creating a pay grade

1. Name the pay grade.
2. Enter the **basic salary**.
3. Add **allowances**, such as housing or transport.
4. Add **deductions**, such as cooperative contributions.
5. Save.

**PAYE** is worked out for you from your [tax bands](https://helpcenter.academium.com.ng/academium-sms/article/sms-tax.md). The PAYE line is locked, and recalculated every time you save the grade.

## Next step

Assign the pay grade to staff. See [Assigning pay grades](https://helpcenter.academium.com.ng/academium-sms/article/sms-assigning-pay-grades.md).

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