With the 2022 wage increases, district governor (kaymakam) salaries also changed. Candidates who aspire to become a kaymakam should first understand what a kaymakam does, the average salary range, and the steps required to become one. We have compiled detailed answers to these questions for you.
What Are the Duties of a Kaymakam?
A kaymakam is responsible for protecting and ensuring the welfare of the district they administer. As the highest-ranking civil administrator in a district, the kaymakam ensures public order and oversees local governance.
Key duties of a kaymakam include appointing local officials, supervising and inspecting public services, and ensuring that operations comply with laws and regulations governing the district.
In summary;
- Inspecting local operations and assigning officials to inspection duties
- Engaging directly with citizens, listening to problems, and recording issues for follow-up action
- Commanding security personnel in the district—such as municipal guards, gendarmerie, and police—to maintain public safety
These responsibilities define the role of the kaymakam in practice.
What Does a Kaymakam Do?
The job of a kaymakam is to carry out the duties assigned by the government. Although districts are local administrative units and can be small, in densely populated areas the number of residents can be considerable.
Ensuring both the safety and welfare of district residents is an essential part of a kaymakam’s duties. Everything that happens within the district falls under the kaymakam’s responsibilities and is subject to reporting. As the first official to be informed about local incidents or disruptions, a kaymakam often works under a heavy workload.
Kaymakams are obligated to implement tasks given by the government and regularly report to the provincial governor. They inform higher authorities about significant events, problems, or corrective measures in their districts. Appointments are typically made for terms that can range from two to five years, and kaymakams must resolve local issues promptly. They assume office through formal appointment.
What Were Kaymakam Salaries in 2022?
Following the 2022 minimum wage increase, kaymakam salaries rose accordingly. Although the raise may not have satisfied all public servants, there was a notable increase in monthly pay.
During the training period, candidates serve as trainee kaymakams. Those who successfully complete their duties and demonstrate competence may be appointed as full kaymakams by the Ministry of Interior.
2022 kaymakam monthly salaries by grade;
- Grade 1 kaymakam: 17,152.61 TL
- Grade 2 kaymakam: 15,841.26 TL
- Grade 3 kaymakam: 15,023.27 TL
- Grade 4 kaymakam: 14,406.86 TL
- Grade 5 kaymakam: 13,692.78 TL
- Grade 6 kaymakam: 13,507.76 TL
Requirements to Become a Kaymakam
To become a kaymakam you must meet the legal and regulatory conditions specified in laws and regulations. Below are the main qualifications required for kaymakamship.
- Applicants must be under 35 years old at the time applications are opened by the Ministry of Interior. Those over 35 are not eligible to apply.
- Applicants must complete the application form published on the Ministry of Interior website. Typically, candidates are expected to be graduates of law faculties, political science departments, or faculties of economics and administrative sciences; graduates of unrelated programs are generally not eligible.
- After applying, candidates take a written exam organized by the Ministry of Interior. The first exam tests knowledge in law, politics, and other subjects relevant to the role. Candidates must score at least 70 points to advance to the next stage.
- For the interview stage, candidates are typically invited at a ratio of four times the number of available positions. During the oral assessment, experts evaluate candidates’ suitability for the role.
- Those who pass the interview and are deemed suitable by the evaluation board may first be appointed as trainee kaymakams; after successfully completing their traineeship, they can be appointed as full kaymakams.
What Area Does a Kaymakam Govern?
A kaymakam’s jurisdiction is limited to the district assigned by the Ministry of Interior. Kaymakams coordinate with each other within the province and collectively report to the provincial governor. Local development, public safety, construction approvals, and other district matters require kaymakam oversight.
Acting as a public official, a kaymakam must prioritize citizens while remaining accountable to the government. Appointments may be changed by the central government, and kaymakams can be reassigned to other districts. Typically, they serve around five years in a post and are expected to perform diligently wherever they are assigned.
How to Become a Kaymakam
To become a kaymakam you must graduate from a four-year university program. Eligible candidates typically come from law schools, faculties of economics and administrative sciences, or political science departments.
Graduates of these programs who are under 35 years old may apply for kaymakam recruitment when announced.
- Recruitment announcements are published by the Ministry of Interior. Eligible graduates who meet the age requirement must register for the exam.
- Applications are submitted online through the ministry’s designated channel, and candidates must attend the exam either online or in person at the scheduled time.
- Candidates must demonstrate adequate legal and administrative knowledge and answer exam questions correctly to qualify.
- Those who pass the written exam advance to the oral interview; successful candidates then complete a traineeship as candidate kaymakams.
- The traineeship phase aims to further develop candidates’ practical skills and knowledge so they can serve the state and public effectively.
How Are Kaymakam Appointments Made?
Kaymakam appointments are finalized by decrees endorsed by the Presidency and the Ministry of Interior and are published in the Official Gazette. Appointments are announced for candidates deemed suitable by the authorities, and formal appointment notices are issued by the Ministry. Kaymakams are accountable to provincial governors and the Ministry of Interior.
Who Appoints the Kaymakam?
The appointing authority for kaymakams is the President. Appointments are made based on recommendations from the Ministry of Interior and are confirmed by presidential decision. Appointment and dismissal decisions are published through official channels and communicated to the affected individuals.
Can Women Serve as Kaymakams?
Yes. Women serve as kaymakams in many districts. Appointments in the Turkish civil service are based on merit, without gender discrimination. There are currently more than 30 women serving as kaymakams across the country.
When they meet the required qualifications, women are appointed to kaymakam positions on equal terms. Women perform the same duties and fulfill the same responsibilities as their male counterparts.