Teacher Salary By Country

It is important to remember when looking at the raw figures presented here for TESOL teacher pay that the figures are all relative to the cost of living in the country or region in question. A salary of US$2,000 a month in rural Cambodia is certainly not the equivalent of the same salary in Tokyo, Japan. Additionally, the raw salary does not indicate other financial and non-financial benefits, such as who pays for your permits and licenses, who pays for your accommodation, do you get holiday pay or free flights, etc? So do not just take the figures at face value. Do some of your own research on the general living costs in the country you are interested in and scan the job adverts for additional benefits. Five main factors related to TESOL teacher pay: Taking each of these in turn;...  [Read more]

Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world which means there is a constant demand for English language instruction within the tourism sector. Across the country, you will find hundreds of privately run language schools and a government sponsored program that recruits teachers to work in the public school system. The large markets for ESL teachers are located in big cities such as Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia, although a smaller number of options can also be found in other towns, cities and beach resorts in all areas of the country. How much you can expect to earn while teaching in Spain will vary significantly depending on several factors such as your previous classroom experience, your academic qualifications, the area where you choose to work, and the type...  [Read more]

Thailand is one of the undisputed top destinations in Southeast Asia for ESL teachers. Jobs are relatively easy to find in many areas of the country, although the average salary is not as high as in several other countries across Asia. However, many teachers still flock to Thailand to enjoy the laid back lifestyle, vibrant culture, and extensive entertainment options. In years gone by it was common for teachers to work in Thailand without an official work permit, however, things have moved on and you will now need to meet the set requirements if you want to earn a good income. The main requirement for gaining a work permit is a university degree in any subject. A TESOL qualification is not officially required, although without one you may struggle to find a job with a reputable...  [Read more]

With over 300 million people studying English and a rapidly growing economy, China is unsurprisingly the top employer of ESL teachers in the world. As demand is so high in many areas of the country, schools offer high salaries in order to fill their vacant positions. Salaries vary considerably in different areas of this vast nation, but wherever you choose to live and work in China you should be able to save a good amount of your salary each month. Teachers with no previous experience can expect to earn anywhere from 6000 RMB to 12000 RMB per month ($1000 to $2000 US dollars). As well as a healthy basic salary, many ESL jobs in China also include extras such as free housing and paid airfares in and out of the country. Thanks to these extra perks and a low cost of living, many...  [Read more]

Some people see Saudi Arabia as the ideal destination for teaching English abroad as potential salaries and other benefits are as good as anywhere in the world. Cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah have a strong and continuous demand for qualified teachers, with universities, colleges, international schools, and private language academies all looking to fill vacant positions. Although salaries are very high across the country, Saudi Arabia has a unique cultural environment that you also need to be aware of before getting on the plane. The country has very conservative laws and traditions that might make it unsuitable for some teachers. Drinking alcohol is completely forbidden and close interaction between unmarried couples is not allowed. It can be particularly challenging for female...  [Read more]

The first thing to appreciate, regardless of which country you are talking about, is that within any country there are vast differences in job opportunities and pay and conditions. Within any single country there are distinct areas which we could divide into three categories: 1. Urban 2. Sub-Urban (or Provincial) 3. Rural As you may expect, the level of opportunity, typical salary, and benefits, all decrease as you go down the list. A first world city such as Tokyo will be a vastly different teaching experience to a rural hamlet on a hillside in Cambodia. Many economically challenged areas will not be able to afford English teachers at all and jobs in these areas tend to be for volunteer work. If we look at mainstream job opportunities in urban environments this will give you an idea...  [Read more]

The simple reason why some countries or schools offer higher salaries is to attract the very best candidates for their vacant positions. What is considered to be the best candidates does vary considerably from one country to the next, but there are a few common factors regarding teaching qualifications and classroom experience that appear when looking at jobs that pay the most. These common factors are: being a native English speaker, with a degree in education or a related field, and a TESOL certificate (although higher qualifications such as a Diploma in TESOL are sometimes needed). A minimum of two years previous teaching experience is also often asked for. If you are lucky enough to tick all the boxes stated above you will be in with a very good chance of securing a top teaching...  [Read more]

Latin America contains several countries such as Chile, Costa Rica, and Mexico that are well known destinations for teaching English abroad. However, there are a few other countries across the region that are starting to challenge the dominance of these traditional teaching markets. Ecuador is certainly one of these as it boasts a wide range of extraordinary environments to explore, from the Andean Mountains to the Amazon rainforest. Big cities such as Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, all have plenty of potential job opportunities, although there are many smaller towns and cities across the country to look at if you want to stay off the beaten track. The average salary for a foreign teacher in Ecuador is generally quite low when compared to many other popular destinations around the...  [Read more]

In recent years Kuwait has become a very wealthy nation and a very popular place for teaching English abroad. A wide variety of jobs are on offer, from kindergarten right through to university level and beyond. The center of the job market is Kuwait City which has a booming demand and all the comforts you could want while living and working overseas. As well as modern Kuwait, you will also be able to explore the rich Arab culture, ancient archaeological sites, and white sandy beaches that make up this fascinating country. As a wealthy, oil rich country, Kuwait has no shortage of employers who are able to offer teachers a very healthy salary. On average, you can earn in the region of $2,500 to $4,000 per month and most jobs also include extra benefits. A typical contract should...  [Read more]

Most foreign ESL teachers working in South Korea are employed by government run public schools or private language academies known as hagwons. Both of these employers typically offer a good salary and a range of extra benefits, but there are some differences between the two that might lead you to choose one over the other. Both types of employers hire the majority of their teachers in advance from within their own country. Public school recruitment follows a set timetable that has two start dates each year. Applications for the start date in August/September need to be filed online beginning in April. The application process for the February/March start date begins in October. A large percentage of teachers who work in public schools are recruited via a government program known as...  [Read more]

EPIK stands for the English Program in Korea. This government run scheme places foreign teachers into schools across South Korea where they work as English language instructors. EPIK is probably the most popular program of its kind anywhere in the world as it includes a good salary, several extra benefits, and the once in a lifetime chance to live and work in a unique cultural environment. If you are accepted by the program you will join the thousand or so others who head to South Korea each year via this route. If this is something you might be interested in, we recommend you contact our TESOL recruitment partner Reach To Teach. Reach To Teach is an official partner of the EPIK program and works with the Korean Ministry of Education during the recruitment process. Applicants for the...  [Read more]

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere it is likely that you have endured many years of cold, dark winters. If you would like the opportunity to experience living in a climate that is warm all year round, why not complete a TESOL certification course and start a new life living and working as an English teacher in the exotic tropical zone? Thousands of people every year take advantage of this opportunity and very few end up regretting their decision. All you need to do is decide which tropical country is right for you. Costa Rica is small in size, but it has a very large market for TESOL qualified teachers. Most teaching jobs are found in private language centers that are located in most of the larger towns and cities. Private tutoring of English students is also a popular way to...  [Read more]

Cambodia is an increasingly popular destination for teaching English abroad. Phnom Penh is home to the largest market for foreign teachers. Other smaller cities such as Siem Reap, Battambang, and Sihanoukville are also worth a look if you prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. One reason for its growing popularity is that a 4-year degree is not an official requirement for living and working in the country. Because of this, Cambodia is a great place for new teachers to find a job that will give them the experience necessary to work in more lucrative countries in the future. Others choose Cambodia simply because it is a little off the beaten track and offers plenty of adventure. Your expected earnings in Cambodia will depend on your level of teaching experience,...  [Read more]

Although violence and drug related crime have dominated the headlines in Colombia in the past, the country is now changing dramatically. Peace has largely returned to the streets and the tourism industry is thriving as people flock to enjoy the country?s many attractions. Colombia is an exotic and exciting place to teach English, but just make sure you get there before the whole world finds out. Although the average salary of between $700 and $1,000 per month is not particularly high, teachers can still live well in Colombia due to the relatively low cost of living. The best salaries are usually found in private schools which also typically provide extra benefits such as housing assistance and health insurance. The average hourly rate for private tutoring is around $12 to $25,...  [Read more]

Completing a TESOL certification course has many different benefits, including the following five: There are a number of valuable transferable skills obtained when completing a TESOL course. These include, but are not limited to: Knowledge of teaching/learning and the English language, organizational skills related to lesson planning and classroom management, motivational theories and practice. All of these have a place in the business world and other sectors of education outside of ESL and are therefore very useful. Employers who are aware of what a TESOL certificate contains will welcome these skills regardless of whether the job is teaching related or not. A TESOL qualification is a great addition to your CV, or resume. Having knowledge of a subject is not enough for you to be...  [Read more]

As it is the largest country in Latin America, it is no surprise that Brazil offers plenty of potential for TESOL qualified teachers. Due to a fast growing tourist industry and a booming economy, Brazil has a strong demand for ESL teachers in many areas. For teachers, the country has many attractions including a warm climate, stunning landscapes, exotic wildlife, a colorful social scene, and some of the best beaches in the world. The relaxed way of life is more likely to attract foreign teachers to Brazil than the average monthly salary of around $800 to $1,500. Although you are not likely to be able to save a great deal of your income, teachers should still earn enough to live a comfortable life away from the classroom. In general, teachers in Brazil are more often paid by the hour...  [Read more]

Portugal is a very popular tourist destination, which is one of the main reasons why the demand for ESL teachers is high in many areas. However, the local economy has had a rough time in recent years, so the salaries on offer for foreign teachers are not particularly high. Despite this, teachers are still drawn to the country by the promise of a pleasant lifestyle. All employers of foreign ESL teachers in Portugal require a university degree and a TESOL qualification, while many also expect at least one years teaching experience. If you are new to teaching, a TESOL course that included a practical teaching component is often accepted instead of previous work experience. The salary offered to teachers is generally determined by their level of experience, with contracts lasting either...  [Read more]

Due to its popular culture, entertainment options and delicious cuisine, Thailand is always a popular choice for teaching English abroad. There are plenty of job options year-round in the capital Bangkok, as well as other popular destinations such as Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya. Previous experience is often not required, so it is particularly popular with newly qualified teachers and those who are looking for a more relaxed environment to live and work. A large number of people choose to teach English in Thailand due to its laid-back lifestyle, however, the average salary is typically quite low in comparison to some other countries in Asia. First time teachers can expect to earn around $1,000 per month which should cover your everyday expenses. If you have previous experience and...  [Read more]

Due to the ever-increasing popularity of English as a second language, there are dozens of great options when it comes to picking a destination for teaching abroad. There are popular destinations on every continent (maybe not Antartica), where jobs are widespread and the quality of life you can expect as a teacher is above the local average. However, there are some places that are easier to get set up in than others. We have looked at a wide range of criteria such as job availability, the visa process, average income compared to average outgoings, how welcome you will feel on arrival, and even the local cuisine, to come up with the following list of great destinations for teaching English abroad. To provide a range of options we have limited it to one country per region. There are...  [Read more]

With a great location right in the heart of Central Europe, Slovakia is an up-and-coming destination for TESOL certified teachers. Although it is not yet on the radar of many teachers coming to work in Europe, this rapidly modernising country will not be overlooked for much longer. Despite recent leaps forward, Slovakia has a long history which has left its mark in the form of ancient castles, medieval fortresses, and a rich cultural heritage that is evident throughout the country. The demand for foreign teachers has soared since joining the EU, so if you want plenty of jobs to choose from in a safe and peaceful country, Slovakia might be for you. Although teaching jobs are widespread, the average salary is not large by European standards. However, as long as you have a TESOL...  [Read more]