High School English Teacher Salary

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]

To answer this question we will look at five of the most popular countries for teaching English abroad in four different regions. We will also give a brief overview of the region and a breakdown of the average monthly salary you can expect to earn in the equivalent US$ figure. Finally, we will provide a current job posting taken from an online job board to give you an idea of what to expect. Just remember that when evaluating your expected monthly income you need to factor in the local cost of living. What would be considered a high salary in one country might not be enough to live comfortably in another. Asia is home to the largest markets for TESOL qualified teachers anywhere in the world, with several countries having a very high demand year round. High income countries such as...  [Read more]

As 90% of the population of the United Arab Emirates is made up of expatriates from all over the world, it provides a great environment for English language teaching. Demand for foreign teachers is very high in major centers such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, as salaries are famously high, competition for jobs can often be very strong. If you are new to teaching and have little or no classroom experience, you are unlikely to get employed in the UAE. For those who are successful, you can expect to live a very comfortable lifestyle during your stay. You will find a wide variety of employers across the country, all of which should pay a competitive salary of between 9,000 AED (currently $2,500 US) and 20,000 AED ($5,500 US) per month. The exact figure will depend on the employer,...  [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]

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]

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]

When it comes to teaching English overseas many people imagine it always involves teaching in rundown inner city schools or backwater villages with few resources. However, while there are plenty of jobs like that out there, there are other options that are far from this scenario. International schools aimed at wealthy locals and expat children are one such option. Here you will find teaching jobs located in a modern environment where resources and facilities are typically top class. If you have not yet looked into teaching in an international school environment, take a look at the following reasons why you really should. Unlike most ESL teaching jobs that are aimed at local students and involve teaching English at typically low levels, international schools actually teach most of...  [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]

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]

With its unique position overlapping Europe and Asia, Turkey has been popular with international travelers for many years. The country is also rapidly becoming popular with ESL teachers as demand for the English language continues to grow at a fast rate in many areas. Big cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir are home to the majority of teaching jobs, but smaller numbers can be found elsewhere. In theory, a degree is required for all teaching jobs in Turkey, however, a shortage of teachers means that a TESOL certificate is often enough to secure many jobs. As Turkey is a big country with different levels of economy in different regions, the average monthly salary ranges from $800 to $1,800, depending on the individual employer, your qualifications, and level of experience. Most...  [Read more]

Taiwan is an increasingly popular teaching destination as it offers good salaries and a relatively low cost of living, as well as a highly developed infrastructure and a stable economy. If you are a native English speaker with a TESOL certification you should have no problem landing a teaching job in a public school or a privately owned language academy. Positions can be found in all parts of the country, but the largest markets are in big cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan. Your expected salary in Taiwan will be heavily influenced by your qualifications and your previous teaching experience. It is quite common to pay an hourly rate rather than a fixed salary, with rates starting at around 600 NTD (currently $20 US). If you have plenty of experience, you might be...  [Read more]

Demand for teachers is high in many parts of Italy so there are always jobs available for the many people who dream of living in this beautiful part of Europe. People come from all over the world, drawn by the country?s mix of culture, cuisine, art, history, and fashion. However, as it is so popular with teachers, the competition for the best jobs is often very strong. Cities such as Florence and Venice are particularly popular, so many employers are able to insist on teaching qualifications and previous teaching experience. If you are a first time teacher you are likely to have more options in one of the big cities such as Rome or Milan. The average teaching salary in Italy largely depends on the area where you are working and the individual employer, however, a monthly income of...  [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]

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]

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]

Although it is not particularly unusual for teachers with children to head overseas to live and work, there are several important things to carefully consider before you decide if it is the right option for your family. Wherever you live in the world, bringing up children is typically an expensive undertaking. With that in mind, you need to make sure that teaching English abroad is financially viable for you before deciding to leave home. Teacher?s salaries vary greatly from one country to the next so where you decide to teach can have a huge impact on your prospects. Popular regions such as Europe and Latin America have plenty of job opportunities, but most teachers would find it hard to earn enough to support children in these areas. In contrast, Asian countries such as China,...  [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]

When it comes to English teaching careers, most of our ESL teachers take the plunge for life-changing experiences, personal growth, embracing new cultures, and giving back to local communities. However, you can also get paid well to teach English abroad and many of our graduates go on to earn a decent living. Just keep in mind that a high salary isn't the only financial variable to consider when determining how much ESL teachers make. Other factors to consider include the local cost of living, extra benefits, and saving opportunities. The salary for teaching English abroad varies, but you can expect to make a good living. Your salary will be determined by your position, qualifications, and the country in which you teach. Teachers in high-paying countries can earn anywhere from $2,000...  [Read more]

Russia could be a great teaching destination for you if you want plenty of cultural experiences and room to travel in a country that is still a little off the beaten path. There are around 150 million people in Russia and many of them want to improve their English skills for work or travel purposes. Jobs can be found in most big cities, particularly Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Unlike several other European countries, there is no specific best time to look for ESL jobs in Russia as the high demand means there are vacant positions available at anytime of the year. Another difference with Russia is that it is common for employers to hire teachers in advance from within their home country. This can be very convenient for many people as you will already know important details such as...  [Read more]

Located in the heart of the tropics, Malaysia is a rapidly developing country that has a diverse culture, great food, and plenty of ESL jobs for those with experience. However, as there is no shortage of local English language teachers, the competition for many available positions can be strong. Malaysia cannot compete with other Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea when it comes to salaries as the monthly average income is only around $1,000. However, the cost of living is relatively low in comparison to some other parts of the region, which means this figure can spread quite far if you live within your means. The big bonus is that many jobs include free accommodation or a housing subsidy which removes the biggest monthly expense from your budget. It is common...  [Read more]