How much can I earn teaching English in Chile?

Chile has a good reputation for teaching English abroad as it is a peaceful, thriving country with a strong demand for teachers year-round. The capital city of Santiago is at the center of the job market, although a smaller number of jobs can be found in other areas of the country. A TESOL certification is not an official requirement for foreign teachers in Chile, but completing a course of at least 120 hours duration before applying for jobs will certainly give you an advantage.

What are TESOL salaries in Chile?

Your expected salary when teaching English in Chile will depend on a few different factors, such as your previous classroom experience, level of teaching qualifications, your chosen location, and the type of employer. However, on average most teachers earn between 550,000 and 800,000 CLP (US$800 and $1,200) per month. Anyone with high levels of experience and/or qualifications may find their earnings are significantly more if they can find the right opening. If like many teachers you choose to top up your salary by taking on private students in your spare time you can charge in the region of 8,000 to 10,000 CLP ($12 to $15) per hour.

Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Chile?

Private language schools provide the majority of teaching jobs in Chile. These are widespread throughout the country and typically fall into two types of job, teaching classes at the school premises or teaching directly to employees in the offices of business clients. If you find yourself teaching off-site, it can involve extensive travel from one lesson to the next without compensation for your time or travel expenses. On the plus side, these jobs provide a wide range of experience that will set you up well for future teaching jobs. In contrast, on-site teaching doesn?t require extra travel time and expenses, but it does usually involve evening and weekend work.

Who else employs English language teachers in Chile?

Local universities offer further job options for teachers with a degree and previous classroom experience. Starting salaries in these jobs are similar to those in private language schools, however, they tend to operate a standard timetable from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, which appeals to many teachers. University jobs can also lead to good long-term prospects for those who want to make a career out of teaching. Private tuition on top of normal working hours is a tried and tested method of adding to your overall income. For most teachers this will be just a few hours each week, but for some it can become a full-time operation if enough clients can be found.

What is the cost of living for English teachers in Chile?

The cost of living in Chile is certainly lower than in North America and Western Europe, but it is still relatively high by South American standards. Everyday expenses such as public transport and groceries are not generally expensive and the cost of your shopping can be significantly reduced by utilizing local fresh food markets rather than supermarkets. Housing is one expense that can really eat into your budget, with a one bedroom apartment in a popular area starting at around $500 per month. To combat this, most new arrivals choose to rent a private room in a shared apartment which costs around $300 per month.