How much can I earn teaching English in Mexico?

With a job market that is booming, a widely popular culture, a diverse and stunning landscape, and great food, Mexico is unsurprisingly popular as a teaching destination. The country?s close ties with it northern neighbor the USA ensures that the current demand for the English language is only set to rise in the coming years.

What are TESOL salaries in Mexico?

The average salary for ESL teachers in Mexico varies considerably depending on the type of job you have and where you choose to live. However, most teachers can expect to earn between $500 and $1,000 per month. While this might not sound like much, the low cost of living ensures it will go much further than the same figure earned in many other countries. When job hunting in Mexico it really pays to shop around as the hourly rate offered by schools can vary quite considerably. Some jobs will also come with extra benefits such as housing assistance and subsidised transport. One thing that the majority of employers will insist on in Mexico is TESOL certification.

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

Local businesses generally offer the best salaries for ESL teachers in Mexico. It is common for companies to provide English lessons for their employees within their own office buildings. Although the pay is usually good, this type of teaching typically takes place outside of normal working hours and will often require a lot of travelling between lessons.

The most numerous jobs are found in private language centers which can be found in most towns and cities across the country. The pay in this environment is likely to be less than working with private companies and you will often be expected to work during the evenings and at the weekend. On the plus side, these jobs are widespread and relatively easy to secure.

If you are looking for traditional working hours, public schools might be more suitable. Although the pay is often at the lower end of the scale, teaching hours are generally from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Previous classroom experience is a real benefit in this type of job as you may be required to teach a specific subject in English rather than straightforward English language classes. It is common practice for teachers in all types of jobs in Mexico to tutor a few private students in their spare time. This extra income can make a big difference to your quality of life for just a few extra teaching hours per week.

What is the recruitment process for English teachers in Mexico?

Most teaching jobs in Mexico are filled by completing an interview in person, rather than over the internet before you leave home. The most common method is to create a list of potential employers in the area where you want to live and then contact them directly. Once in the country, you can visit them in person with your CV/resume and TESOL certificate in hand and then prove that you are the right person for the job via an interview and/or a demonstration lesson.

While teaching jobs are widespread throughout the country, the best salaries are generally found in big cities, particularly Mexico City. The best time to apply for jobs in language centers is August and September, although positions can arise at anytime of the year. The recruitment process for public schools often starts in July in preparation for the start of the school year, with a secondary window in December and January.

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

Teachers should not expect to earn their fortune while working in Mexico, although the low cost of living means your income will stretch much further than in most Western countries. If you live within your means it is possible to live well on as little as $300 per month, which is well within budget for most teachers. If you manage to find a job that includes free housing or a housing subsidy then you will have no trouble living life to the fullest. You should also take advantage of the local food which is usually delicious and very cheap and avoid expensive imported goods and areas aimed at the tourist market.