How much can I earn teaching English in Spain?
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.
What are TESOL salaries in Spain?
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 of employer. Average salaries start at 700 euro per month, rising to 1,800 euro for positions at the higher end of the scale. Many jobs in Spain are paid by an hourly rate rather than a fixed salary and these average between 13 and 20 euro per hour. Extra benefits that are common in some other countries such as paid airfares and free accommodation are not usually on offer in Spain. Although the average pay is not particularly high, most ESL teachers should be able to live comfortably during their stay in Spain.
Can I get a job placement as an English language teacher in Spain?
The North American Language and Cultural Assistants Program provides around 2,000 placements for American and Canadian citizens every year. Through this government run scheme you will work as an assistant language teacher within the Spanish public school system. Salaries for the program are not particularly high by European standards at between 700 and 1,000 euro per month, however, the scheme does offer a great opportunity to experience living and working in one of the regions most popular destinations. The salary depends on where in the country you are located and you can also earn a little extra by working as a private language tutor in your freetime.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Spain?
While the placement program is always a popular option, it only represents a small portion of the overall teaching market in Spain. The majority of foreign teachers in the country work in private language schools that can be found in all major towns and cities. These jobs typically require a face-to-face interview, so you will need to be in the country to get them. Language schools usually pay an hourly rate rather than a fixed salary, with rates ranging from 13 to 18 euro per hour. This should equate to around 1,300 to 1,800 euro per month for a typical full-time teaching position. Many teachers choose to increase their income by taking on private students out of work hours, while some are able to make it a full time job. Average charges for private tutoring are around the 20 euro an hour mark.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Spain?
As Spain is a large and diverse country, the cost of living varies considerably from one region to the next. In more rural areas it is possible to live comfortably for as little as 700 euro per month, while in major cities such as Barcelona and Madrid you will probably need twice that amount. In cities and popular tourist resorts the biggest expense is likely to be rent. To make things easier, many teachers choose to share an apartment with another teacher or rent a room in a local family home. As the cost of living is quite high in comparison to potential income, most teachers will struggle to save much of the money they earn while teaching English in Spain. However, you should be able to earn enough to enjoy a good quality of life in this popular part of Southern Europe.
