| Country | Avg. monthly salary | Degree required | Start of term | Teaching experience | Housing & flights included | Suitable for non-native English speakers | Age restrictions |
|---|
Teach English Abroad – A Guide to Salary in 2025
Where are the highest salaries for TEFL teachers abroad? Here’s our detailed guide to wages for teaching English around the world!
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So you’ve completed your TEFL course and are ready to teach English abroad. As you start your job search, there’s a lot to consider – from the availability of jobs, key cultural differences, school systems, and housing.
But one of the most important factors is salary. Where can English teachers make real money? And which countries have the best opportunities in terms of cost of living?
Let’s take a look at teaching English abroad from a financial perspective. All salary data included in this article is from in-depth research conducted by The TEFL Org within the last 12 months – so you know you’re in good hands!
Salary comparison by region
From the streets of Tokyo, Japan, to the serene landscapes of Oslo, Norway, opportunities for English teachers abroad vary significantly in terms of average ESL teacher salary and demand.
The average salary in one part of the world is vastly different from another, depending on a range of circumstances. For example, the Middle East is extremely wealthy due to natural resources. Resources create significant economies, and English is the language of business. The need for high-quality English teaching means that teaching English abroad pays well in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, but the cost of living is usually high.
You can have the teaching experience of a lifetime in Africa or Latin America, but the typical salary is lower than in Gulf countries or parts of Europe. The cost of living is lower, so you can still save on a teacher's salary, but it's a different experience.
Asia
Asia is home to some of the most sought-after destinations for teaching English abroad. Countries including Japan, South Korea, and China have among the highest demand for English teachers worldwide.They’re far from the only options. Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Singapore aren’t just incredible places to visit. They’re significant TEFL markets where you can earn a good salary at a lower cost of living.
English teachers usually need a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification (120 hours) to earn top salaries. You can teach English abroad without experience and a degree in Asia and still make a decent salary.
China
China, is full of English learners - at least 400 million. Wages can be substantial, though much depends on the tier of the city you live in, what your qualifications are, and how much experience you have teaching English.
Average monthly salary: 21,833 RMB - 31,050 RMB (£2,339 - £3,326 / $3,008 - $4,278)
Singapore
An ultra-modern city-state, Singapore may be small, but the earning potential for teachers is massive. One of the Four Asian Tigers, Singapore’s economy performs exceptionally well and attracts newcomers, necessitating extensive English teaching.
Yes, the cost of living in Singapore is high, but this is offset by excellent wages, from state education to international schools.
Average monthly salary: S$4,713 - S$4,900 (£2,720 - £2,827 / $3,500 - $3,639)
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is similar to Singapore as a place to teach English abroad. An economic powerhouse with excellent English proficiency, Hong Kong offers great opportunities and a competitive salary to those teaching English abroad.
Hong Kong was a British colony until 1997 and is now a Special Administrative Region of China. However, life in Hong Kong differs significantly from that in mainland China. For one thing, Hong Kong uses Cantonese and English rather than Mandarin.
Average monthly salary: HK$28,000 (£2,786 / $3,585)
Taiwan
Taiwan, particularly Taipei City, presents lucrative opportunities for English teachers. The government's initiative to become a bilingual nation by 2030 has heightened the focus on English education. Helpfully, Taiwan has been named the “best place to live for expats”.
Salary and benefits are a great incentive. Health insurance and housing allowances are typically included in contracts for foreign teachers.
Average monthly salary: NT$72,436 (£1,725 / $2,220)
Europe
Europe is a varied and interesting continent for English teaching. You can earn TEFL salaries that rival the world’s best in some areas. For others, finding a full-time teaching job is a real challenge.
Some iconic destinations in Europe are ideal for teaching abroad. Cities like Barcelona (Spain), Berlin (Germany), Rome (Italy), and Prague (Czech Republic) all have competitive ESL teacher salaries and rewarding teaching jobs.
In Northern Europe, ESL teachers encounter an interesting situation. You can earn fantastic teaching salaries in the Netherlands and Norway, but the requirements are rigorous, and the cost of living can be high. Meanwhile, in Eastern Europe - particularly the Balkans - there are emerging TEFL markets with loads of jobs, where the cost of living is low.
TEFL certification of 120 hours or more is essential, and while a degree is often preferred, it’s not always a prerequisite
| Country | Avg. monthly salary | Degree required | Start of term | Teaching experience | Housing & flights included | Suitable for non-native English speakers | Age restrictions |
|---|
United Kingdom
Not an obvious destination for teaching English abroad - especially if you’re from the UK - Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have more TEFL opportunities than you’d think. Major cities are full of students, with jobs usually focusing on international students. Consider people who need to pass exams like IELTS or TOEFL, or adults looking to boost their career opportunities.
The best bet for teaching jobs is to look at language schools, summer schools, and institutions offering IELTS or Business English preparation.
Average monthly salary: £2,666 ($3,453)
The Netherlands
Colorful, picturesque, and straight-talking, the Netherlands regularly tops world rankings for English proficiency. Cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam offer the best opportunities for TEFL teachers since there are more language schools and resources for those who don’t speak English as a native language.
The Netherlands has a comparatively high cost of living. That said, top jobs at international and private schools sometimes provide accommodation, flights, health insurance, and other perks to offset the high costs.
Average monthly salary: €3,614 (£3,078 / $3,984)
Norway
Norway has stunning natural landscapes, excellent public services, and some of the best-paid TEFL jobs. This makes it an attractive proposition for TEFL teachers, as there is enormous interest and excellent proficiency in English.
Most foreign teaching positions are in international schools, universities, and private language centers. However, these TEFL jobs are ultra-competitive. The cost of living is high, but many employers provide benefits such as flight reimbursement and accommodation assistance.
Average monthly salary: NOK 44,810 (£3,234 / $4,176)
Finland
Finland has a fascinating working culture. TEFL lessons usually last 45 minutes, and some schools operate a four-day week. This means more extended weekends and opportunities for freelance tutoring to boost your income.
With high levels of English proficiency and great cities to explore, Finland is an excellent option for TEFL teachers. Salaries vary widely but are lucrative at the top end.
Average monthly salary: €3,200 - €3,565 (£2,743 - £3,036 / $3,550 - $3,929)
Middle East
The Middle East is known for its high salaries and generous benefits. With the highest ESL teacher wages, Middle Eastern countries are making more inroads into global business through natural resources and significant infrastructure projects.
In cities like Dubai (UAE), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Manama (Bahrain), and Kuwait City (Kuwait), you can make serious money. Benefits include tax-free salaries, accommodation, performance bonuses, and more.
Requirements to teach in the Middle East’s most lucrative locations are challenging. The expectations of students (and their families) are, too. Teaching roles typically require a bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification of at least 120 hours, and, usually, previous teaching experience.
| Country | Avg. monthly salary | Degree required | Start of term | Teaching experience | Housing & flights included | Suitable for non-native English speakers | Age restrictions |
|---|
United Arab Emirates
The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has an intense need for English lessons. Although the UAE has influence and business interests on a truly global scale, its levels of English proficiency have stagnated.
With high-quality state education and a wealth of international schools, private schools, universities, and private tutoring opportunities, the UAE is among the best places for ESL teachers to earn a salary.
Average monthly salary: AED 14,378 (£3,025 / $3,914)
Bahrain
Bahrain is worth considering. With a literacy rate of 95% and significant investment in education, there are challenges (primarily, the baking heat), but Bahrain has some top-rated international, state, and private schools.
Average monthly salary: BHD 700 (£1,450 / $1,843)
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a distinctive destination for English teachers, with some of the highest ESL salaries. Despite being a mandatory school subject for decades, overall proficiency remains low.
Intense demand and low proficiency equal a range of TEFL job opportunities. With Saudi Arabia being a significant economic player, there’s never been a better time for TEFL teachers.
Average monthly salary: SAR 8,600 – 11,300 (£1,600 – £2,000 / $2,300 – $3,000)
Kuwait
With a growing market for English, ESL teachers can earn excellent salaries and benefits in Kuwait.
Kuwait also has a lower general cost of living than neighboring countries. For example, if you’re interested in teaching English online, internet costs are lower in Kuwait than in Saudi Arabia, as are other monthly utilities.
Average monthly salary: KWD 719 (£1,809 / $2,340)
Latin America
Latin America is a hugely rewarding destination for ESL teachers seeking adventure, ancient cultures, and the chance to make a social impact. Salaries aren’t as high here as in Europe, Asia, or the Middle East. However, the cost of living is typically low.
Opportunities are primarily available in public schools, private language centers, universities, and NGOs. Some countries, like Chile and Colombia, also have government-backed English teaching programs.
English teachers in Latin America need at least 120 hours of TEFL certification, but it’s one of the premier destinations for teaching English abroad without a degree. Experience is preferred, but isn’t always essential.
| Country | Avg. monthly salary | Degree required | Start of term | Teaching experience | Housing & flights included | Suitable for non-native English speakers | Age restrictions |
|---|
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is unique: it’s a US territory with a Caribbean approach to life. Spanish is the primary language, but there are jobs galore for ESL teachers.
The amount a teacher can make at the state level depends on funding, which the USA controls. This means that teaching can be precarious depending on the American political landscape. During periods of stability, teachers can make a decent wage.
Average monthly salary: $2,376 (£1,847)
Guatemala
Guatemala is not a rich country. However, it has unique opportunities to earn a decent TEFL salary. If you specifically seek out private and international schools, you can earn upwards of £1,200/$1,500 a month. You’ll meet students from countries around the world, including the USA and Germany.
Average monthly salary: GTQ 12,210 (£1,223 / $1,537)
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an explorer’s paradise, with rainforests, mountains, and incredible hikes. Positive: There are lots of avenues for English teaching. Negative: Contracts are rarely full-time, and the visa situation is tricky to navigate.
Most paid TEFL work is in corporate tutoring. Tourism-based or internationally focused businesses in Costa Rica hire TEFL teachers to boost proficiency in their workforce.
Average monthly salary: CRC 662,431 (£978 / $1,259)
Colombia
Today’s Colombia is an inspiring TEFL destination. With an improved focus on boosting English across the country, mainly due to the economic benefits, there’s a real energy behind TEFL.
Colombia's average teaching salary isn’t skyrocketing alongside demand. However, many jobs now include accommodation stipends and other benefits, which help to spread costs.
Average monthly salary: COP 4,225,277 (£822 / $1,035)
Africa
English may be the official language of numerous African countries, but don’t get the wrong idea. TEFL teachers are needed. Some countries might use English in their governments, but this doesn’t always reflect the broader linguistic culture, with hundreds of indigenous languages being used.
The need for ESL teachers is steadily increasing, given the economic and educational opportunities attached to English. This is especially true in parts of Africa with immense natural resources and major cities.
Salaries aren’t exceptionally high, but they often match well with the cost of living, just like in Latin America.
A 120-hour TEFL certificate is essential. Some roles prefer a degree or teaching experience, but many are open to newly qualified teachers.| Country | Avg. monthly salary | Degree required | Start of term | Teaching experience | Housing & flights included | Suitable for non-native English speakers | Age restrictions |
|---|
South Africa
Teaching English in South Africa is a popular choice. The typical English teacher's salary is higher than in much of Africa, and the need for teachers is vast.
With more international and private schools than its neighbors, garnering a higher salary is an alluring prospect. However, requirements are strict in these institutions.
Average monthly salary: ZAR 20,847 (£877 / $1,104)
Morocco
Morocco is one of the more accessible markets for English teachers. With a decent average ESL teacher salary, its beauty, visitor-friendly atmosphere, and teaching opportunities are appealing.
Teachers are especially valued in cities with large youth populations, like Marrakesh, where students are eager to develop their English for tourism and business.
Average monthly salary: MAD 9,782 (£786 / $990)
Algeria
Algeria is an emerging TEFL market. A French-speaking country, Algeria still needs English teachers, so if your idea of teaching abroad means contributing to a growing infrastructure, Algeria is a great destination.English teachers in Algeria often find work in private language schools or tutoring. Qualifications and experience teaching Business English or English for Academic Purposes are helpful.
Average monthly salary: DZD 139,774 (£821 / $1,028)
Egypt
When you think of teaching abroad in Africa, you surely think of Egypt. The country's high education standards in English teaching make it a consistently good choice.
Egypt is recovering from political turmoil, and the average salary for a teacher in Egypt is lower than in the Gulf States. However, given the impressive facilities in major cities, there are opportunities to teach in various institutions and even start teaching English online outside the classroom.
Average monthly salary: EGP 17,000 (£723 / $909)
Download our guide to teaching English around the world
Factors affecting English teacher salaries abroad
Salary can vary depending on various factors when teaching abroad. What are the leading causes of wage disparity, and what can you do to ensure you can earn the most from teaching English abroad?
Location
Some countries and regions offer teachers higher salaries than others. For example, countries in the Middle East, Northern Europe, and Asia can offer the best wages and benefits, such as health care, accommodation, and travel assistance. However, these jobs are more challenging, the cost of living is usually higher, and the competition is fierce.
Meanwhile, countries in Latin America and Africa, for example, offer lower salaries, but it’s usually easier to get jobs, and items are cheaper.
Tips for negotiating salaries and contracts
What steps do you take to negotiate a teaching abroad salary that adequately covers everyday costs?
Here are some top tips:
- Consider the cost of living: What will your salary cover? How expensive is it to live in the place you’re teaching? Know your destination's average salary range for TEFL jobs and compare different institution types.
- Research is everything: Know your destination's average salary range for TEFL jobs and compare different institution types.
- Highlight your strengths: Emphasize your best points, such as your TEFL certification, degrees, and teaching experience.
- Benefits: Find out whether you’re eligible for the benefits that TEFL jobs abroad offer: flight reimbursements, health insurance, bonuses, professional development, etc.
- Be assertive but respectful: Find out how to do business in your location.
- Trust your instincts: If you feel like you’re being short-changed, it’s because you probably are.
How to earn a higher salary teaching English abroad: getting started
Here are some key takeaways to help you get started.
- Salaries vary hugely by region: The most impressive salaries are in the Middle East, Northern Europe, and East Asia.
- Don’t discount low-cost regions: Latin America and parts of Africa may offer “low” wages, but they usually compare well with everyday expenses.
- Requirements: A TEFL qualification, a degree, and teaching experience will increase your salary.
- Institution matters: The type of school or business you teach at matters significantly.
- Do your research: It is essential to know the average salary in each country and how much it costs to live there.
More on teaching English abroad salaries
Teach English Abroad
With so many incredible opportunities across the globe, there’s never been a better time to become an English teacher overseas. In this guide, we cover finding the right job for you, what you need to be a successful teacher abroad, where the demand is highest for budding teachers, and so much more!
Where TEFL teachers are most in demand
At The TEFL Org, our mission is clear: we want to provide you with the best quality and most highly accredited TEFL courses on the market. We also want to give you the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about how you can use your TEFL certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can you make a living teaching English abroad?
Yes, you can make a living teaching English abroad. In many countries, teacher salaries exceed the national average. In regions like the Middle East, parts of Europe, and Asia, you can save money while teaching and receive various benefits.
Q. Which countries pay teachers the most?
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Norway, and the Netherlands are some of the best-paying countries for TEFL teachers. The highest salaries are usually found in institutions like private and international schools and senior university positions.
Q. Do I need a degree to get a high-paying English teaching job?
You don’t always need a degree to get a high-paying English teaching job. This is especially true in parts of Latin America and Africa.
Q. Are there differences in pay between classroom teaching and online teaching?
Your salary in classroom teaching or teaching English online depends on the employer, your individual contract, and location. Mitigating factors include tax, bonuses, and the company you work for.
There are many great questions about teaching English abroad, and how much you can earn. Here are our answers to the most common questions online.