Teach English in Saudi Arabia Salary

Saudi Arabia is one of the highest-paying countries for English teachers. With strong demand, tax-free income, and generous benefits, it’s a solid choice if you’re looking to earn and save while teaching English abroad!

TEFL Org is an internationally accredited and market leading TEFL course provider

Most accredited
TEFL course provider

Internationally recognised
TEFL certificate

Over 185,000
teachers trained

80% of graduates
find work within 2 months

Saudi Arabia is known for its wealth – and that includes TEFL jobs! English teachers here earn some of the best salaries in the world (compared to other ESL gigs). Schools and universities across the country offer competitive pay, especially for experienced and well-qualified teachers.

You’ll find teaching jobs in international and private schools, universities, public schools, and through private tutoring. Average salaries range from SAR 8,430 to 18,044 (that’s about £1,711–£3,662 / $2,133–$4,532), and most come with a range of benefits.

On top of the high wages, the country offers a rich culture, combining ancient history with modern cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Makkah, full of restaurants, cafes, and historic sights.

In this guide, we’ll break down what you can expect to earn, the perks included, and how to get the most out of your teaching contract in Saudi Arabia.

Salary overview for English teachers in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a top choice for English teachers looking to earn a solid salary. Even entry-level positions offer great pay, and qualified teachers with experience can do very well.

The real bonus?Saudi Arabia has zero income tax, which means your full salary lands in your account. If you’re looking to earn and save, Saudi Arabia is one of the best options for teaching English in the Middle East.

Tip: Private international schools tend to pay more, especially if you’ve taught before. These jobs also come with benefits like free flights, health care, bonuses, housing, and schooling for your kids!

Download our teaching English in Africa & the Middle East guide

Average ESL salary range - Saudi Arabia

Full-time TEFL teachers usually start at SAR 8,430 to 18,044 per month (£1,711–£3,662 / $2,133–$4,532).

Your pay will depend on your qualifications, teaching background, and the type of school you’re working for. Bigger cities like Riyadh and Jeddah often offer higher salaries, though costs like rent may also be a bit steeper.

Country	Avg. monthly salary	Degree required	Start of term	Teaching experience	Housing & flights included	Suitable for non-native English speakers	Age restrictions
Teach in Saudi Arabia	£1,711 - £3,662 GBP $2,133 - $4,532 USD		August				under 55

Salary differences based on experience and qualifications

As a general rule, the more relevant qualifications you have, the more you’ll earn. Top-paying schools – like international and elite private schools – want teachers with advanced degrees, experience, and solid TEFL certifications.

Salaries at the higher end can reach around SAR 27,000 (£5,600 / $7,250). These roles are usually reserved for teachers with a Master’s, multiple years of classroom experience, and a strong TEFL background.

That said, if you’re newer to teaching, you can still earn a solid income. A new teacher with a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certificate can start around SAR 8,430, which still offers a good lifestyle, especially with no tax.

Tip: Experience and qualifications matter, but you don’t need to be a veteran teacher to make a good living in Saudi Arabia!

Additional benefits

English teaching jobs in Saudi Arabia often come with perks that make life easier and can help you save. Common ones include:

Performance bonuses
Flight reimbursements
Annual pay increases
Free housing or housing allowance
Tuition coverage for children

Not every employer offers all of these, but it’s always worth asking in advance (especially at international and well-funded private schools). Make sure you understand how benefits like flights will be provided (e.g. up front, or reimbursed later on).

Factors affecting salary in Saudi Arabia

Which specific factors can influence an ESL teacher’s salary in Saudi Arabia? What’s the difference between earning a modest salary and earning a figure at the top end of the scale? Three main things:

Teaching experience
Qualifications
Employer type

Teaching experience

The more you’ve taught, especially in similar schools or countries, the better your chances at a higher salary. Employers see experienced teachers as more reliable, confident, and prepared for the job.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s is usually the minimum, but higher degrees and teaching licenses boost your earning power. TEFL certifications are vital (120-hours minimum), and advanced TEFL qualifications like teaching Business English, IELTS prep, or Teaching Young Learners can also help. Here’s why:

Business English is useful in Saudi’s corporate world
English is taught from a young age in Saudi Arabia
Academic and test prep skills open global education doors. Preparation for certificates like IELTS and TOEFL can be really useful to Saudis hoping to gain employment in English-speaking countries.

Employer type

English teachers working across Saudi Arabia will tell you that teacher salaries differ across workplaces. For example, the private language schools you’ll find in Saudi Arabia’s larger cities pay well, with top earners taking home about £1,500 - £3,000 / $1,942 - $3,884. You’ll also earn more if you work at a private or international school. In these institutions, salaries can get up to anywhere around SAR 27,000 (£5,600 / $7,250).

Cost of living in Saudi Arabia

Wages can be high for English teachers in Saudi Arabia. The same can be true of living costs in the country. However, it’s important to keep in mind that wages usually go a long way compared to daily expenses, meaning you can easily save money, and enjoy a good quality of life at the same time.

The table below shows the cost of living in Riyadh. Note, in particular, the cost of rent, the cost of internet access (many teachers like to work both in classrooms and online), and the cost of meals. Saudi Arabian cuisine is a unique clash of a range of cultures, with dishes like Kabsah and Mutabbaq proving to be particular highlights. In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital city, low crime levels and good health care contribute to the city’s overall quality of life.

Restaurants	SAR	USD	GBP
Inexpensive restaurant meal
Domestic beer (0.5 litre)
Regular cappuccino
Water (0.33 litre)
Markets	SAR	USD	GBP
Regular milk (1 litre)
Loaf of white bread
Regular eggs (1 dozen)
Apples (1 kg)
Transportation	SAR	USD	GBP
One-way ticket (local transport)
Monthly pass (regular price)
Taxi start (normal tariff)
Gasoline (1 litre)
Utilities	SAR	USD	GBP
Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage (for a regular apartment)
Regular prepaid monthly mobile tariff with 10GB+ data
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)
Clothing and shoes	SAR	USD	GBP
Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or something similar)
Summer dress in a chain store
Nike running shoes (mid-range)
Men's leather business shoes

How to negotiate a better salary in Saudi Arabia

While teaching opportunities in Saudi Arabia typically pay well, ensuring you're fairly rewarded for your skills and experience is essential. Negotiating a better salary requires preparation and an understanding of the “going rate” for teachers in Saudi Arabia. How is it done?

Research TEFL salaries

Knowing the salary ranges for TEFL teachers in Saudi Arabia is really useful when negotiating your wages. Check out websites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Bayt.com, and Indeed Saudi Arabia, and specific teacher job sites like Serious Teachers and The TEFL Org Job Centre for more information.
Networking with other English teachers in Saudi Arabia is a great way to get to know the industry before you get there!
Salaries vary a lot depending on where you go. You’ll probably earn a better wage in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, where demand is higher.

Understand working customs in Saudi Arabia

Be aware of cultural differences in discussions around money and Saudi law. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) is a helpful source of information here!
Understand the Kafala system and your rights under the Ministry of Human Resources. Be polite but informed – knowing how to talk about money the right way matters a lot in Saudi work culture.
Knowledge of etiquette and customs in Saudi Arabia - and the Middle East as a whole - is crucial!

Conclusion

Teaching English in Saudi Arabia is one of the most financially rewarding options for TEFL teachers. With tax-free salaries, generous benefits, and a high demand for English, it’s a place where your skills can take you far both professionally and financially.

While experience matters, one of the best ways to stand out and secure a better-paying role is by getting TEFL certified. Whether you’re just starting out, or looking to move into higher-paying international schools, TEFL credentials show that you’re serious.

A good TEFL certificate isn’t just a box to tick, it’s often the difference between a decent contract and an excellent one. It can open doors to better employers, extra perks, and more opportunities to grow in your career.

If you’re looking to save, travel and teach in a country that values English and pays better than almost anywhere else in the world for ESL teachers, Saudi Arabia is an amazing place to start!

Frequently Asked Questions

The internet has a bunch of questions about salaries for English teachers in Saudi Arabia. Here are our answers!

Q. What factors affect an English teacher’s salary in Saudi Arabia?

The key factors affecting the salaries of those who teach English in Saudi Arabia are qualifications, experience and the type of institution a teacher works for. Native English speakers can earn slightly higher wages, though this isn’t always the case.

Q. Is the salary in Saudi Arabia tax-free?

No, there is no income tax on your employment income in Saudi Arabia!

Q. Do schools in Saudi Arabia provide accommodation?

Some schools in Saudi Arabia will provide accommodation or accommodation assistance. This help can come in the form of being given a living space outright, help to source accommodation, a bonus in your wages to cover initial rent or other forms of assistance.

Q. When is the best time to apply for teaching jobs in Saudi Arabia?

The best time to apply to teach English in Saudi Arabia is before terms begin. The Saudi academic calendar has one term beginning in August, another beginning in November, and the third starting in March. Generally, the summer months - June to August - are the busiest hiring periods.