What is the TEFL Teacher Salary in Colombia? Your Guide to Income and Cost of Living

13 November 2025 • Colombia

Colombia is a magnet for adventurers, culture lovers, and those looking to teach English in a vibrant, low-cost country. While the salaries may seem modest compared to those in Asia or the Middle East, a TEFL job in Colombia offers a high quality of life, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture, explore incredible landscapes, and live comfortably on your earnings.

This guide breaks down the typical salaries for TEFL teachers in the "Land of Magical Realism" and shows you exactly how far your hard-earned Colombian Pesos (COP) will go.

Understanding TEFL Salaries in Colombia

The average monthly salary for a full-time TEFL teacher in Colombia ranges from COP 3,400,000 to COP 4,200,000 (approximately $850 to $1,050 USD).

However, your exact income will depend heavily on your employer, qualifications, and the type of teaching role you secure.

Salary Breakdown by Employer Type (Approximate Figures)

• International Schools
  • Typical Monthly Salary (COP): COP 6,000,000 – COP 10,000,000+
  • Estimated USD Equivalent: $1,500 – $2,500+
  • Notes: Highest paying. Usually requires a teaching license, a degree, and several years of experience.
    
    
• Private Schools / Universities
  • Typical Monthly Salary (COP): COP 3,000,000 – COP 5,000,000
  • Estimated USD Equivalent: $750 – $1,250
  • Notes: Mid-range pay. Often requires a degree and TEFL certification. Offers greater stability and benefits.
    
    
• Private Language Institutes
  • Typical Monthly Salary (COP): COP 2,500,000 – COP 4,000,000
  • Estimated USD Equivalent: $630 – $1,000
  • Notes: Most common entry point for new TEFL teachers. Less demanding requirements, but sometimes fewer benefits.
    
    
• Government Programs (e.g., TEC)
  • Typical Monthly Salary (COP): ~COP 1,600,000 (Stipend)
  • Estimated USD Equivalent: ~$400 (Stipend)
  • Notes: A volunteer program that provides a stipend plus an accommodation allowance. Focus is on cultural exchange and community impact.
    
    
• Private Tutoring (Supplemental)
  • Typical Hourly Rate (COP): COP 48,000 – COP 100,000 per hour
  • Estimated USD Equivalent: $12 – $25 per hour
  • Notes: Excellent for boosting income, but often paid under the table. Highly recommended to supplement a main job.

Note on Currency: Salaries are quoted in Colombian Pesos (COP). The USD conversion is approximate and subject to frequent currency fluctuations. Always check the current exchange rate.

Maximising Your Income Potential

While the base salaries may not lead to massive savings, a TEFL job in Colombia provides an excellent standard of living. To truly maximise your income and saving potential, consider these strategies:

1. Gain a TEFL Certification: A certified 120-hour TEFL course is the minimum standard. Advanced TEFL training or a CELTA qualification can make you eligible for higher-paying private or international school jobs.
2. Teach Private Lessons: This is the most effective way to increase your monthly income. Teachers often charge three to five times their institutional hourly rate for one-on-one private lessons. Even a few private students per week can significantly boost your budget for travel and leisure.
3. Choose the Right City: While the cost of living in Bogotá is higher, it also concentrates the largest number of high-paying jobs in private and international schools. Cities like Medellín or Cali offer slightly lower salaries but also a generally lower cost of living, meaning your money stretches further.

The Colombian Cost of Living: Making Your Salary Stretch

The real appeal of teaching in Colombia is the incredibly low cost of living compared to North America or Europe. This is where your salary moves from "sufficient" to "comfortable."

Monthly Budget Snapshot (for a Comfortable, Mid-Range Lifestyle)

• Shared Apartment Rent (Room in a nice estrato 4/5 neighbourhood)
  • Estimated Monthly Cost (COP): COP 750,000 – 1,200,000
  • Estimated USD Equivalent: $185 – $300
    
    
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Garbage)
  • Estimated Monthly Cost (COP): COP 150,000 – 350,000
  • Estimated USD Equivalent: $37 – $85
    
    
• Internet & Phone (High-Speed Internet + Mobile Plan)
  • Estimated Monthly Cost (COP): COP 100,000 – 150,000
  • Estimated USD Equivalent: $25 – $37
    
    
• Groceries (Cooking most meals)
  • Estimated Monthly Cost (COP): COP 600,000 – 900,000
  • Estimated USD Equivalent: $150 – $225
    
    
• Local Transportation (Monthly pass or frequent transit)
  • Estimated Monthly Cost (COP): COP 100,000 – 200,000
  • Estimated USD Equivalent: $25 – $50
    
    
• Eating Out/Entertainment (Mid-range restaurants, activities)
  • Estimated Monthly Cost (COP): COP 500,000 – 700,000
  • Estimated USD Equivalent: $125 – $175
    
    
• Total Estimated Expenses: COP 2,100,000 – 3,500,000 ($520 – $870 USD)

Cost Comparison by Major City

The location of your job significantly impacts your largest expense: Rent.

• Bogotá: As the capital, Bogotá has the highest cost of living. Expect to pay more for modern apartments and transport, but you also have the highest concentration of well-paid international school jobs.
• Medellín: Known as the "City of Eternal Spring," Medellín is very popular with expats. It is generally more affordable than Bogotá, making it easier for an average TEFL salary to provide a comfortable lifestyle.
• Cali & Barranquilla: These cities offer an even lower cost of living, especially for housing. Your salary will stretch further here, but the job market for TEFL roles may be less saturated.

The Bottom Line: Can I Save Money in Colombia?

The short answer is yes, but not like in parts of Asia or the Middle East.

Colombia is a "live comfortably, travel a lot" destination, not a "save a fortune" destination.

• If your primary income is at the average of COP 3,800,000 ($950 USD), and your expenses are around COP 2,800,000 ($700 USD), you have a monthly surplus of COP 1,000,000 ($250 USD) for savings or extra travel.
• If you supplement your income with private tutoring (adding $200-$400 USD), you can easily increase your potential savings or travel budget to $450 - $650 USD per month.

The greatest return on a TEFL job in Colombia is the quality of life—affordable travel to stunning destinations, delicious and cheap local food, vibrant nightlife, and a welcoming culture—all achievable on a typical teacher's salary.

Ready to Start Your Colombian TEFL Adventure?

The best way to secure a competitive salary and benefits package is to start your job search now. Explore our current listings for TEFL Jobs in Colombia today!

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