How much can you earn as a TEFL teacher ?

TEFL teacher pay

When considering teaching English as a foreign language abroad, there are many things that you’ll need to weigh up.

This is because, unlike other jobs, you will be away from family and friends for sometimes months at a time.

As such, most people will be aware of the rumour that you can earn more as a TEFL teacher.

But is it true?

How much can you earn as a TEFL teacher?

Finance-based benefits that come from being a TEFL teacher

Because other countries are asking teachers to move away from home for a job, there is every chance that you will comparatively earn more as a TEFL teacher.

However, these benefits may not appear solely as increased monthly pay – although this is commonly the case.

Finance-based benefits from TEFL teaching can include:

Increased monthly pay

When compared to UK teaching salaries, many TEFL teachers across the globe will receive a higher monthly wage for their work.

The reasons for this include:

The stagnation of UK teacher pay

UK teaching pay has stagnated, not increasing with RPI inflation, and the disparity between take-home pay and the cost of living only worsens.

This is not the case around the world, particularly in countries that specifically want UK-curriculum-trained teachers - leading to comparatively higher pay per month as a TEFL teacher.

TEFL teachers may actually work shorter hours

Thanks to expert specialists in private schools, many teachers move abroad and find that they don’t teach core curriculum subjects like PE, computing, or languages like French or Arabic.

As such, this can mean that your monthly pay is noticeably higher for the hours worked as a TEFL teacher than your UK-based counterparts who might be working more hours teaching the whole curriculum.

Alternative revenue streams

In many countries across the globe, there are alternate TEFL positions you can also access, including online classes and teaching business English to professional adults.

These extra revenue streams allow TEFL teachers to work more hours and boost their monthly wages if they so choose.

By comparison, there are fewer opportunities for alternate teaching revenue streams in the UK and therefore it’s harder to improve on their standard monthly wage. And, even if they existed, most UK teachers simply wouldn’t have the time.

Accommodation and bills are included

It is often the case in TEFL teaching to find that your teaching position comes with necessities, like accommodation and bills, that are being paid for you – giving you more of your monthly pay to save or spend to your heart's content.

This means that your monthly outgoings are lower as well as income being higher!!

Compared to UK teachers, who can be spending 50% of their wages or more on rent/mortgages and bills, the savings can be astronomical.

The cost of living is lower

As well as keeping more of your take-home pay per month, the cost of living in most countries is much more affordable than at home in the UK.

Countries including Australia, Canada, the UK, and Switzerland often have a very high cost of living, around $2,000 per month, compared to their counterparts across Europe, Asia, and South America – which can be as low as $400-600 per month.

This means that essentials like groceries, travel, tourism, and eating out are much more affordable and help TEFL teachers access a higher standard of living. 

How much can you earn as a TEFL teacher around the world?

China

• Average monthly cost of living: $750
• Suggested pay per month: $1,220-2,600 per month

With warm, welcoming people, an ancient culture, and an exciting food scene, it’s no wonder that thousands of teachers look for TEFL jobs in China.

Other benefits from TEFL jobs in China:

• Modern, well-equipped schools
• Range of teaching locations
• Free Mandarin lessons
• Inclusive medical insurance
• Free set of round-trip flights
• Paid holidays
• 24/7 on-the-ground support

Although it can differ from position to position, to teach in China you won’t necessarily need a degree and can access a position with a TEFL certificate. We suggest choosing the 120hr Professional TEFL – which gives you the skills needed to teach English as a foreign language, even if you currently have no experience.

Accredited and internationally recognised, the 120-hour TEFL qualification comes with instant certificate access, helps with planning engaging lessons, and finding your first job!

Japan

• Average monthly cost of living: $1,370
• Suggested pay per month: $1,700-2,600 per month

With an ever-changing cultural and geographical landscape and a nation of polite and respectful residents, finding a TEFL job in Japan is a no-brainer.

Other benefits from TEFL jobs in Japan:

• Health insurance
• Welfare support in Japan
• Career progression
• Small class sizes
• Choice of teaching locations
• Possible lesson bonuses and monthly incentives

As with teaching in China, you may not need a degree but it is worth checking.

In most cases, you will need to complete an appropriate TEFL course, such as the 168hr Level 5 TEFL, which has the added bonus of being Ofqual-recognised.

Ofqual-recognition can be a very attractive factor that sets you apart from other candidates and can help you land your dream job teaching English in Japan!

South Korea

• Average monthly cost of living: $1,154
• Suggested pay per month: $1,850-2,650 per month

With a startlingly unique culture and eclectic and diverse food scene, South Korea is the less-explored gem that borders China and Russia. As such, finding a TEFL job in South Korea can be the start of a love affair with this insightful peninsula.

Other benefits from TEFL jobs in South Korea:

• Shorter teaching timetables
• Full training provided
• Health insurance
• Flight and relocation contributions
• Paid holiday
• Free furnished housing
• Range of teaching locations

While you will need to check if you need a degree, TEFL teachers can begin teaching in South Korea by completing any TEFL course that lasts for at least 100 hours. This includes the:

• 120hr Professional TEFL – which is a great option for complete beginners.
• 140hr Combined TEFL – that combines real classroom experience and everything you need to be a TEFL teacher.
• 150hr Advanced TEFL – the most popular course for first-time teachers who want to feel confident in a range of contexts.

Or, for those looking to gain skills in teaching business English too – to aid adult learners who work in a corporate environment, why not choose the 220hr Specialist TEFL?

Combine earning and adventure with TEFL UK

Rather than getting caught in the corporate rat race, many people are now re-evaluating and wondering if their wander-lust can be combined with a rewarding job that also pays well.

The answer: TEFL teaching almost anywhere in the world.

To find out more or ask any nagging questions, you can get in touch with the team today by emailing [email protected] or by opening the webchat at the bottom corner of your screen. Our experienced team will get back to you as soon as they can to help you make the leap.

Now, where did you put that passport?