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How much can you earn as a TEFL teacher ?

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?


Taiwan

  • Estimated monthly cost of living: $972
  • Suggested pay per month: $1,3600-2,200 per month

With a unique combination of stunning scenery, inspiring culture, vibrant metropolitan hotspots, and delicious cuisines, Taiwan is an under-visited Asian island ready to be explored.

As such, it’s hardly a surprise that thousands of teachers look for TEFL jobs in Taiwan.

Other benefits from TEFL jobs in Taiwan:

  • Monthly and contractual completion bonuses
  • Housing assistance
  • Minimal lesson prep – full curriculum provided for you
  • Health insurance provided
  • 5-day week
  • All visas are taken care of
  • Multiple teaching locations to choose from

To teach in Taiwan, you’ll need an undergraduate degree and to gain a TEFL certificate. Depending on how much prior experience you would prefer, you can choose from the 120hr Professional TEFL or the combined 140hr combined TEFL course which gives you 20 hours of real teaching experience before you land!

Both are accredited, internationally recognised, and give you the expertise and pedagogy to carry out your lessons with confidence and personality! A factor that is almost guaranteed to help your learners thrive.

Hungary

  • Average monthly cost of living: $929
  • Suggested pay per month: $1,338 (in a mix of payments and accommodation/utilities vouchers)

Looking for history, untouched countryside, a low cost of living, and great nightlife? Come to Hungary!

With competitive salaries and a world-class education system, TEFL jobs in Hungary could be the simplest way to a fulfilling but enjoyable career for life.

Other benefits from TEFL jobs in Hungary:

  • Post-arrival support and guidance
  • 3 weeks of pre-departure training
  • Paid leave
  • Choice of primary, middle, or high-school positions
  • Support from a Hungarian teaching partner for all classes

To get started in Eastern Europe, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree (in any subject) and to have completed a TEFL certificate.

However, there is no minimum time requirement, allowing you to choose the TEFL course you think you will enjoy most or get more out of.

This includes the 150hr Advanced TEFL course – the most popular choice for prospective TEFL teachers that also covers a bonus module on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Italy

  • Average monthly cost of living: $1,200
  • Suggested pay per month: $1,400 per month

With a history that stretches back to ancient times (around 753 BCE!), an enviable culture built around good food and good times, friendly and welcoming locals, and some of the most famous destinations in the world, aren’t you considering TEFL jobs in Italy?

Other benefits from TEFL jobs in Italy:

  • Paid holiday and sick pay
  • Being part of a fun, outgoing TEFL group with evening activities and socials
  • Choice of 6 or 12-month contracts – ideal for first-time TEFL teachers
  • A selection of city locations to choose from
  • 25 hours per week teaching with overtime available

One of the biggest advantages of teaching in Italy is that you won’t need a degree!

This is ideal for trainee TEFL teachers who might not have had a traditional school experience themselves and want to enter a teaching career without the expense and time of university.

To get prepared, you could consider taking a TEFL course before you leave. While you will get ongoing training on the job, teaching can be an exciting and intense profession that relies on being confident enough to take charge from day one.

If you think it could help, the 120hr Professional TEFL is the ideal beginners guide that gives graduates the skills and knowledge needed – plus, with a free lesson planning E-book, you’ll always have everything you need to teach well in Italy.

Thailand

  • Average monthly cost of living: $790
  • Suggested pay per month: up to $1,200 per month

Considered one of the world’s most beautiful countries, thousands flock to Thailand yearly to enjoy the mix of old and new sights, world-renowned cuisine, and gentle hospitality. For these reasons – and many more – why not consider TEFL jobs in Thailand?

Other benefits from TEFL jobs in Thailand:

  • Visa support
  • Training before and after you arrive to help you feel prepared
  • Plentiful vacation time
  • Choice of locations across Thailand
  • Housing support
  • Health insurance and paid sick leave
  • Completion bonus in some positions
  • Some have lesson plans provided

To teach in Thailand, you will need a bachelor’s degree in any subject you feel passionate about and the completion of a TEFL qualification. You could choose the 120hr Professional TEFL – which gives you the skills and experience needed to teach English, even if you currently have no experience.

Alternatively, if you would rather teach in Thailand with a little experience under your belt, the 140hr Combined TEFL gives you 20 hours of live teaching alongside the 120 hours of TEFL training that comes with the 120-hour course.

With TEFL UK, you can choose the right option for you!

Indonesia

  • Average monthly cost of living: $567
  • Suggested pay per month: around $953 per month

With a mix of tropical forests, mountains, and beautiful coastlines, Indonesia is a stunning natural wonder of the world. Plus, with over 1,300 diverse ethnic groups, you can explore other cultures and their culinary traditions. Why would you not consider TEFL jobs in Indonesia?

Other benefits from TEFL jobs in Indonesia:

  • Students are genuinely excited to learn
  • Housing support or allowance provided
  • Health insurance
  • Paid holiday
  • Free local language lessons
  • Flight contributions
  • Social teaching teams – with fortnightly socials and quarterly teacher trips

As a visa requirement, you will need a degree to teach in Indonesia. However, not all locations specify that your qualifications need to be in English language, literature, linguistics, or education, so it’s always worth checking with our team!

Alongside your degree, you will need to complete at least a 120hr Professional TEFL – which gives you the skills and experience you need to teach English abroad.

The choice is yours, but you could also consider the 150hr Advanced TEFL, our most popular option for first-time teachers, which can be completed in 1-2 months and also includes free job placement.

Vietnam

  • Average monthly cost of living: $611
  • Suggested pay per month: $1,000- $1,500 per month

Welcoming people, a high standard of living, and a choice of bustling city or peaceful coastal locations – there’s plenty to experience when working TEFL jobs in Vietnam.

Other benefits from TEFL jobs in Vietnam:

  • Provided accommodation
  • Paid leave
  • Health insurance
  • Overtime and teaching completion bonuses available
  • Visa support
  • Training and development programs

As is the case in many Southeast Asian countries, you will need to complete both a bachelor’s degree and a suitable TEFL qualification.

It isn’t a pre-requisite to complete an English or education-based degree but it can make you a more attractive candidate for popular job roles.

Another factor that can boost your employability is having teaching experience, so why not consider the 140hr Combined TEFL or the 170hr Combined TEFL which include 120 hours or 150 hours of training respectively plus 20 hours of live teaching experience?

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?

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