Teaching English Abroad Salaries: Top 10 Highest Paying Countries

Teaching English abroad may not make you a millionaire, but it does pay well. Besides, you get to travel abroad and widen your horizons. You get to explore other cultures and teach a language you’re born with while getting paid for it. Keep on reading to find out all the details you need to know about teaching English abroad salaries.

This is one of the reasons why a lot of people take a TEFL Certification Course and teach abroad.

While you may be excited to go on an adventure, you still have to consider how much you’ll earn when you teach English abroad. You wouldn’t want to resort to penny-pinching too much while living in a foreign country. Due to this, we listed the top 10 highest-paying countries for people looking to teach English abroad.

Highest Paying English Teaching Jobs Abroad

If you’re looking for some of the highest paying ESL jobs, look no further than this list! Keep on reading.

#1: Hong Kong

Salary: $4,000 to $6,500 per month

Hong Kong tops this list of the top 10 highest-paying countries in the world when it comes to teaching English abroad. While it is a special administrative region of China, it does enjoy a certain amount of autonomy.

In terms of salary, Hong Kong has the highest among all the countries in the world for English teachers. But, you should also take note that the cost of living in Hong Kong is quite high.

Despite being quite an expensive city to live in, some schools and companies offer some perks to native English speakers who want to teach in Hong Kong. These perks include:

• Health insurance
• Round-trip airfare
• Paid vacations

Qualifications

To qualify for an English teaching position in Hong Kong, you should have the following:

• Bachelor’s degree from a Hong Kong university or equivalent
• TEFL certification from an organization recognized by the Hong Kong Education Bureau

While an English degree is not necessary to teach in Hong Kong, you will get a higher salary if you have one. Moreover, teacher training in primary education will also help bolster your qualifications and put you on a higher salary level. In terms of English teaching abroad salaries, Hong Kong certainly should be at the top of any list.

Find out more about it here: Teaching English in Hong Kong. 

#2: United Arab Emirates

Salary: $3,500 to $5,500 per month

Coming in second is the United Arab Emirates. The high salary has made the UAE a popular destination for English teachers who plan on teaching overseas. The presence of several international schools is a testament to this fact.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have the highest-paying English teaching jobs among the seven emirates in the UAE. Aside from the high salaries, you can also look forward to some benefits offered to English teachers.

These benefits include:

• Housing allowance
• Government healthcare
• Free airfare for flights home
• End-of-contract bonus

The cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai are considered world-class cities where you can find beaches, restaurants, and other creature comforts you can find in your home country. Moreover, these cities are popular tourist destinations.

Qualifications

To be able to teach English in the United Arab Emirates, you should have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Languages, or Linguistics
• Prior teaching experience
• TEFL certification

English teachers are also required to work extra hours for extra-curricular activities. They are also required to travel to attend events and additional training as well as present a positive image since they represent the schools they work for. However, the UAE is certainly a nice option for the highest paying teaching English abroad salaries.

Find out more: Teaching English in the United Arab Emirates.

If you don’t meet these strict qualifications, an option to consider is teaching English in Russia. In some cases, you just need to be a native English speaker.

#3: Japan

Salary: $2,000 to $5,000 per month

The high salary offered in Japan may be appealing for TEFL teachers, but many likely prefer to teach in this Asian country due to its culture and cuisine. Even though the cities of Japan evoke a hint of the West, travelling to the rural areas gives visitors a cultural and culinary experience they will likely treasure throughout their entire lives.

Aside from a salary of up to $5,000 for experienced teachers, you can also look forward to some benefits when you teach English in Japan. These benefits include:

• Flexible teaching hours in Japanese private schools
• Health insurance
• Airfare reimbursement
• Subsidized accommodations

Qualifications

In terms of qualifications, Japan is not as strict as many of the places on this list. The basic qualifications to teach in the Land of the Rising Sun are:

• TEFL certificate
• Teaching experience is preferred but not required. It’s easiest to get a job without experience in an Eikaiwa.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Japanese market is quite competitive. So, if you have more qualifications and experience, you’ll likely get a higher rate compared to teachers who don’t have your qualifications and experience.

Be aware though, some locations are very expensive and you’ll have to live quite frugally in order to save money. This includes teaching jobs in Okinawa (for another tropical paradise, consider teaching English in Puerto Rico). Teaching in Sweden would also fall into this category.

Want to know more about teaching in this amazing country? Check this out: How to teach English in Japan.

#4 Highest Paying Teaching English Abroad Salaries: Saudi Arabia

Salary: $3,000 to $4,000 per month

Saudi Arabia is another Western Asian country where the salary offered to English teachers is quite high. Teaching in Saudi Arabia gives you the chance to live in one of the richest countries in the world. You also get to experience a culture that is quite different from the West.

If you’re thinking of teaching in Saudi Arabia, you should keep some restrictions in mind. These restrictions include:

• Many shops and restaurants have designated areas for men and women
• Male teachers should only teach male students
• Female teachers should only teach female students
• Public exhibitions of films are prohibited

These restrictions may seem challenging for people who are not used to the conservative culture in Saudi Arabia. But once you get used to them, you’ll find the country has a lot to offer to anyone looking to explore a new culture. Moreover, the Saudi people are also friendly and hospitable.

Teaching English in Saudi Arabia also offers a lot of benefits. These benefits are as follows:

• Salaries are tax-free
• Free accommodations or accommodation allowance
• Health insurance
• Free flights
• End of contract bonus

Qualifications

Similar to the UAE, Saudi Arabia has stringent requirements when it comes to English teachers. These requirements are:

• Bachelor’s degree
• TEFL certification
• Native-English level proficiency
• A Master’s degree is required by some schools

Knowing and following the norms in Saudi Arabia will make your teaching experience in this Western Asian country quite eye-opening and culturally enriching.

Find out more:

Teaching English in Saudi Arabia.

#5: Kuwait

Salary: $2,600 to $4,000 per month

Fifth on this list of the top ten high-paying countries for TEFL teachers is Kuwait. This Western Asian country is rich in oil and shares a border with Saudi Arabia. If you’re a foreigner teaching in Kuwait, you should expect to closely collaborate with your Kuwaiti colleagues.

The dress code is also strictly enforced in the country, especially when it comes to female teachers. Similar to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait is a conservative country. So, you should make sure to be sensitive to the customs and traditions of the locals.

Teaching in Kuwait does have its share of benefits. These benefits include:

• Tax-free salary
• Free roundtrip airfare
• Free furnished housing
• Health insurance

Qualification

Just like its neighbour, Kuwait is rather strict when it comes to the qualification of its teachers. These qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in English or related subject
• Two-year minimum teaching experience
• TEFL certificate

In addition to the benefits and good salary, teaching in Kuwait also gives you the opportunity to explore well-preserved archeological sites in the city. You can also immerse yourself in the Arab culture and learn a thing or two about the Kuwaiti people and their customs and traditions. Find out more:

Teaching English in Kuwait.

#6: Oman

Salary: $2,000 to $3,500 per month

Oman is among the most developed countries in the Arab world. This resulted in advancements in the educational system of the country. Since native English speakers are rare in Oman, it is a good place for you to teach the language.

While the leader of Oman has championed for equal rights of women over the years, it does not automatically mean the country is liberal. You should remember to dress conservatively while in Oman. This is especially true when it comes to women.

But, you will notice that the Omani people are quite hospitable and friendly. Teaching in Oman also has its benefits in addition to the high salary. These benefits include

• Tax-free salary
• Free furnished accommodations
• Visa assistance
• Free return airfare
• Medical insurance
• End-of-contract bonus

Qualifications

To teach in Oman, you should meet the minimum requirements for a teaching position. These requirements include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in English
• TEFL certificate
• Relevant teaching experience

Teaching in Oman is not only financially rewarding, but you also get the opportunity to explore the country whose history goes back to over 6,000 years. The country is home to medieval forts, springs and oases, and other natural and man-made wonders.

Find out more: Teaching English in Oman.

#7: Taiwan

Salary: $1,500 to $2,500

Teaching in Taiwan gives teachers the chance to earn a good salary while living in a country with a relatively low cost of living. Additionally, teachers will also get the chance to explore Chinese culture amidst a modern urban setting.

Working as an English teacher in Taiwan offers several benefits, especially if you’re teaching in a private school. These benefits include:

• Reimbursed airfare
• Assistance in looking for accommodations or accommodation allowance
• Medical insurance

Aside from these benefits, the low cost of living, even in the city, gives you a lot of elbow room when it comes to your finances. You can also look forward to meeting people who are patient and humble.

Qualifications

If you’re planning to teach in Taiwan, you should be ready with the following requirements:

• Preferably with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education
• Valid teaching credentials from your home country
• One year of teaching experience in a Western public school if you don’t have an education degree
• TEFL certificate, if you’re teaching in a private school
• Clean Criminal Background Check (CBC) for private school teachers

Learn more here: Teaching English in Taiwan.

Another country in Asia, Vietnam should also get an honourable mention. Salaries are steadily increasing! Find out more:

Teaching English in Vietnam.

#8 Teaching English Abroad Salaries: China

Salary: $1,500 to $2,200

The most populous country in the world is a great place to teach English since China has recognized the importance of learning the language primarily used in international business. Due to this, teaching English in China has become a lucrative career for native English speakers. Among the cities in China, you’ll find the highestt teaching abroad salaries in Shanghai or Beijing.

Aside from the high salary, you can also benefit from the low cost of living in China. The other benefits of teaching English in China are:

• Airfare reimbursement
• Free accommodations or accommodations allowance
• Health insurance

Qualification

Teaching English in China will require the following:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Two years of teaching experience
• TEFL certificate
• Background check
• Clean bill of health from your home country

Aside from the financial benefits, teaching in China also gives you the opportunity to explore the different sights country. You can check out the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Imperial Palace, among others. You may also want to taste Chinese dishes, which are considered among the best in the world. Find out more about it here:

How to Teach English in China.

#9: South Korea

Salary: $1,600 to $2,000 per Month

South Korea is another Asian country that offers a good opportunity for English teachers. Aside from the good remuneration, you also have the chance to explore the country. With this, you will learn more about the culture and traditions of South Koreans as well as see what the country has to offer to visitors.

The capital city of Seoul is appealing to anyone looking to teach English in South Korea. Aside from being a modern metropolis, the cost of living in Seoul is relatively lower compared to many Western countries. The benefits you can look forward to when you teach English in South Korea include the following:

• Free accommodations
• Free airfare
• End of contract bonus

Qualifications

If you’re planning to teach in South Korea, you should make sure you have the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
• TEFL certificate
• Teaching experience is preferred but not necessary

Similar to other countries in Asia, teaching English means getting to explore the country and immerse yourself in the culture of South Korea. You can also visit the Changdeokgung Palace, the Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Village, and many other tourist spots in the country.

Although the actual salary isn’t that high, savings potential is. That’s what makes this an option on our list of the highest teaching English abroad salaries.

A South Korean online teaching company, Classo also offers some of the highest pay rates in the industry.

#10: Kazakhstan

Salary: $400 to $1,700 per month

Kazakhstan is the biggest landlocked country in the world. It was once a part of the USSR before it gained its independence in 1991. If you’re planning to teach in this Central Asian country, you’re in for a treat since the students are quite respectful toward their teachers.

In addition to a good salary, English teachers in Kazakhstan also receive some benefits that are not normally given in other countries. These benefits include:

• Visa application assistance
• Free shared accommodations
• Health insurance
• Free airfare offered by some schools

Qualifications

If you’re planning to teach English in Kazakhstan, you must have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
• Teaching experience
• TEFL certificate

These are just the basic qualifications for you to teach in Kazakhstan. But, if you have more teaching experience, you can expect a higher salary compared to those who have minimal teaching experience. That’s what makes this is a nice option for a country with the highest teaching English abroad salaries.

You may think that Eastern European countries like teaching in Finland may pay higher salaries? It’s true, they do but the cost of living is also quite high so it can be quite difficult to save lots of money.

Teach English Abroad Salary FAQs

There are a number of common questions that people have about teaching ESL abroad. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.

How much do you get paid teaching English abroad?

How much you get paid teaching English abroad depends on the country and the cost of living. Salaries run the gamut between $500 USD per month upwards of $5000 for those with some serious qualifications and experience.

Which country pays most for English teachers?

The country that pays the most for English teachers varies from year to year and position by position, but some of the higher-paying ones to consider include United Arab Emirates, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Hong Kong, and South Korea.

Is teaching English abroad a good career?

Teaching English abroad can be a good career if you have the education, skills and experience to compete for some of the better-paying jobs. For those without that, it can be a nice way to travel for a year or two while getting some international work experience.

Does TEFL pay well?

In general, TEFL jobs don’t pay that well but you should be able to live comfortably in whichever country you choose. Depending on where you’re teaching, you should be able to save at least a few hundred USD a month.

What are Some Up-and-Coming ESL Teaching Destinations?

Here are a few destinations that were gaining popularity for English teachers at this time:

1. Colombia: With a booming economy and a desire to improve English proficiency, Colombia has become an attractive destination for ESL teachers. Cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena offer opportunities in language schools and universities.
2. Costa Rica: Known for its natural beauty and eco-tourism, Costa Rica has been emerging as a desirable destination for ESL teachers. The demand for English language instruction is increasing, especially in private language institutes.
3. Poland: Eastern European countries like Poland are witnessing a rising demand for English language education. Poland offers a lower cost of living compared to Western European countries and has a rich history and cultural heritage.
4. Thailand: Thailand has long been a popular destination for ESL teaching, but there are still opportunities emerging in different regions of the country. Cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket offer various teaching positions in schools, language centers, and universities.

Have your Say about Teaching English Abroad Salaries

What’s your pick for a country with high teaching abroad salary? Is it one of the options from this list or do you have another one that you’d like to consider? Please leave a comment below and let us know. We’d love to hear from you.

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Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API