United States
US
Teach English in the United Arab Emirates
Salaries
March 1, 2024
Table Of Content
Other benefits available
Where teachers earn the most
UAE Cost of living
Saving as a TEFL teacher
How to start teaching
Teaching English in the United Arab Emirates is known as an attractive option for TEFL teachers for its tax-free salaries and generous employment packages. How much can I earn as a TEFL teacher in the UAE? English teachers in the UAE are known to earn salaries as high as AED 20,000 ($5,500) a month.
In the UAE, TEFL teachers can find teaching jobs in:
- private international schools
- public schools
- language schools
- private tutoring
- online
Teachers at private international schools can earn between AED 9,000 – AED 15,000 ($2,400 and $4,000) a month.
At a public school you can expect between AED 12,000 – AED20,000 ($3,300 $5,500) a month.
Language schools offer between AED 12,000 – AED 18,000 ($3,300 – $5,000 USD) a month.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to teaching private students in the UAE. On average teachers charge AED 75 – AED 100($20 – $30) a lesson, but you can set your rate as high as you would like. Some tutors charge as much as AED 400 ($100) an hour.
In addition to salary, what other benefits can be available?
The benefits of teaching in the UAE are plentiful! But bear in mind that teaching positions in the UAE require high qualifications (a Master’s degree or higher is preferred) and a few years’ teaching experience in return for the high salaries and generous packages.
Besides the tax-free salaries, accommodation, airfare, health insurance and paid holidays are generally included in your package.
Language schools offer varying levels of benefits, though usually, this includes a housing stipend.
Public or private schools may offer a resettlement allowance when you arrive, as well as school fees for your children and health insurance for your family. The strings attached to these benefits are teaching contracts of two years or more.
Where in UAE do teachers earn the most?
TEFL jobs are centred around Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and these cities are where you’ll find the teaching jobs with the highest salaries.
How much is the cost of living in UAE?
The UAE is relatively expensive when it comes to cost of living. In fact, the UAE is reportedly more expensive than 68% of the countries in the world, according to Expatistan.com.
The most expensive cities in the UAE are:
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Al Ain
But this is presumably why remuneration packages are so generous.
On average, a single person in the United Arab Emirates can expect to spend AED 10,000 ($2,500) a month including rent, or AED 3,000 ($800) without rent.
As per usual, accommodation is usually your highest living expense but this should be provided by your school, or a housing stipend given on top of your salary.
Food is surprisingly affordable in the UAE, unless you opt for the fancy options. Entertainment and transport are likely to be your biggest costs.
Is it possible to save in UAE as a teacher?
While there’s no doubt that it’s expensive to live in the UAE, it is possible to save money at the same time.
With the high, tax-free salaries, teachers who work in the UAE can save between AED 3,000 and AED 3,500 ($800 and $1,000) a month.
How to start teaching English in UAE
Teaching English in the UAE is an adventure. Strict laws and extreme weather mean that living in the UAE is not for everyone, but it’s a great teaching opportunity if you’re up for it.
Teaching experience and higher qualifications are preferred, so the Level 5 TEFL course from The TEFL Academy is the best option if you’re looking into teaching in the Gulf states.
Table Of Content
Teaching English in the United Arab Emirates is known as an attractive option for TEFL teachers for its tax-free salaries and generous employment packages. How much can I earn as a TEFL teacher in the UAE? English teachers in the UAE are known to earn salaries as high as AED 20,000 ($5,500) a month.
In the UAE, TEFL teachers can find teaching jobs in:
- private international schools
- public schools
- language schools
- private tutoring
- online
Teachers at private international schools can earn between AED 9,000 – AED 15,000 ($2,400 and $4,000) a month.
At a public school you can expect between AED 12,000 – AED20,000 ($3,300 $5,500) a month.
Language schools offer between AED 12,000 – AED 18,000 ($3,300 – $5,000 USD) a month.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to teaching private students in the UAE. On average teachers charge AED 75 – AED 100($20 – $30) a lesson, but you can set your rate as high as you would like. Some tutors charge as much as AED 400 ($100) an hour.
In addition to salary, what other benefits can be available?
The benefits of teaching in the UAE are plentiful! But bear in mind that teaching positions in the UAE require high qualifications (a Master’s degree or higher is preferred) and a few years’ teaching experience in return for the high salaries and generous packages.
Besides the tax-free salaries, accommodation, airfare, health insurance and paid holidays are generally included in your package.
Language schools offer varying levels of benefits, though usually, this includes a housing stipend.
Public or private schools may offer a resettlement allowance when you arrive, as well as school fees for your children and health insurance for your family. The strings attached to these benefits are teaching contracts of two years or more.
Where in UAE do teachers earn the most?
TEFL jobs are centred around Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and these cities are where you’ll find the teaching jobs with the highest salaries.
How much is the cost of living in UAE?
The UAE is relatively expensive when it comes to cost of living. In fact, the UAE is reportedly more expensive than 68% of the countries in the world, according to Expatistan.com.
The most expensive cities in the UAE are:
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Al Ain
But this is presumably why remuneration packages are so generous.
On average, a single person in the United Arab Emirates can expect to spend AED 10,000 ($2,500) a month including rent, or AED 3,000 ($800) without rent.
As per usual, accommodation is usually your highest living expense but this should be provided by your school, or a housing stipend given on top of your salary.
Food is surprisingly affordable in the UAE, unless you opt for the fancy options. Entertainment and transport are likely to be your biggest costs.
Is it possible to save in UAE as a teacher?
While there’s no doubt that it’s expensive to live in the UAE, it is possible to save money at the same time.
With the high, tax-free salaries, teachers who work in the UAE can save between AED 3,000 and AED 3,500 ($800 and $1,000) a month.
How to start teaching English in UAE
Teaching English in the UAE is an adventure. Strict laws and extreme weather mean that living in the UAE is not for everyone, but it’s a great teaching opportunity if you’re up for it.
Teaching experience and higher qualifications are preferred, so the Level 5 TEFL course from The TEFL Academy is the best option if you’re looking into teaching in the Gulf states.
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