Teaching English Abroad Salaries: Which 10 Countries Pay The Most?

There are a few TEFL hotspots in the UAE. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the usual suspects for high salaries, but there are also well-paid jobs in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. Job requirements are quite strict so teaching in this Arabian country suits teachers who have either a teaching qualification, as well as a TEFL or teaching experience.

Salaries are usually about $3,000 to $4,000 a month, but the benefits are great! Even though the cost of living may be quite high in these cities, the fact that your accommodation costs are covered will save you loads of money. Plus, your salary is tax-free!

Another desert hotspot is Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia offers packages which are just as attractive as the UAE but doesn’t have such strict teaching requirements. You might be a bit hesitant to live and work in Saudi Arabia but if you’re willing to have a cultural adventure, Saudi Arabia should definitely be an option for you.

In Saudi Arabia you can earn $2,500 to $5,000 a month, with flights and accommodation included. To teach English in Saudi Arabia, you need a degree and a TEFL certification. Native speakers are preferred. The more qualified and experienced you are, the more you can expect from your salary.

If you’re looking to live and work in a country that oozes history, culture and eccentricity, then Japan is the country for you. Japan is one of the most fascinating countries to teach and live in. In how many other countries can you find ancient Buddhist temples, tropical beaches and cat coffee shops?  

There are a number of different teaching options in Japan and where you teach will influence how much you earn. In Japan, teaching jobs are found in eikaiwas, kindergartens, universities and as an assistant teacher. Salaries range from $1,800 to $2,500 – or even more if you have the right qualifications!

Qatar is a tiny country with a big heart. Qatar is now what Dubai was twenty years ago, so it is on the brink of serious development and innovation, yet it still has the look and feel of an ancient Middle Eastern state.

Because it is so small, there aren’t a huge amount of opportunities for TEFL teachers, but those that are available are well worth looking into. The cost of living in Qatar is undeniably high, so your salary will be high and your school will provide you with (usually furnished) accommodation. You will be remunerated for an annual flight home. Plus in summer most schools only operate four days a week, which means – yes! – a three-day weekend, every weekend!

Teachers in Qatar typically earn $2,500 to $3,500 a month, tax-free. Generally speaking, the more qualified you are, the higher your earning potential. And don’t forget that with all the included extras, your salary will go a lot further than normal.

South Korea has a lot to offer TEFL teachers: good salaries, generous benefits, comfortable living and a chance to save your precious pennies. At last count, there were almost 50,000 English teachers working here, and still so many jobs to fill! 

You can either work for the Korean Ministry of Education in a public school or you could work in a private school, also known as a Hagwon. Your days may be long but they will be worth it.

In South Korea teachers can expect to earn $1,400 to $2,200. But the beauty of teaching in South Korea is the benefits. Teachers are usually offered a return-flight from their home country for a 12-month contract, on top of a contract-completion bonus. Plus, accommodation is usually provided as part of your benefits package which is a real saving.

With an estimated 390 million English language learners, 100,000 native English-speaking teachers and 1,000 EFL teachers being hired every month, it’s no surprise that teaching English as a foreign language in China is popular with TEFL graduates. 

TEFL teaching salaries in China range from $1,100 to $3,000. But of course the true meaning of your salary is not in the number, but in its buying power. You’ll earn a higher salary in Shanghai (a Tier 1 city) than in Hangzhou (a Tier 3 city) because your cost of living will be higher – so be mindful of where you accept a job.

It’s not only the job market that attracts teachers to this country, though. China is a country of superlatives. It has some of the highest buildings in the world, the oldest historical monuments, the most delicious food, the most interesting culture. There are about as many reasons to visit China as there are people living there – and that’s a lot!

Believe it or not! Not many people think about teaching English in Kazakhstan but it’s becoming a top destination for TEFL teachers who not only want to teach off the beaten track but who want to earn a few dollars.

As one of the fastest-growing economies in Central Asia, education in Kazakhstan is becoming more and more important. There are many new international schools to cater for the children of more well-off citizens. Salaries range from $4,000 to $ 5,000 but the clincher is that teaching packages usually include flights, insurance and accommodation.

Another often-overlooked gem is Kuwait. Besides being a desert nation, Kuwait has fantastic beaches which are popular for barbecues, picnics, swimming and water sports. On the other hand, Kuwait City is a thriving cosmpolitan city. 

Teaching English in Kuwait often means teaching in langauge academies, schools or private tutoring. To teach in Kuwait you need a TEFL qualification, a degree and preferably teaching experience. You can expect to earn $1,500 – $3,500 a month, plus flights and accommodation are usually included

An Asian hotspot for TEFL teachers is Taiwan. Historically Taiwan has always been a solid option for TEFL teachers but it’s never been as popular as its cousins South Korea, China or Thailand. This looks set to change as TEFL salaries on the small island nation become more attractive.

Teaching in Taiwan you’ll earn $3,000 to $4,000 a month. Unlike the other countries on this list, this usually won’t include accommodation though it may include a reimbursement of flights. However, the cost of living in Taiwan is so low that your earning power is much more than is reflected in the salary.

Vietnam is a breath-takingly beautiful country, with gorgeous cities, quaint villages, dreamy beaches and mystical mountains. It has a warm, tropical climate so you can be sure to enjoy balmy summers and mild winters. The food is outrageously good, with local Vietnamese specialities and French classics with a Vietnamese twist waiting to be enjoyed in a sidewalk café.

Vietnam is an up-and-coming market for TEFL. With the boom in tourism and hospitality, Vietnam has seen a huge surge in the need for English. This has naturally resulted in a massive increase for TEFL teachers – and therefore TEFL jobs. 

While teaching salaries always differ according to the teacher’s qualifications, experience and the teaching situations, the average teaching salary for a new teacher in Vietnam is $1,500 a month. A more experienced teacher can earn up to $2,000.

The TEFL Academy provides the very best in accredited TEFL courses, meaning your qualification is recognised throughout the world. We are the world’s leading TEFL course provider. We can help you acquire the skills needed to teach English as a foreign language in any of the above countries. Check out our TEFL internships, volunteer placements and the thousands of jobs on our exclusive TEFL jobs board.

What are you waiting for? Where will you teach English in 2023? Sign up for a TEFL course with The TEFL Academy and soon you could be jetting off to Japan or Vietnam, TEFL certificate in hand.