How much can I earn teaching English in Saudi Arabia?
English teachers in Saudi Arabia, particularly in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, can earn some of the highest salaries in the TESOL field. Salaries can range anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000+ per month, depending on the teacher's qualifications and experience. Major employers include universities, colleges, international schools, and private language academies. These institutions continuously seek qualified teachers due to strong demand. In addition to competitive salaries, many positions in Saudi Arabia also offer benefits like housing, health insurance, and airfare, further enhancing the financial appeal of teaching English in this region.
Table of Contents
Is Saudi Arabia the right TESOL destination for you?
What are TESOL salaries in Saudi Arabia?
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Saudi Arabia?
Who else employs English language teachers in Saudi Arabia?
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Saudi Arabia?
Is Saudi Arabia the right TESOL destination for you?
Although salaries are very high across the country, Saudi Arabia has a unique cultural environment that you also need to be aware of before getting on the plane. The country has very conservative laws and traditions that might make it unsuitable for some teachers. Drinking alcohol is completely forbidden and close interaction between unmarried couples is not allowed. It can be particularly challenging for female teachers as they face other restrictions such as what they can wear outside their home.
What are TESOL salaries in Saudi Arabia?
In Saudi Arabia, TESOL salaries are among the highest globally, ranging from approximately $2,500 to over $4,000 per month. This range depends on the teacher's qualifications and previous classroom experience. In addition to these salaries, most teaching positions in Saudi Arabia offer comprehensive benefits packages. These typically include paid return airfares, free accommodation, and an end-of-contract bonus. An added financial benefit is that salaries for foreign teachers in Saudi Arabia are tax-free.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Saudi Arabia?
The main employers of English language teachers in Saudi Arabia are private and public language schools, as well as international schools. In language schools, salaries typically range from 12,000 to 15,000 SAR per month ($3,200 to $4,000), with teachers expected to spend 25 to 30 hours weekly in the classroom, plus additional time for planning and administrative duties. A good understanding of Arabic can be advantageous in these roles. International schools are another significant employer, usually requiring a teaching qualification from the teacher's home country and at least two years of experience. Salaries in international schools vary from 10,000 to 15,000 SAR per month ($2,600 to $4,000), with working hours generally from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday to Wednesday. Contracts in these schools often span one to two years.
Who else employs English language teachers in Saudi Arabia?
There are plenty of potential opportunities for foreign teachers in colleges and universities as most students in Saudi Arabia are required to sit an English language exam at some stage during their studies. This type of job generally pays at least 15,000 SAR ($4,000) per month, so you can expect strong competition for each available job. Extensive classroom experience is usually a priority for these positions.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Saudi Arabia?
As it is one of the wealthiest countries in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is also one of the most expensive to live in for foreign teachers. However, as your monthly income should be very high and typical expenses such as airfares and housing taken care of, you should have no trouble living a very comfortable lifestyle. Most teachers can also expect to save a considerable percentage of their income each month.
