How much can I earn teaching English in Peru?
English teachers in Peru can expect to earn between $500 to $1,000 per month. The country, known for its iconic sites like the Amazon River and Machu Picchu, offers a growing number of ESL teaching opportunities. The demand for English teachers is increasing, with most jobs located in the vibrant capital, Lima, although opportunities also exist in smaller towns and cities. Peru is becoming increasingly popular among foreign teachers due to fewer hiring restrictions compared to other South American countries. This combination of cultural richness and accessible job market makes Peru an attractive destination for English teachers.
Also read: Should I take my TESOL course before I head overseas to teach?
Table of Contents
What are TESOL salaries in Peru?
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Peru?
What is the recruitment process for English teachers in Peru?
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Peru?
What are TESOL salaries in Peru?
English language teachers in Peru typically earn around $500 to $1,000 US per month, depending on the location, the type of employer, and your own level of experience and qualifications. It is also very common for TESOL qualified teachers to earn extra cash by taking on some private tuition in their spare time away from their main teaching job. Hourly rates for private lessons are usually in the region of $10 to $20. The highest pay rates for most types of jobs are found in the major cities, while rural based jobs are often volunteer based or include a small stipend.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Peru?
The main employers of foreign TESOL qualified teachers in Peru are:
- Private Language Schools: These schools predominantly cater to young learners seeking extra lessons outside regular school hours and adults aiming to enhance their English skills for professional reasons. They are the primary source of employment for English teachers in the country.
- Geographical Job Markets: While Lima, the capital, is the hub of the ESL job market in Peru with a wide range of schools, significant opportunities are also available in other cities like Arequipa and Cusco.
- Private Tutoring: Apart from institutional teaching, there is a strong demand for private English tutoring. Teachers can work independently as tutors, although building a full-time client base may take some time.
Also read: How is teaching English in Asia different from teaching English in Latin America?
What is the recruitment process for English teachers in Peru?
The recruitment process for English teachers in Peru typically involves the following steps:
- Job Searching: While a small number of teaching jobs in Peru are advertised online, allowing for pre-arrangement from abroad, most hiring is done in person. Therefore, many teachers first travel to Peru and then seek employment.
- Interview Process: Most Peruvian employers prefer conducting interviews face-to-face, which is why it is common to complete the recruitment process after arriving in the country.
- Optimal Hiring Periods: The school year in Peru runs from March to December, making February to March and July to August the best times to look for teaching positions, as many language schools hire during these periods.
- Visa and Legal Considerations: Teachers usually enter Peru on a 90-day tourist visa, which can be obtained upon arrival without prior paperwork. This visa can then be extended for another 90 days within Peru.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Peru?
Teachers in Peru should expect to break even rather than be able to save much of their income. Average salaries are not particularly high at the lower end of the average $500 to $1,000 per month, although the low cost of living means you can live comfortably at the higher end of the pay scale or by taking on some private tutoring. Higher salaries are usually found in the main big cities, particularly Lima.
Living costs in Peru can be anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per month, depending on your lifestyle. Just remember that you will need a pot of money on arrival to cover start up costs before you get your first salary. You will need to cover accommodation, groceries, transport costs, etc. We recommend starting out with at least $1,000 to $1,500 to cover your costs in your first month.
Also read: Why should I teach English in Latin America rather than in Spain?
