Which countries pay the best TESOL salaries?
Countries that offer the best TESOL salaries typically aim to attract highly qualified candidates for their teaching positions. The criteria for teaching jobs in these areas commonly include: being a native English speaker, holding a degree in education or a related field, and having a TESOL certificate. Sometimes, higher qualifications like a Diploma in TESOL are preferred. Additionally, a minimum of one or two years of teaching experience is sometimes required. For candidates who meet these criteria, the top five countries known for offering the highest TESOL salaries are:
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- Oman
Those with some, but not all, of these qualifications can still find competitive TESOL salary opportunities in countries like:
- South Korea
- Japan
- China
- Taiwan
- Hong Kong
Table of Contents
Top ten paying countries for ESL teachers
Top ten paying countries for ESL teachers
The following figures are taken from a range of positions advertised on different ESL job sites.
The United Arab Emirates
Also known as the Emirates or UAE, this popular teaching destination is a federation of seven individual emirates (states). The most well known of the emirates are probably Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Typical pay range is between $3,500 and $5,500 per month.
Saudi Arabia
Although famous for offering its teachers a tax free salary, Saudi Arabia is also one of the best places for receiving extra benefits in your overall package. These additional perks could include an end of contract bonus, a rent free apartment, transport to and from school, and free utilities. Typical pay range is between $2,500 and $5,000 per month.
Qatar
If you want to land a teaching job here it is worth knowing that the average list of requirements for a primary school level teacher is a degree in some form of education, a teaching license (state license/QTS etc), at least three years of experience, two references, and a police check. Typical pay range is between $2,500 and $5,000 per month.
Kuwait
Kuwait has a number of international schools that follow a British, American or Australian curriculum. As well as offering plenty of ESL positions, this type of school also has opportunities to teach other subjects in English. Typical pay range is between $2,500 and $4,000 per month.
Oman
The working week for teachers in Oman is five days a week, from Sunday to Thursday. Typical pay range is between $2,000 and $3,500 per month.
Japan
Japan has one of the biggest job markets for ESL teachers in the world. Teachers are expected to work relatively hard in comparison to some other countries, however, the salary provided is usually quite generous. Typical pay range is between $2,000 and $5,000 per month.
South Korea
TESOL qualified teachers should have little trouble finding a suitable job in South Korea as demand is very high across the country. With a good salary and a low cost of living, most people can save a healthy portion of their salary. Typical pay range is between $1,500 and $3,000 per month.
Taiwan
There are countless English language schools and hundreds of thousands of potential English language students to be found in Taiwan. The majority of positions are located in private language schools and kindergarten. Typical pay range is between $2,500 and $5,000 per month.
Hong Kong
As the cost of living in Hong Kong is quite high, particularly accommodation, it is important to weigh up any potential salary accordingly. Jobs that come with accommodation and other benefits are the ones to look out for. Typical pay range is between $2,000 and $5,000 per month.
Western Europe
It is generally true that the further west you go in Europe, the higher the salary on offer for ESL teachers. However, this is also true of the cost of living, which makes some countries very difficult to make a good living in. Typical pay range is between $1,500 and $4,000 per month.
