Top 10 Highest Paid TEFL Jobs | Well-Paying English Teaching Jobs

Teaching English abroad is a very attractive opportunity for English teachers. ESL teachers abroad can save a chunk of money, build their careers, travel to new places, and make local friends by teaching abroad. However, if you haven’t yet begun your teaching journey, it is crucial to research and compare the highest paid TEFL jobs worldwide.

Teaching English in another country can be a challenge. You have to be culturally responsive, meet the minimum qualifications for foreign jobs, which can be quite different from your home country, and be up to date about the travel requirements. These are all common requirements for ESL teachers who teach English in another country. These aren’t necessarily difficult but are a few additional things to consider. However, the extra work clearly pays off if you get one of the best paying TEFL jobs.

Continue reading to learn where to teach English abroad, the English teacher abroad salary, and the highest paying English teaching jobs. If you are specifically interested in teaching in Asia, check out the best TEFL jobs in Asia.

Top 10 Highest Paid TEFL Jobs

The list of the highest TEFL salary by country also includes a summary of minimum requirements and additional benefits. If you are new to teaching English, it might be helpful to learn how to become an ESL teacher. If you are already an ESL teacher or qualified to become one, let’s get into the well-paying TEFL jobs and salary details.

1. UAE (United Arab Emirates): Highest Paid TEFL Job

Teach Abroad Salary in UAE: $3,500 – $5,000 (monthly)

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (some employers might look for a master’s degree)
• TEFL certificate
• Native English speaker (or equivalent proficiency for non-native speakers)

The largest cities in UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are probably the two most well-paid cities you will be able to find globally as a TEFL instructor. You can get paid up to 5,000 USD per month.

Generally, you won’t need to worry about rent since it’s included in the salary pack. Other benefits will possibly include flight, relocation allowance, and medical care.

Of course, the details depend on the employer and your experience. Moreover, in the majority of the parts of the country, your salary will be tax-free because there is no personal and corporate income taxation in the United Arab Emirates.

2. Japan: Second Highest Paid English Job

English Teacher Abroad Salary: $2,000 – $5,000 (monthly)

Qualification:

• TEFL certificate
• Prior teaching experience (preferred)

Japan has long been a popular travel destination because of its rich culture and the high paid salary. Some of the large cities like Tokyo and Osaka are absolutely fantastic places to visit, but people unexpectedly fall in love with the rural side of the country.

Working in Japan as a TEFL teacher will allow you to explore this unbelievably beautiful countryside while saving a good chunk of cash.

Additionally, you will be able to receive benefits, including flexible work hours and health insurance. Also, some employers will subsidize the costs of living and flight.

3. Saudi Arabia: Third Highest Paid TEFL Job

Teach English Abroad Salaries: $3,000 – $4,500 (monthly)

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree (some employers might look for a master’s degree)
• TEFL certificate
• Native English speaker (or equivalent proficiency for non-native speakers)

Saudi Arabia is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. It can be an exciting travel destination as it has a very different culture from the Western countries or the Southeast Asian countries.

However, the culturally responsive trait becomes crucial when it comes to traveling to Saudi Arabia. There are many restrictions based on the conservative culture that foreigners must follow. The most significant restriction to be aware of is sex segregation in public places.

Still, if you are willing to accept the cultural difference and adapt to a whole new environment, Saudi Arabia will be a fun and dynamic travel destination. Also, Saudi Arabia has no individual income taxation.

4. Teaching English in Kuwait: Fourth Highest Paid

Monthly TEFL Salary: $2,600 – $4,000

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree
• TEFL certificate
• Prior teaching experience
• Citizenship from a native English-speaking country

Kuwait has a fantastic mixture of traditional Arab culture and nature with the modern metropolis. Kuwait is also one of the conservative countries on the list. ESL teachers will have to abide by the strict dress code regulations. It is crucial to dress conservatively and professionally. Especially, female teachers must cover their shoulders and knees.

Visiting the coastal scenery and endless empty deserts will be the most memorable experience despite the strict rules. Because the small country is mostly desert areas, there aren’t that many places to teach. Kuwait City, the only major urban area, is probably where TEFL teachers will reside.

5. Oman

TEFL Salary: $2,000 – $3,500

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree
• TEFL certificate
• Prior teaching experience

In the last 40 years, Oman experienced the most improvement in terms of development. Still, there is a lot more to achieve regarding equal rights and rights to freedom. It is a country with strict religious, cultural, moral, and legal codes.

Yet, Oman is still an attractive travel destination for TEFL teachers. The salary is tax-free, and employers often provide visa assistance, flight and rent compensation, medical care, and bonuses. Furthermore, the cost of living is much lower than the Western countries. So, TEFL teachers will be able to save money while visiting the well-preserved archeological areas.

6. Taiwan

Monthly Salary: $1,500 – $2,500

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree (some employers might look for a master’s degree)
• TEFL certificate
• Prior teaching experience
• Criminal Background Check

Taiwan is famous for street food, friendly local people, and the cultural sites within the modern cities. The salary may not seem a lot compared to the countries above. However, the cost of living is relatively low, making it easier to save money than in many other Southeast Asian countries.

Depending on the employer, you also can receive all of these benefits: health insurance, flight reimbursement, and assistance when looking for accommodation.

7. Teaching English in South Korea

Monthly Salary: $1,600 – $4,400

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree
• TEFL certificate
• Prior teaching experience (preferred)

South Korea is one of the countries with the highest demand for English teachers in Asia. The education system is known to be highly competitive, which naturally increases the need for more private teachers. Almost in any city, you will be able to find a TEFL job position. So, when it comes to choosing the city to reside in, there is a lot of freedom.

If you are more of a big city person, Seoul is the best option. On the other hand, if you like mountains and the ocean, Busan might be the right place. Furthermore, many people in Korea already speak English, so there is less language barrier.

8. China

English Teacher Salary in China: $1,400 – $2,200

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree
• TEFL certificate
• Prior teaching experience
• Background check
• Citizenship from a native English-speaking country

China has the largest population in the world and is one of the fastest-growing countries. Thus, there is a massive demand for English teachers. It is especially a great place for newbie TEFL teachers to start building their teaching careers.

Adding on to the great demand, the low cost of living and benefits will help TEFL instructors save money while working in China. Possible benefits include flight reimbursement, free housing, and health care.

9. Vietnam

ESL Teacher Monthly Salary: $1,200 – $2,000

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree
• TEFL certificate
• Must be a native English speaker
• Work experience (preferred)

Vietnam has long been a popular travel destination among backpackers. The low cost of living and the tropical climate are two good reasons to teach ESL in Vietnam. Leaving the busy hometown back, you will have a chance to enjoy a laid-back and chill everyday life teaching and traveling.

The benefits or bonuses won’t be as impressive as in the countries listed above. Still, some employers offer flight reimbursement, contract completion allowance, and relocation packages.

10. Teaching English in Chile

Monthly ESL Salary: $400 – $1,500

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree
• TEFL certificate (preferred)
• Master’s degree in Education to work at an elementary or high school

The TEFL job salary in Chile or other Latin American countries isn’t the most attractive. It can be a challenge to find a place that will moderately pay teachers as a lot of locals will expect voluntary work. However, if you travel to Chile with a certified and reputable TEFL program, you can guarantee the salary payment. These programs also provide free orientation accommodations.

Why should you put Chile on the list? If you are a nature lover, Chile is your undiscovered paradise. Also, it is a wine country, has amazing food, and values dynamic culture.

Highest Paying Teaching Jobs Around the World

Now that you know the countries with the highest English teaching abroad salary, you might wonder where exactly to find the highest paying teaching jobs. In most of the countries, international schools and private language schools have the highest-paying teaching jobs. Also, English teachers abroad can generally charge a higher hourly wage for private tutoring lessons.

English Teacher Abroad Salary

Because the minimum wage varies a lot in different countries, it’s difficult to give an average number for English teachers abroad salary. However, if you work as an English teacher in one of the highest-paying countries, you can earn a monthly salary between $2,000 – $5,000!

Countries that will Pay You to Move There

Check out the list of countries that will pay ESL teachers to move or subsidize flight costs:

• UAE
• Japan
• Taiwan
• Qatar
• China

However, the details depend on the employer. Not every school or employer will provide these benefits to TEFL teachers.

TEFL Jobs No Degree Needed

Are you an ESL teacher without a university degree? In the highest paying countries, it could be a little bit more difficult to find an English teaching job. Here are some countries that don’t require a degree to teach English abroad:

• Cambodia
• Costa Rica
• Spain
• Argentina
• Mexico

Teach English Online without a Degree

If you are looking for more teaching options as an ESL teacher with no degree, consider teaching English online. It isn’t going to pay enough to be your full-time job, but it can be a good side gig. Here are some basic requirement to get a online TEFL job:

• must be a native English speaker
• have a TEFL certificate
• have experience with kids
• have a computer and a webcam

If you are looking for specific online ESL teaching companies, check these ones out: PalFish, NiceTalk, iTalki, Cafetalk, OpenEnglish, Yeko, and Cambly.

FAQs About Hihgest Paid TEFL Jobs

Here are answers to some of the most popular questions that people have about the English teaching jobs that pay the most around the world.

Is TEFL enough to teach English abroad?

In many countries, the TEFL certificate is enough to find a teaching job. There are many TEFL jobs without a degree requirement. However, if you are willing to get a higher salary, you will need a minimum bachelor’s degree and past work experience.

Which country has the highest paid TEFL jobs?

The United Arba Emirates (UAE), Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Taiwan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, and Chile are the top 10 countries that pay TEFL teachers the most.

Can I teach in Dubai with a TEFL?

Yes, you can teach in Dubai, one of the biggest cities in UAE, with a TEFL certificate. However, you will also need a bachelor’s degree. Native English speakers are preferred. Still, if you are a non-English speaker with equivalent proficiency as a native speaker, then you should be able to find a job.

Is teaching abroad worth it?

Teaching English abroad is the chance to build a career, travel, and save money simultaneously. In addition, you will be able to make friends from the local community, learn about different cultures, and make lifelong memories while teaching English.

How much do English teachers make abroad?

In well-paying countries, English teachers abroad can make up to $5,000 USD per month.

Highest Paid TEFL Jobs: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on teaching ESL abroad? Did you find your dream destination in the top 10 list? Consider becoming an ESL teacher and getting a high paying TEFL job abroad! Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2022-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API