Just How Much can you Earn Teaching English?
A reader recently asked just how much money she could earn teaching English in Taiwan versus other locations. She was hoping to maximize her income to take care of student loans.
She was looking for her first teaching job, so we didn’t discuss the Middle East, where wages can be excellent, but they tend to require a couple of year experience.
Taiwan versus Korea versus China
It is important to understand that it is not how much you can earn, but rather how much you can save (your discretionary income).
While Taiwan ranks high in Asia for wages, the benefits provided with jobs often do not match other countries that pay a bit less. For example, Korea pays only a bit less than Taiwan, but you get free accommodation, paid air tickets and a lower overall tax rate – and, bottom line, you have more bankable income than in Taiwan.
The overall cost of living in Taiwan is higher than in Korea also. I found it less stressful to teach private classes in Taiwan, but they were less plentiful than in Korea and private classes paid more in Korea.
China should not be ruled out either. With your degree in business, you should be aware that there is a demand for Business English in China that far exceeds the interest in it in Taiwan and Korea. Lower cost of living, even lower taxes and sometimes, you could bank more money in China than in Korea. And again, in China, free accommodation, reimbursed air tickets and sometimes even free or subsidized utilities (which are expensive in both Korea and Taiwan) and even meals at some schools.
True Bottom Line?
You can save far more in Korea, China and Taiwan than you can in the States, UK or Australia. And it looks like taxes and pension costs are going to be going up up up soon as most Western countries struggle to balance their budgets
The same reader also asked, “Can I make a career out of TEFL and teach abroad indefinitely?”
You bet you can – I did – and many others are doing it right now. But be forewarned, it is such a different and enjoyable life you may never go back . . .
TED’s Tips™ #1: It’s how much you can save, not how much you can earn. If money is the bottom line for your decision, be sure to compare all your benefits and determine the costs of taxes and essentials before making a decision.
- Teaching Internships in China
Tags: How much can you earn Teaching English, How much can you earn teaching English in Korea, Teaching Engilsh in Korea, Teaching English in China, Teaching English in Taiwan, TEFL Money
Uncategorized | Ted | 
February 22, 2012 3:05 PM
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By Karen Avery, April 4, 2012 @ 3:22 AM
By the time I leave to go teach, I will be 57. Is it worth it to get take a classroom course since my options will be less at that age due to ageism, or take an online course? Does Europe hire teachers that age? If I am going to Thailand, then the online course is ok, isn’t it? I also have a teaching credential, BA from Berkeley, and teach in high school.
By Ted, April 4, 2012 @ 4:00 AM
Hi Karen,
Ageism becomes a bit of a problem for those of us over about 55, so you will need to do everything you can to overcome that issue. Thailand is one of the better countries when it comes to hiring older teachers, so that will be helpful. Taking an in-classroom course will also help you. With your experience and credentials – you should do just fine.
Ted
By Oren, May 24, 2012 @ 4:42 PM
hey Ted,
I have asked you a couple of questions before in regards to teaching abroad. I am really interested in Japan and would love to try it. I am concerned that this is not a path that will allow me to sustain a family in the future. I am 33 years old already and am wondering if I would be able to support a family as a teacher in Japan.
Thanks.
By Ted, May 24, 2012 @ 5:00 PM
Hi Oren,
TEFL is like most entry-level jobs. Your first job will support you nicely as a single person on the local economy. But if you wish to support a family and build a future for yourself, you need to plan ahead to move up the “food chain”. That not only includes increasing responsibility but also often requires additional training or education along the way. There are two career paths to follow and once on those tracks, yes, you can create a decent future and support a family (though probably not in luxury). Read this post for more information: TEFL Career Paths.
I hope that helps.
Ted
By eileen, May 27, 2012 @ 8:05 AM
I will be teaching overseas in China this coming school year. This is my first international teaching position. What is the most effective way to repatriate money back to the United States from China without paying high fees?
By Ted, May 27, 2012 @ 2:17 PM
Hello Eileen,
Bank-to-bank transfer is usually the most cost effective way to transfer money from one country to another. While the costs can seem high, they are usually relatively fixed, so if you wait and transfer larger rather than smaller sums, the overall cost can be quite low. It is just a cost of doing business though. Not really avoidable.
Ted
By Jennifer, April 15, 2013 @ 3:14 PM
Where can Business English teaching jobs in China be found? Is there a particular website you’d recommend?
By Ted, April 15, 2013 @ 4:33 PM
Hi Jennifer,
In my experience Business English jobs are not usually advertised though you will see them from time to time. Usually you pick up those types of classes at a regular school and as you get good at it you can find yourself teaching only those classes. Most typical is a company will ask a language school for a Biz English teacher and that’s when you get to make the jump.
I hope that helps.
Ted