How much money can I make teaching English in China?

Many English teachers in China make enough money to live comfortably on a salary of between $600 and $1,750 a month. It's no surprise that China is both the world's biggest and one of the most profitable employment marketplaces for expats looking to teach English overseas. In light of China's huge demand, salaries for English teachers vary widely depending on the type of job and employer. However, most new English teachers in China, whether from the U.S., Canada, the UK, or other native English-speaking countries, typically earn between 8,000 RMB ($1,200) and 18,000 RMB ($2,600) per month, with some earning significantly more than that.

A stipend (usually 3,000 RMB per month) is given to many Chinese English instructors in addition to free accommodation, and some even get free or subsidized travel.

Exactly what does this imply for me?

In absolute terms, these salaries may not be as high as what you would consider a good one in your home country, but because of the lower cost of living in China and the fact that housing is provided, most English teachers in China are able to save the equivalent of $600 - $1,750 a month after expenses, and some teachers can save up to $20,000 a year or more.

What Makes It Possible for Me to Save So Much Money?

Savings on the Standard of Living

Because the cost of living in China is half that in the United States, your money will go farther and you'll have an easier time-saving. Keep in mind that wages are frequently lower in areas where the cost of living is also lower, so you may still save a significant part of your income.

The majority of the time, the cost of housing is covered.

If your housing expenses are paid, as they are for English instructors in China, you will be able to retain more of your monthly salary. Most Americans spend between 25 and 35 percent of their income in rent and housing-related expenditures.

Health insurance and paid time off were provided by the employer.

Health insurance and paid leave are common benefits for Chinese English instructors.

Be Patient and Selective When Looking for a Job.

A dearth of native-speaking English instructors in China means that even if you are hired on the spot, you'll have to compete with other candidates who have a college degree and a TEFL certification. Those who are competent to teach English in China will have plenty of employment choices, unlike in a tough economy when job searchers would accept any offer that comes their way. Being patient and exploring your options may truly pay off.

Assume Responsibility for Independent Learners

People in China place a great value on education, and the nouveau riche and middle class in China are prepared to pay thousands of dollars a year to provide their children with private English lessons from native English-speaking teachers, especially those who have earned their TEFL certificates. Many foreign English instructors in China may earn twice as much per hour doing private lessons as they do at the school where they work, and many English teachers in China can earn an additional $10,000 or more a year teaching private lessons.