How Much Do English Teachers Earn Abroad?

Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) is one of the most popular ways to work abroad and fund long-term travel adventures. Your ESL teacher salary can vary widely by country based on local economies, whether you hold a bachelor’s degree, and the type of placement (public school vs. language center). This guide compiles the latest pay data for TravelBud’s Teach English programs for Cambodia, Costa Rica, Japan, Myanmar, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, and Vietnam. Use it as a teaching English abroad salary comparison to see where you might earn and save the most, discover high paying TEFL jobs, and explore key teach English abroad benefits across each country.

Why salary matters when choosing a destination

ESL pay typically tracks cost of living. You may earn more in Japan or South Korea than in Thailand, but you’ll likely spend more on housing, transport, and food. That’s why savings potential—the amount you can put away after expenses, is a powerful metric for comparing destinations and identifying high paying TEFL jobs that truly stretch your budget. Below you’ll find salary ranges (in USD and local currency) and other essentials for TravelBud placements, followed by a country-by-country teaching English abroad salary comparison, practical tips to boost your ESL teacher salary, and a quick look at added teach English abroad benefits that can increase your overall package.

ESL Teacher Salaries by Country

Cambodia

• Salary range – Non‑degree holders earn roughly US$700–$1 ,500 per month while degree holders earn US$900–$1 ,600. Amounts may fluctuate with exchange rates.
  
  
• Local currency – 2.8–6.1 million Cambodian riel per month.
  
  
• Savings potential – Low cost of living allows teachers to save about US$200–$500+ per month.
  
  
• Common placements – Private schools in urban centers such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
  
  
• Other notes – Contracts are typically one year; taxes are 10–15 %. Work visas are required (usually a business visa).
  
  

Costa Rica

• Salary range – Teachers generally earn US$900–$1 ,500 per month. Hourly pay ranges from US$7–$12 and average monthly earnings in language academies are around US$900–$1 ,300.
  
  
• Local currency – Salaries are paid in U.S. dollars; monthly pay remains US$900–$1 ,500.
  
  
• Savings potential – The cost of living is higher than in Southeast Asia, so savings hover around US$100–$200+ per month.
  
  
• Common placements – Local language academies (4–10 students per class), international/bilingual schools (larger classes) and online teaching. Working hours are 20–30 per week.
  
  
• Other notes – Contracts usually run for a year; teachers enter with a visa exemption stamp. Taxes range from 10–20 %.
  
  

Japan

• Salary range – Degree holders typically earn US$1 ,600–$2 ,100 per month, while non‑degree holders on working‑holiday visas earn around US$1 ,500.
  
  
• Local currency – ¥215,000–¥250,000 per month.
  
  
• Savings potential – US$150–$200+ per month due to the high cost of living.
  
  
• Common placements – Public schools (Assistant Language Teacher positions) and private language centers (eikaiwas). Working hours are 20–30 per week with two days off (not always consecutive).
  
  
• Other notes – Teachers need a proper visa; degree holders use the Instructor or Specialist in Humanities visa and non‑degree holders use a working‑holiday visa. Taxes are about 5 %.
  
  

Myanmar

• Salary range – ESL teachers earn US$1 ,000–$1 ,500 per month.
  
  
• Local currency – 2–3.5 million Kyat per month.
  
  
• Savings potential – Typically US$100–$200+.
  
  
• Common placements – Language centers and private schools in cities like Yangon, Mandalay and Monywa. Working hours are 20–35 per week.
  
  
• Other notes – Contracts range from six months to one year; teachers require a business visa and pay around 5 % in taxes.
  
  

South Korea

• Salary range – Teachers earn US$1 ,600–$1 ,900 per month.
  
  
• Local currency – 2.1–2.5 million Korean won per month.
  
  
• Savings potential – Substantial at US$400–$1 ,000+ per month thanks to low taxes and free or subsidized housing.
  
  
• Common placements – Private language schools (hagwons); class sizes are small (3–15 students). Teachers work about 30 contact hours per week and often teach afternoons/evenings.
  
  
• Other notes – One‑year contracts; teachers need an E‑2 visa. Taxes range from 4–7 %.
  
  

Spain

• Salary range – Salaries fall between US$850–$1 ,200 per month. Hourly rates of €10–18 translate to €700–1 ,100 per month.
  
  
• Local currency – €1,100–€1,400 per month.
  
  
• Savings potential – Generally US$100–$200+ per month due to higher living costs in cities like Barcelona.
  
  
• Common placements – Part‑time and full‑time roles at local academies, online schools or private tutoring. Contracts last 11 months and working hours are typically 15–30 per week.
  
  
• Other notes – Teachers usually enter on an 11‑month education visa and pay about 15 % in taxes.
  
  

Thailand

• Salary range – Teachers in Thailand earn US$800–$1 ,300 per month.
  
  
• Local currency – ฿30,000–฿40,000 Thai baht per month.
  
  
• Savings potential – US$100–$300+ per month thanks to a low cost of living.
  
  
• Common placements – Public schools across urban and rural areas. Teachers work 25–40 hours per week with weekends off.
  
  
• Other notes – Contracts are 5 months to 1 year; teachers use a Non‑Immigrant B or O visa and may pay 3–5 % tax (often zero when earnings are low).
  
  

Vietnam

• Salary range – English teachers earn US$1 ,400–$2 ,000 per month.
  
  
• Local currency – 32–36 million Vietnamese dong per month.
  
  
• Savings potential – High; teachers can save US$500–$700 per month due to modest living costs.
  
  
• Common placements – Public schools and private language centers. Private centers offer 15–25 teaching hours per week; public schools require 20–25.
  
  
• Other notes – One‑year contracts are standard. Teachers initially enter on a tourist visa (for in‑class TEFL) or business visa (placement only). Tax rates start at ~20 % for the first six months then drop to 5–15 %.
  
  

Salary Comparison

Below is a quick comparison of salaries and savings across TravelBud’s supported destinations. Keep in mind that salaries may vary based on qualifications, experience and the type of school.

Check which TravelBud programs you're eligible for.

* Ranges vary due to currency fluctuations

Tips to Maximize Your ESL Income

• Choose a destination that aligns with your goals. If saving money is important, opt for higher‑paying destinations like South Korea or Vietnam. If cultural immersion and lifestyle matter more, Cambodia or Thailand may provide a better balance between income and experience.
  
  
• Consider qualifications. Degree holders typically earn more than non‑degree holders - particularly in Japan and Cambodia. Completing a TEFL/TESOL certification (TravelBud offers one) can also open doors to higher‑paying positions.
  
  
• Factor in cost of living. A US$1 ,500 salary in Vietnam goes much further than the same amount in Costa Rica. Research average housing, food and transportation costs when budgeting.
  
  
• Save on accommodation. Some schools (notably in South Korea and Vietnam) provide free or subsidized housing, increasing your ability to save.
  
  
• Teach extra hours or online. In Costa Rica, teachers may start with part‑time hours and can supplement with online classes. In Spain, private tutoring or online teaching can boost earnings.
  
  

Choosing the Right Program

TravelBud supports teachers throughout the entire process - from choosing a destination and preparing documents to securing a placement and settling in abroad. When selecting a program, think about:

1. Your qualifications. Do you have a degree? If not, options like Cambodia and Thailand still offer solid earnings, while Japan has a special working‑holiday pathway for non‑degree holders.
   
   
2. Desired contract length. Contracts vary from 5 months (Thailand) to 11 months (Spain) or 1 year (most countries). Short contracts may suit gap‑year travelers; longer contracts offer stability and deeper immersion.
   
   
3. Preferred age group. Placements range from teaching kindergarteners to adults. For instance, Costa Rican placements often involve teaching adults at language academies, whereas Thailand and Cambodia feature young learners.
   
   
4. Lifestyle and location. Some programs place teachers in major cities (e.g., Seoul, Barcelona, Ho Chi Minh City) while others offer experiences in smaller towns or rural areas.
   
   

Ready to Start Your ESL Journey?

TravelBud has helped thousands of people teach English abroad, providing TEFL training, guaranteed job placements, 24/7 support and a community of like‑minded travelers. Salaries vary by country, but a teaching job abroad always offers more than just a pay check - it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, gain international work experience and make lifelong friends.

Curious about your eligibility? Visit our quick inquiry page to see which programs you qualify for and start planning your adventure today!

Conclusion

The ESL teaching profession offers a wide range of salaries across different countries. High‑paying destinations like South Korea and Vietnam provide strong savings potential, while locations like Cambodia and Thailand trade slightly lower salaries for a lower cost of living and a relaxed lifestyle. Use the salary ranges and saving potentials in this guide to compare destinations and choose the program that fits your goals. Whatever you choose, teaching English abroad with TravelBud promises an unforgettable experience.