Want to work abroad, but not keen on living on instant noodles and roughing it in a hostel? Then teaching in China is the way to go! Have you dreamed of faraway adventures, endlessly and jealously scrolling through your Instagram feed to quench your never ending wanderlust? Then stop scrolling and start planning already!
Pictured here: YOU! (Unless you’re afraid of heights....then maybe keep your teaching abroad in China adventures firmly on the ground at sea level.)
China has long been the hottest ticket to scoring high paid teaching jobs abroad. As one of the oldest cultures in the world, there won’t be a dull moment during your teaching placement in China. From bustling mega-metropolises to mouthwatering and diverse cuisine and a lively expat scene, China really has it all.
And best of all, English teachers in China can earn up to $3,000 per month—sometimes even more if you have experience. This means you’ll not only be living it up but also saving enough to explore the rest of the country on your time off! Plus, students tend to be very disciplined and eager to learn—even the younger kids—so don’t worry about chaotic classrooms and tantrums.
Before you pack your bags though, there are some things you need to consider (in addition to those 8 highest paying teaching jobs abroad in China that we keep mentioning).
Things to consider about your teacher salary in China
There’s an almost limitless demand for teachers of English as a foreign language in China, which also means salaries are becoming increasingly competitive. You can expect to earn from around $1,000 to $3,000, or even more at certain International Schools for heads of department.
“Ka-ching!” might be one sound you didn’t expect to hear while teaching abroad in China, but we think you’ll get used to it pretty quickly.
This is significantly higher than the average salary in China, which means that you’ll be able to live well while paying off student loans or building up that travel fund.
[Bookmark High-Paying Teaching Jobs in China to Apply for Later]
In addition to a generous salary, most schools and programs offer significant benefits. You can expect free housing or a stipend to put towards housing, medical insurance, bonuses, and flight allowances. Sometimes, even your outbound flight will be paid for by the school, so your initial starting costs can be extremely low.
Pro tip: If you have a degree in education or experience leading a school, you can earn up to $10k per month at certain International schools. Make sure you research all your options before flying out, or you could be missing out on a lot of dough.
The highest paid teaching jobs in China
1. International TEFL Academy
ITA is one of the best known TEFL providers worldwide and they’ll help you get a high-paying teaching job in China in no time. Even if you’re a total teaching novice, you’ll be able to get your official TEFL certificate online in your home country before you even make it over to the Far East.
ITA will provide you with a personal advisor who’ll help find the perfect teaching position for you, support you through the application process, and offer ongoing support and a community once you arrive.
With over 150,000 global ITA alumni, you definitely won’t be lonely on your adventures.
- Where? All major cities
- Salary range: Teachers can expect ~$1,150 to $2,600 per month
- Get more job info here
2. i-to-i TEFL
Another world-renowned TEFL program is i-to-i TEFL who have trained over 180,000 teachers worldwide. If you’re looking to get TEFL certified and learn as much as possible about working in a classroom, then i-to-i is a great option.
Students can choose from online and in-person training, where not only the basics like grammar and vocabulary will be covered, but you’ll also learn how to create lesson plans, build your classroom confidence, and find out where to find the best and highest-paying jobs. Plus, you’ll have a dedicated tutor to help you throughout the process.
- Where? Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai
- Salary range: ~Up to $3,500 per month
- Get more job info here
3. Teaching Nomad
Teaching Nomad is one of the highest rated teach abroad programs. They pride themselves on having the largest database of teaching jobs in mainland China. Former students are raving about the bespoke service and support they received from Teaching Nomad.
Whether you’re just starting out as a teacher or have years of experience, Teaching Nomad will find the perfect fit of location, salary, hours and benefits for you. They’ll support you from the moment you apply, through your relocation and beyond, plus you’ll get the chance to meet other teachers as well. Teaching Nomads offers some of the highest paying jobs for teachers of English as well as other subjects.
- Where? Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Harbin, Nanjing, Ningbo, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Xi'an
- Salary range: ~$1,500 to $3,100 per month for ESL positions, up to $7,000 per month for professionally licensed teachers
- Get more job info here
4. i2 International Institute of Education
You already know about Beijing and Shanghai, but have you heard of Chengdu? Chengdu is over four thousand years old, has a mix of beautiful old and new architecture and is home to over 10 million people as well as the famous Giant Panda. I2 International Institute of Education is based in Chengdu and is one of the highest paying schools for English native speakers.
If you’ve got a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of teaching experience, then this school should be top of your list. You’ll be teaching students aged 3-12 years old in small, intimate classes of just 4-6 students. In addition to around 30 hours of teaching per week, you’ll be asked to show around new students, help with events, and attend weekly meetings.
In return, you get a very competitive salary plus a ton of benefits like multiple bonuses, housing and flight allowances, Mandarin courses, health insurance, TEFL training, airport pickup and more. You’ll be very well looked after here.
- Where? Chengdu
- Salary range: ~$2,300 to $3,100 per month
- Get more job info here
5. Intrepid Teachers
There’s such a high demand for English teachers throughout China, that Intrepid Teachers are actively recruiting in virtually every corner of the country. If you already have TEFL certification or two years of teaching experience, plus a bachelor’s degree, then you could start immediately.
Intrepid Teachers offer year-long placements and, in addition to a very generous salary, you can also expect accommodation and flight allowances, end of year bonuses, pay increases if you stay with a school for more than one year, Chinese language lessons and more. You’ll be able to save up a hefty cash cushion to explore the rest of the country in your breaks and after your contract ends.
- Where? Beijing, Shanghai and many other major cities
- Salary range: ~$1,500 to $3,000 per month depending on school and city
- Get more job info here
6. Noon Elite Recruitment
Noon Elite Recruitment is a great provider of well-paid teaching gigs that really pride themselves on offering a fully immersive experience in China. You’ll be able to soak up the thousands of years of history, become conversational in Mandarin, and save up to travel after your 12-month placement is up.
The customizability of your experience makes Noon Elite Recruitment stand out from the crowd. Their English teaching placements are highly flexible and can be completely tailored to your needs, from the start date to working hours, location and even pay, you’ll be able to pick the perfect fit.
- Where? Most major cities
- Salary range: ~$1,850 per month plus bonuses and housing
- Get more job info here
7. Zhejiang Wendy Talent development Co., Ltd
All travel and work abroad experiences come with admin tasks and paperwork. If you’d like someone else to handle all of that, then Zhejiang Wendy Talent development is the right pick for you.
Not only do they have one of the largest job databases in the country, but they also help you with all official procedures and documentation. Starting with the visa process and covering everything from travel arrangements, to social security and accommodation – you’ll be very well looked after.
- Where? Hangzhou, Ningbo, Suzhou
- Salary range: ~$1,200 to $2,400 plus benefits
- Get more job info here
8. API
If you’re less interested in earning the big bucks and are happy to focus your earnings on exchange, cultural immersion, and Chinese language acquisition, then consider getting paid for teaching in China vis-a-vis the learning opportunities wrought of a homestay.
API can hook you up with a welcoming family and learning environment where the teaching goes both ways.
- Where? Guangdong, Jiamusi
- Salary range: Room and board via homestay
- Get more job info here
[Browse ALL the Ways to Become a Teacher in China]
How to further increase your salary for teaching English in China
Whether you want to pay off your student loans or just save even more money to stretch your travel budget as far as possible, there are ways to increase your salary while teaching English in China.
International schools tend to pay best, so if you want to snag one of those spots, make sure your application and CV stand out. Just because this is a job abroad, doesn’t mean you can take the process lightly. China is a very formal country, so dressing up nicely for your interview and preparing for each job is a must. It also helps to learn a few Mandarin phrases to make a great first impression.
Another way to earn some extra income is to offer private tutoring after school or on weekends, to students who want extra attention. It’s relatively easy to find students and is a great way to work a few extra hours each week.
Your wallet will love these jobs in China!
You’ll be living the dream in China and making the big bucks in no time! Just keep your eye on the prize, and on your travel budget.
Now that you know what amazing opportunities await you (and your wallet) in China, it’s time to pick your favourite program, pack your bags, and say your goodbyes! Teaching in China will be an experience of a lifetime, so what are you waiting for?
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