Ready to jump into your next teaching job in Thailand? Start now!
Don’t waste your time considering average joe opportunities—jumpstart your research with a list of the best paid teaching jobs in Thailand!
Remember that friend who went to Thailand and you hard core creeped on their Instagram drooling with jealousy? THIS CAN BE YOUR LIFE. Are you contemplating how to fund that adventure abroad and not drown yourself in debt? Cha-ching! Teach English in Thailand where you can make some moolah while fully immersing yourself in the land of smiles. Sawaaaadeeka paradise! It’s time to go and teach English in Thailand.
Let’s not kid ourselves, you most likely will not become rich by moving abroad to teach English in Thailand. But how can rich in cash even compare to rich in wonderful memories? Fear not brave and adventurous ESL teacher, your TEFL salary in Thailand will definitely be more than enough to get by. On top of that, if you’re budget savvy you’ll be able to throw some money in the bank and be able to have a few shopping sprees in the colorful markets that boast with elephant pants and Muay Thai shorts.
Are you up for an adventure of a lifetime among lush jungles, serene temples, and a slew of islands? Heck yes you are! Go and teach English in Thailand!
Things to consider about your teacher salary in Thailand
Before you start browsing jobs, make sure to note that having a four year degree is one of the requirements for teaching English in Thailand. However, unlike many popular countries where people go to teach abroad, it is not required to be from a native speaking country or have a TEFL—although a TEFL is a great incentive to make more $$$. (And if you want to get TEFL certified to get some experience under your belt, start here!)
An ESL teacher salary in Thailand is typically between 30-40,000 Thai Baht per month (around $1,000), however some schools may start lower. Although $1,000 may not sound ideal (especially for someone who might have student loans), there's good news: Thailand is much more affordable than the U.S. and U.K. Living affordably will be a breeze in this magical area of Southeast Asia.
Hurry to snag these awesome TEFL in Thailand opportunities—>
Pro tip: If you're a qualified teacher back home, skip the language schools and seek out international teaching jobs in Thailand. International schools will typically pay two or three times as much as a job teaching English in Thailand! Jobs based internationally will allow you to rake in some cash teaching a subject—English or otherwise—that you've taught previously or studied in-depth in college. To do so, you may want to check out the options in your city of choice and contact the schools directly to inquire about openings.
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4 best paid teaching jobs in Thailand
It can be hard to find those “shower me with a large salary” jobs before heading on over to Thailand. But it’s definitely possible to have more than enough to get by on your teaching English in Thailand salary.
Here are a few programs that offer some of the best paid teaching jobs in Thailand.
1. Get TEFL Certified & Teach English in Thailand
International TEFL Academy does a great job of being the ultimate one-stop shop, without sacrificing quality. After you earn your TEFL certificate, ITA will provide all kinds of job support and assistance in helping you find your first teaching gig abroad—including in Thailand! As long as you're 21+ years old, hold a bachelor's degree, and have citizenship in an English-speaking countries, you're ready to start your journey!
- Where? Chiang Mai
- Average salary? 30,000-35,000 baht per month
- More info: Read International TEFL Academy reviews
2. Media Kids Academy
Media kids Academy hires enthusiastic ESL teachers at various locations all over Thailand. Wherever your heart desires to live can be a reality! One of the main perks is that you’ll either get free housing or a generous allowance each month. If you are in love with your job after a year, you’ll be eligible for a renewal bonus and a raise for your TEFL salary in Thailand. Media Kids Academy is a free service, so if you’re scrounging for cash during the application period, you don’t have to worry about hefty placement fees. Just save for that flight and you’ll soon be on your way!
- Where? Over 70 schools around Thailand
- Average salary? 31-35,000 baht per month
- More info: Read Media Kids Academy reviews
3. Travel Bud
Travel Bud is the ultimate package for those who want to make friends, learn about the culture, and get TESOL certified prior to teaching in Thailand. They offer full on support from the time you step foot in the land of smiles by picking you up at the airport and taking you on a one week cultural orientation. Also included is a 120 hour TESOL course at the beach town of Hua Hin. Upon completion of your course, you’ll have guaranteed job placement, new best friends, and will be ready to go feeling confident about teaching English in Thailand.
- Where? All over Thailand
- Average salary? Up to 38,000 baht per month
- More info: Read Travel Bud reviews
4. Premier TEFL
If you are looking for a more short term gig in Thailand, but still want to make good money while you're there, consider this four-five month TEFL internship program with Premier TEFL. They always have a good deal going on, the program automatically includes TEFL certification, AND you will still be raking in 30,000+ baht per month for 24 hours of face-time with students and 15 hours of lesson planning and prep work. Not a bad gig if you want to dip your toes in the world of TEFL in Thailand!
- Where? All over Thailand
- Average salary? Up to 34,000 baht per month
- More info: Read Premier TEFL reviews
Pro tip: Although requirements for teaching English in Thailand are not as high as those who aspire for the international schools, some international schools will hire you even if you are not a qualified teacher back home. If you’ve got the experience, you can schmooze your way into those best paid teaching jobs in Thailand if you smile big and have a demo lesson prepped during hiring season.
Final note: Although having a recruiter ensures that you are securely taken care of and seeking out some great schools, many people fly to Thailand directly or extend their backpacking adventure to snag a job in person. Show up in a dress or Thai (I mean tie) with a spiffy resume and knock on the school doors if you’re up for it!
[Browse ALL International Teaching Jobs in Thailand]
How to further increase your teaching English in Thailand salary
You’ll be full of smiles once you budget your time living in Thailand!
If you’re not a qualified teacher back in your home country, don’t let that discourage you and make you think you’ll be digging through your cushions for pennies. Living in Thailand is very affordable if you do it right! Create a budget plan before you move abroad so that you aren’t half way through the month saying, “Where’s my $$$?”
- Teach English online. In your free time you can work online teaching ESL for extra cash. You can easily double your TEFL salary in Thailand by working just a couple more hours per day!
- Start your own biz! Thailand is a top destination for the new generation of #digitalnomads. If you’ve got long term goals to work remotely and be your own boss, start it up while you teach English in Thailand.
- Work short-term gigs. Craigslist and Facebook groups are loaded with short-term gigs. A university might have an event, someone might need a babysitter, or there may be a survey that needs to be completed for an expat event. Just don’t click on the ads that say “must be a 25 year old female.” (*facepalm*)
- Check your school’s contract perks. Before signing away, check if your contract comes with housing, insurance, meals, or transit. If so, you’ll be saving a baht-ton of cash. Remember those little perks go a long way in a place that has a low cost of living.
- Consider your city of choice. Research the cost of living in your city BEFORE you move. If you are working at a language academy or government school, you will likely be making the same salary all over Thailand. However, 40,000 Thai baht per month can be a lot better spent in Chiang Mai than Bangkok. Keep that in mind if you want to be able to save or afford more massages on the weekends.
These little things can easily provide you with more money to fund your travel all across Thailand and southeast Asia!
Your teaching English in Thailand salary will be baht-ter than you expected!
When you teach English in Thailand, you make a REAL difference in the lives of others.
Are you ready to dive on into that adventure teaching English in Thailand? Want to live in a place with a low cost of living with a high chance of creating amazing memories? Yes yes yes! Let’s get you on over to Thailand where you can make a difference in the lives of those who want to speak English. It’ll throw some money in your pocket so that you can travel around the country lounging on beaches, hiking in the national parks, and getting you experience unlike any other.
Money is temporary and memories of your experiences last forever. Grab your passport and pack your bags—it’s about thai-m to head to Thailand!
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