What to Expect from a Teaching Salary in Spain

Teaching English in Spain offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and professional experience. But naturally, you probably want to make sure you can make a decent living as an English teacher in Spain before you embark on this journey. So, how much do English teachers make in Spain? We’ll delve into the salary expectations, examining various teaching environments and providing advice on making a comfortable living.

What is the average English teacher salary in Spain?

If you want to move to Spain to teach English, one of your primary concerns may be the potential earnings. As a baseline, you’ll want to start with knowledge about the average English teacher salary in Spain.

On average, a teach English in Spain salary can fluctuate between €700 to €1,200 per month. However, this range is broad and can vary significantly based on factors like experience, qualifications, city, and more.

Let’s take a deeper look into the various elements affecting the English teacher salary in Spain, offering a clearer perspective on what one can anticipate and how to maximize their earnings in this beautiful country.

How much can I earn teaching English in Spain?

There are a few ways to make sure you qualify for a higher salary.

Your salary potential as an English teacher in Spain can hinge on multiple factors:

• Teaching Experience and Certification: Teachers with prior experience or a recognized TEFL certificate generally secure higher salaries. Furthermore, programs like RVF International can help individuals, even without prior experience or a teaching license, find opportunities.
• Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree, particularly in English or Education, can open doors to better-paying jobs. Plus, native English speakers, especially certified language teachers, have the added advantage of high demand, which can lead to competitive salaries.
• Proficiency in Spanish: While not essential, being fluent in Spanish might give you an advantage in some positions and locales, since having local language skills will help you communicate with school administrators.
• Location of Work: Popular cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Granada might promise higher wages. However, they also have increased living expenses. It's worth noting that a primary teacher in a Spanish public school can earn around 36,000 USD annually, placing them among some of the best-paid English teachers globally.

How much do English teachers make in Spain?

Your earning potential in Spain can also depend a lot on what kind of school you teach at. Below we’ve outlined average salaries for teaching English in Spain based on typical teaching avenues, such as private and public schools, and private tutoring.

• Private Schools: English teachers employed in private schools typically earn between €1,000 to €1,500 monthly. Additionally, many private schools offer perks such as health insurance or housing assistance to their educators.
• Public Schools: Wages in public schools vary by location and hours worked, but teachers generally make between €700 to €1,200 per month. These positions tend to be less competitive, and are a great starting point for new teachers.
• Private Tutoring: The lucrative realm of private tutoring allows teachers to set their rates. Based on experience, clientele, and location, tutors can charge anywhere from €15 to €30 per hour.

So, how much do English teachers in Spain make? Potentially enough to cover your basic living expenses while adding a bit to your savings!

How to make the most of your teaching salary in Spain

You can make your earnings go further than you think!

Now that you know more about your earning potential, next comes the important question—can you make a living teaching English in Spain? Again, the answer to this will depend on multiple factors (as well as your overall goals for going to Spain to teach). Here’s what to do to make the most of your salary:

1. Set your expectations

Teaching English in Spain is not only an opportunity for professional growth but also a doorway to an enriching cultural experience. Before you set sail on this adventure, it's pivotal to understand Spain's financial ecosystem and set realistic expectations.

While living costs might vary compared to your home country, strategic choices and well-thought-out plans can ensure you live a comfortable life teaching English. Your quality of life in Spain is directly proportional to effective financial strategies.

And remember, the essence of teaching in Spain is not solely monetary. Even if you’re not making your ideal salary, the experience will be invaluable if you want to make a career out of teaching English abroad (and eventually move to those higher-paying countries!).

2. Budget based on typical cost of living

Adhering to a budget is essential to saving money and making a living.

Spain's cost of living varies considerably depending on the region and city. Unsurprisingly, metropolitan areas like Madrid and Barcelona tend to be more expensive than the nation's smaller towns and rural areas. Here are some recent findings:

Rent

Cost of rent in Spain differs greatly between urban and suburban areas. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages about €753 per month, while outside the center, the average drops to approximately €606 per month. Larger three-bedroom apartments in the city can fetch a price of €1,223 per month, while those outside the central area have an average of €914 per month.

Utilities

Monthly utilities, which comprise electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection hover around €128 per month. Mobile phone plans with calls and over 10GB of data typically cost about €20 per month, and Internet is around €32 per month.

Transportation

A one-way ticket on local transport costs roughly €1.50, and a monthly pass is priced at about €34. Those who rely on cars will find gasoline priced at an average of €1.64 per liter.

Food and Dining

An inexpensive meal at a local restaurant averages around €12, and for a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for two, expect to pay around €45. A kilogram of apples or tomatoes in local markets would average close to €2.

Leisure

Fitness enthusiasts will find the monthly fee for gyms or fitness clubs to average around €38. Moviegoers can expect to pay around €8.00 for a cinema ticket.

You should also take into account other factors as a teacher in Spain, for example, work-appropriate shoes and clothing, as well as classroom supplies if your school doesn’t provide them.

3. Elevate your earnings

A side hustle is always an option!

As an English teacher in Spain, there are diverse avenues to boost your income beyond the traditional classroom setting. Here are some effective strategies to elevate your teach English in Spain salary and optimize your financial potential.

• Private Tutoring: By offering personalized, bespoke sessions tailored to individual needs, you not only provide value but also position yourself to set competitive rates. This avenue allows for flexibility in scheduling and can lead to strong word-of-mouth referrals, further enhancing your earning potential.
• Summer Camps: A cherished tradition in Spain, summer camps are vibrant hubs of activity and learning. English teachers often find these camps an ideal setting to combine their teaching skills with engaging, recreational activities. Besides a steady income during the holiday season, these camps also provide an enriching environment to bond with students outside the regular classroom and to experience the Spanish outdoors.
• Online Teaching: The digital boom has propelled online teaching platforms which provide the convenience of teaching from anywhere, be it your Spanish residence or a quaint café. This flexible model can significantly complement your regular teaching income while allowing for a comfortable work-from-anywhere environment.

4. Use money-saving tricks

When you’re working and traveling on a budget, it’s essential to take advantage of money-saving tricks. Here’s how to cut costs and make your salary go further:

• Housing: Consider shared living spaces or locations just outside busy city centers. Additionally, opt for accommodations inclusive of utilities to avoid unexpected bills.
• Transportation: Utilize Spain's reliable and cost-effective public transport system. Monthly passes and cycling are economical alternatives to owning a car.
• Food: Regularly visit local markets for fresh, affordable produce. Embrace the joy of home-cooked meals, and when dining out, opt for the “menu del día” at local eateries for a filling yet budget-friendly meal.
• Leisure and Entertainment: Take advantage of educator and resident discounts at cultural sites. Additionally, keep an eye out for free festivals and events that Spain frequently hosts.
• Networking: Engaging with expatriate and teaching communities can open doors to valuable insights, service exchanges, and collaborative opportunities.
• Connectivity: Prepaid connectivity solutions often offer better value compared to long-term contracts.
• Travel: Plan strategically to secure the best deals when exploring Spain and its neighboring regions.
• Educational Supplies: Team up with fellow educators for resource sharing, leading to potential savings.
• Health: Consider public sports facilities and community fitness groups as cost-effective alternatives to premium gyms.

5. Embrace the Spanish ethos

Live as the locals do.

Integrating into the Spanish way of life not only provides a rich cultural experience but also offers avenues for effective cost management. By understanding and adopting local shopping habits, festivities, and daily routines, one can truly savor the essence of Spain in an economical way.

So, can you make a living teaching English in Spain? Absolutely! The prospect of leading a satisfying life while teaching English in Spain hinges on striking the right balance between your earnings and expenditures. By immersing yourself in Spain's dynamic culture and applying prudent financial strategies, a fulfilling and financially comfortable life awaits.

Find and compare English teaching programs in Spain with MyGoAbroad

Teaching English in Spain is an incredible way to immerse in Spanish culture!

To sum it up, while teaching English in Spain may not make you wealthy, it offers a competitive salary that, with smart financial choices, can afford you a comfortable lifestyle. Plus, the life experiences and cultural immersion are priceless. Ready to embark on this journey? Visit RVF International for more insights and check out their comprehensive guide on teaching abroad in Spain.

This article was written with help from RVF International. Founded in 2017, RVF International’s teaching program offers comprehensive assistance for those seeking to teach English in Spain.