How Much Can I Make Teaching English in Vietnam?

Vietnam is among the most desired destinations for English teachers around the world. Whether you want to explore the streets of Hanoi or navigate the isles of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam has something for everyone. Additionally, it has a low cost of living compared to most countries. For instance, the equivalent of a pint of beer in Vietnam is roughly £0.70 or $0.99. In the UK, it’s £3.70, and in Australia it’s $8 AUD.

And the views? Priceless.

But this is useless without knowing the average teaching English in Vietnam salary. Naturally, you’re probably wondering just how much you can make teaching English in Vietnam. You may think that a low cost of living translates to a low salary. However, teaching English as a foreign language in Vietnam pays handsomely.

Can I teach English in Vietnam without a degree?

Officially? No. But technically? Yes (but we advise against it). If you’re looking to find a job working for a public or private school in Vietnam, you’ll be required to submit a degree to obtain a work permit. This is a necessary procedure during the visa application to ensure that you can work legally in Vietnam. 

Teaching English in Vietnam without a degree would technically be illegal. While you might see some expats working while on a tourist visa, it’s very impractical. You’ll be without stable hours or a valid contract, and the consequences (e.g. fines and deportation) outweigh the risk.

READ MORE: 4 Important Requirements to Teach English in Vietnam 

What’s the average salary teaching English in Vietnam?

The average salary teaching English in Vietnam will vary due to a number of factors, like your experience, school type, and location. Fortunately, native English teachers are in high demand in Vietnam. You could work in kindergarten, public schools, private language centres, international schools, or even university.

Typically, you should expect to earn between $1,200 to $1,800 per month as an English teacher in a public or language school in Vietnam. This is around $18 - $25 an hour for around 20 hours of in-class teaching per week. With more experience, pay increases, and bonus incentives, you could expect to earn up to $30 per hour. 

Even in the bigger cities, your average salary will be comfortable!

While they offer similar pay, there are differences you should consider. At a public school, you’ll be expected to work from 8:00 a.m. to around 5:00 p.m. (with a lengthy lunch break to slurp pho between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.) for about 20 hours a week. Whereas at a private language school you’re more likely to work evenings.

You might find more bonuses in the form of performance bonuses or even location bonuses with a language center. While you’d expect to earn more in a city like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, some recruiters encourage teachers to work in rural areas for more benefits.

For example, if you teach English for Apax, who operate throughout the country, you could earn up to 55,000,000 VND ($2,300) per month with the addition of performance and “Small City Bonuses.” However, if a city lifestyle is more important to you, the average salary teaching English in Vietnam will more than suffice. 

You could also expect to earn up to $2,300 a month working at an international school or a university. However, you’ll need to have higher qualifications, such as a CELTA, DELTA, or even a degree in teaching. Additionally, you might be expected to have a few years of teaching experience under your belt. 

You might want to look out for the starting dates before booking your flight to Vietnam. If you’re working at public schools, semesters will start around August/September and January/February. However, language schools may hire all year round. If you arrive in Vietnam before your start date, you’ll want to make sure you have enough money for living expenses before your first paycheck. 

How to save money teaching English in Vietnam

Now that you know how much money you could be earning as an English teacher in Vietnam, you need to know how you could start saving. While the average salary teaching English in Vietnam is handsome enough already, there’s no reason not to make it stretch. You shouldn’t only ask how much you can make teaching English in Vietnam—ask how much you can save too!

Thankfully, adopting the shrewd habits of locals will enrich your Vietnamese experience and create a more immersive experience. Whether you’re frugal by nature or you’re saving up for your next adventure, here are some ways to make the average salary teaching English in Vietnam last.

1. Eat out to help out (your wallet) 

We already know what you’re thinking.

This is by far the easiest route to take, because dining out in Vietnam is a delight. While you may be used to eating in to save money back home, in Vietnam you are fortunate enough to do the opposite. 

A bowl of beef noodles (pho bò) or a plate of egg fried rice (com rang trung) will cost around 30k, which is £0.92 or $1.30 USD. That means, if you’re an egg fried rice fanatic earning $1500 a month, you could order up to 1729 plates (only if you really wanted to, of course).

If you’re vegan, you might opt for a plate of delicious tofu, which could cost as little as 20k or 30k. You could easily eat out for lunch and dinner without spending more than 100k. 

If you’re feeling a little homesick and you’re craving comfort food from your own country, you may be turned away by the price. In cities such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, imported food will be significantly more expensive than the local cuisine. No one will begrudge you for indulging once in a while; however, your wallet will thank you if you stick to local food. 

2. Avoid shopping in tourist hotspots

While the tourist hotspots may be popular, it’s expected that things will be more expensive there. Tourists who aren’t familiar with local prices will be squeezed for as much as they possibly can. Locals will also be aware of the average salary teaching English in Vietnam, and if not, they’ll still try to sell products for as much as they can.

Thankfully, as a teacher, your local knowledge will develop and you’ll know the lay of the land. Additionally, you’ll have time to familiarize yourself with more obscure parts of the city which tourists don’t usually visit. Here, you can find hidden gems. Vintage clothes shops, cozy coffee shops, street food stalls, you name it. Spending your time and your money in these areas will go a long way. 

3. ...If you can’t resist, haggle! 

Within reason, of course. No need to be stingy when you’re already making a living wage!

The tourist hotspots are hotspots for a reason. There may be many things you want to see and many cool shops, bars, or cafes there. If you do insist on shopping there, be sure to haggle with sellers. The chances are, whatever you're trying to buy is also next door.

In Hanoi’s Old Quarter (or the 36 Streets) for example, you’ll find streets packed with identical or similar products, whether it be clothes, art, embroidery, and so on. That way, you can take your time to compare prices down the street. 

There’s an unwritten rule that you could knock off around 40% from the original price if you play your cards right. If you want to maximize your bargaining potential, you should learn some Vietnamese phrases.

Instead of asking “how much?” you should ask “bao nhiêu?”. Instead of saying “too much” you can say “đắt quá”. By demonstrating a little more insight (and charisma) into the local language, the shopkeepers will be more likely to budge. 

4. Have the right bank account(s)

Vietnam is a cash-based society, with many shops and stalls not accepting card payments. This is why you’ll need to create a Vietnamese bank account as soon as you can. It’s likely that your recruiter or school will help you set up your Vietnamese bank account. However, this may take some time, and you’ll need enough money to live comfortably until your first paycheck. 

When you’re exploring and paying for your delicious pho or spending your nights at a local bia hơi, you should think about using an international bank account. Revolut and Starling are examples of banking services where you’ll save plenty of money by avoiding significant international fees. International fees are the last thing you’ll want to worry about when you’re settling into the new culture. 

5. Get on your bike

If you’re too nervous for the motorized version, this will do juuuust fine.

When you’re in Vietnam, you’ll be in awe at the amount of surging motorcycles on narrow roads. It’s mesmerizing, as well as terrifying if you’re new to the country. Motorcycles are incredibly cheap in Vietnam, and it’s an easy way to get around. 

If you’re concerned about the safety of riding a motorcycle in the bustling heaving roads of Vietnam, it’s recommended that you download the app Grab. Grab is Uber’s Southeast Asian ( and much cheaper) equivalent.

You’ll have options to travel via Grab Car or Grab Bikes, and the latter will always be significantly cheaper. To ensure you have an easy transition from the airport to your accommodation, you should download it before you arrive.  

If you want to go one step further, you could obtain a biking license (i.e. a CBT) and rent a bike of your own. Even by spending money to obtain a motorcycle license in your home country, you’re likely to save money in the long-term.

Renting a motorbike in Vietnam will be around 800,000 VND, £24 or $34 per month. While it’s a popular route for most expats, there are significant risks if you aren’t licensed to drive, as you won’t be covered by your insurance if you’re involved in an accident.

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Make the most of your teaching English in Vietnam salary

Now that you know the average salary teaching English in Vietnam, it’s time to apply your saving habits! When you first arrive in Vietnam, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to experience the low cost of living. However, this might trick you into spending more.

So, remember to eat out, shop in local areas, haggle, and make the most of the motorbike! While saving habits back home might be boring, saving your money in Vietnam will create a more immersive experience. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much you can enjoy the lifestyle in Vietnam while saving money.

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