How to Make the Most of Your English Teacher Salary in Morocco

Wondering about an English teacher’s salary in Morocco? We’re here to tell you it can go far, especially if you’re mindful about the type of work you’re looking for when you’re searching for a job.

With some contracts, accommodation will be covered or an allowance provided, whereas some employers will be happy for you to take on additional tutoring work. It doesn’t stop there. The low living costs in Morocco will help to make your salary stretch like caramel.

With a bit of common sense and a tad of savvy spending, a teaching English in Morocco salary will not only cover your living expenses but your travel ones too. And with so many travel opportunities ready for the taking, you’ll be counting your lucky stars that you’re living and working in this affordable country.

What is the average English teacher salary in Morocco?

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The average English teacher salary in Morocco will vary depending on several factors. First of all, the salary will change depending on the nature of the job: private, public, university, or training center.

A general ballpark for a teacher with a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certificate can be anywhere between 5,000 to 10,000 Moroccan dirham (MAD), which is around $500 to $1,000 in USD. For teachers with a master’s degree or a few years of experience working in a school, the salary could be even higher. Regardless, you’ll be earning more than your Moroccan counterparts.

$500 to $1,000 may not sound like a lot, but remember that the cost of living in Morocco is considerably less expensive compared to the cost of living in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. With this in mind, you can expect your salary to stretch further than back home.

How much can I earn teaching English in Morocco?

There’s not a definitive answer when it comes to how much a person can earn teaching English in Morocco. The teaching English in Morocco salary bracket will vary. However, there are ways to secure higher paying jobs.

Teachers who have certain credentials are far more likely to be considered for jobs with a higher salary. A bachelor's degree and TEFL certification is a good place to start.

However, teaching qualifications such as CELTA or DELTA and TEFL certificates with more hours of study will give you an edge. Likewise, any degree with a focus on education will set you apart. Previous teaching experience is a plus too.

As is the case with lots of countries, teachers who are native English speakers will invariably have an immediate advantage. Anyone who can speak another language in addition to a native English level will also have more doors open to them.

Choosing one of the larger cities like Fez, Rabat, Casablanca, or Marrakech will help in securing a higher-paying salary during your job hunt. Plus, there will be a wider selection of teaching jobs available, which gives you the chance to be more selective or negotiate your pay.

How much do English teachers make in Morocco?

The type of school you decide to teach in will impact your salary bracket. There are lots of different English teaching jobs in Morocco to choose from, some offering higher starting salaries than others:

Private schools

Put your teaching skills to good use at a school in Morocco.

At a private school, salaries can range anywhere from 12,000 to 20,000 MAD per month ($1,200 to $2,000). As is often the case, the higher salaries are in the bigger cities, but the cost of living is also higher there.

Teachers considering a private school job may also be treated to some subsidies. For example, you may have an apartment provided for you or your rent costs covered, or you may get a travel stipend. Class sizes can vary massively, from anything as small as five students to as large as 30.

Language centers

Language centers are pickier with the teachers they hire. They’re on the lookout for native English speakers with a bachelor’s degree, TEFL qualification, and at least a year of experience under their belt. Though more selective about their teachers, the language centers will pay less than private schools.

What sets language centers apart are their hours. English teachers here will have a more relaxed and flexible schedule given that most teaching is done after the regular school hours and on the weekends.

Salaries at language centers will range between 6,000 to 10,000 MAD ($600 to $1,000). The major branches are Wall Street English and the American Language Center, both of which have branches across the country. Depending on the branch, housing may be subsidized too.

Private universities

University jobs are hard to come by and require additional qualifications. Holding only a bachelor’s and TEFL certificate won’t get you far. At the minimum, you’ll need a master’s degree in addition to a TEFL qualification.

Prior teaching experience on your resume is a bonus and will undoubtedly get the attention of hiring employers. There are some universities that will consider applicants with a bachelor’s combined with TEFL, but these are few and far between.

Landing a university job to teach English in Morocco will get you a salary from 12,000 to 30,000 MAD ($1,200 to $3,000). In some cases, you may get paid even more.

Generally, the workload at universities is lighter—you’ll have fewer classes compared to other school types. However, you may be expected to commit to other university-related tasks that go outside your usual teaching duties. Moroccan universities that hire English teachers include Cadi Ayyad University, the International University of Casablanca, and the International University of Rabat.

International schools

Wherever you find yourself, you’ll get to explore Morocco in your downtime from teaching.

Those who want to teach English at the K-12 education level seek out international schools. The style of education is different here. Teachers implement immersive approaches in the classroom and are encouraged to use creative teaching methods.

Housing will be included in the contract, either in the form of a monthly allowance or an apartment for the teacher to live in. Generally speaking, students here are encouraged to take their studies seriously, as many parents hope that they will later attend universities in countries like the UK or America.

Our friend teaching at an international school in Rabat let us know that at this type of school, you can expect a ballpark salary figure from 12,000 to 18,000 MAD ($1,200 to $1,800).

Private tutoring

Planning on a sole income that relies on tutoring privately is a difficult route to go down. You’ll be responsible for finding your students, setting your prices, and creating all content.

This will require a lot of work, self-motivation, and an entrepreneurial streak. Most people who do venture down the private tutoring route do it as a way to get some extra income on top of another job rather than making it their sole income.

If you are able to find students and retain them, then you’re looking at a relatively healthy salary each month. Tutors charge anywhere between 50 and 200 MAD per hour ($5 to $20), though this can be adjusted by the teacher. For instance, you can offer packages of 10 classes and then one free or offer a “refer a friend” policy.

Whichever route you choose to go down, be mindful of the hiring season. Public and private schools will often hire before the term starts in September, whereas training centers will hire all year round. Oh, and if you’re interested in volunteering, you’ll have no short supply of volunteer English teaching opportunities in Morocco.

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Can you make a living teaching English in Morocco?

The short answer is: Yes.

A teaching English in Morocco salary goes hand in hand with a low cost of living, which means it’s possible to have a comfortable lifestyle as a teacher. Depending on the type of teaching job and included perks, English teachers can find themselves saving a considerable amount of money if they manage their salary well.

Here are a few tips to get you started before your teaching adventure in Morocco:

1. Check out your accommodation options

You’ll save money on rent, and you’ll get to enjoy all that Morocco has to offer.

Overall, the cost of renting an apartment per month is significantly lower than countries in Western Europe and the U.S.

This means that your rent won’t take a huge chunk of your salary each month. Unsurprisingly, rent in the larger cities will be pricier. However, there’s a greater selection of options, so you’ll be able to find a place to suit your budget.

Some of us can handle lower levels of comfort and if you’re one of these people, then you’re already saving money because you’ll be paying a lower rent.

2. Shop at the medina and supermarkets

In Morocco, you’ll have major supermarket chains such as Carrefour. With a bit of mindful shopping you can save money. Rather than buying the brands you’re familiar with, switch to the Moroccan alternatives. They’re often cheaper because they’re not imported.

For buying fruits and vegetables, head to the city’s medina and buy your groceries from the stall vendors. Prices will often be cheaper than the supermarkets. Plus, it’s nice to try some locally grown produce.

Dining out isn’t too costly in Morocco, so you can treat yourself to the occasional dinner out. But it’s called too much of a good thing for a reason—eating out every night will put a dent in your salary.

3. Choose public transport

You can easily rent a car, but the petrol prices in Morocco are steep. If you decide to teach English in Morocco, don’t waste your salary on gas. Choose to travel by public transport instead.

Morocco’s public transport network is still up and coming but traveling between major cities as well as in the city itself is doable. Train tickets can be bought either online or at the station.

4. Stick to domestic travel

Marrakech, Casablanca, and Agadir are useful travel hubs. They all have major airports that connect to other countries both in Europe and Africa. But hold up. Catching flights, as tempting as it may be, isn’t the cheapest way to travel.

Instead, explore more of Morocco before you cast your eyes further afield. You can do this on the cheap too. Travel via public transport instead of private, book riads and hostels rather than fancy hotels, and be on the hunt for any accommodation that includes breakfast. You’ll still be scratching that travel itch without breaking the bank.

5. Be selective about traveling abroad

Don’t forget to spend time traveling in Morocco, too!

If you’re desperate to travel abroad, then be smart about your travel destination. Use flight comparison websites to pick the cheaper countries, and be mindful of the holiday seasons.

For instance, you can expect prices to spike in the UK around the Easter holiday time in April. Likewise, prices in Turkey will get more expensive during Eid.

Keep this kind of thing in mind when booking. And remember to check government websites beforehand. Depending on where you’re from, there may be some visa costs, which will add a little bit more to your spending.

6. Set a budget—and stick to it!

We all know that one of the easiest ways to save money is by sitting down, going through some math, and making a budget. It’s not fun, but it certainly helps when it comes to making the most of your savings.

Once you have your budget, just make sure to be strict and stay with it. As tempting as it is to splurge, remember that you don’t want to find yourself in a hand-to-mouth kind of situation.

An English teacher salary in Morocco will cover you for living and sensible expenditures, but don’t go overboard. And who doesn’t like saving a little bit at the end of each month?

7. Avoid the “high end” labels

You’ll see a lot of brands here: Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabbana, Prada—you know the type. You’ll check out the price of the handbag or the jacket or the pair of shoes, then you’ll convert it into your home currency, and your eyes will widen with delighted surprise.

The high end brands are so much cheaper in Morocco!

At least, that’s how things appear to be. The reality? These fashion products swaggering their high end labels are, invariably, convincing fakes.

Save yourself some money and don’t even bother entertaining the idea of buying anything like this for yourself or friends back home. You’re not getting a better price. In fact, you’re just getting ripped off.

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See the world and make a living as an English teacher in Morocco!

Your teaching English in Morocco salary is your ticket to seeing more of the world.

Morocco is a fascinating country with so much to be explored. Alongside ancient cities, you have epic mountain ranges in the north, the well-known sahara desert, and some great coastal cities where you can learn to surf or just chill by the beach. To round it all off, you’ve got the hospitality and warmth of the locals. Hardly surprising that so many gush over this country within a few months of being here.

If you cast your net further afield, you’ll soon discover that Morocco also doubles up as your gateway to the rest of Africa and acts as a launch pad to countries in Europe. The teaching English in Morocco salary will help you to see all of this! Need we say more?

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