Free interactive tool
The English teacher salary calculator.
How much can you really earn teaching English? Use the English teacher salary calculator below to compare estimated pay across ten countries — and see how an accredited TEFL certificate and our school's job network change your number.
10 destinations + online
TEFL uplift
Cost-of-living savings
Calculate my salary
Free interactive tool
English teacher salary calculator.
See what English teachers earn worldwide — and how much a TEFL certificate and our school's job network can change your number.
🇪🇸 Spain
Your experience
Show as
With a TEFL certificate + our job network, you could earn around
$1,670
/month
Get the full salary & jobs guide for Spain
Free PDF: real pay ranges, where to find work, and how to land a better-paid role.
Estimates for guidance only, in US dollars. Actual pay varies by city, school, hours, experience and qualifications — and is not a guarantee of earnings.
The context
How English teacher salaries work.
English teacher pay varies enormously by country, qualification and the type of work you do. The figures in our calculator are indicative estimates — for the bigger picture on the profession, see this overview of teaching English as a foreign language.
What determines an English teacher's salary?
Four things move the number most: the country and its cost of living, your qualifications, your experience, and the type of work — a language school, a public programme, business or exam clients, or your own private students.
Does a TEFL certificate raise your salary?
In practice, yes. An accredited TEFL certificate is what most schools and platforms screen for — it unlocks better-paid roles and lets you charge more from day one. That's the first jump you see in the calculator, before our job network adds a further boost by connecting you to higher-paying positions.
Which countries pay English teachers the most?
Nominal pay is highest in the Gulf, with tax-free packages and housing, and parts of East Asia. But the real win is salary versus cost of living: countries like Vietnam or Thailand pay less on paper yet often leave you saving more each month — which is why the calculator also estimates your potential savings.
FAQ
English teacher salary — your questions.
How much do English teachers earn?
It varies widely by country, qualifications and the type of work. As a rough guide, monthly pay ranges from around $850 in lower-cost countries to $2,600+ in the Gulf. Our calculator gives an indicative estimate for ten destinations plus online teaching.
Does a TEFL certificate increase your salary?
Yes. An accredited TEFL certificate is what most employers and platforms require, and it typically opens better-paid roles than going uncertified — which is why the calculator shows a clear jump once you're qualified.
Which countries pay English teachers the most?
In nominal terms, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia lead, often with tax-free salaries and housing, followed by parts of East Asia. But once you factor in cost of living, lower-paying countries can leave you saving just as much.
Can you earn a good salary teaching English without a degree?
In many markets, yes — especially online and through private students, where an accredited TEFL certificate matters more than a degree. Some countries and visa-based roles do ask for a degree, so it can widen your options.
How much do online English teachers earn?
Online pay is hourly and ranges from around $10–20 on platforms to $25–60+ with your own private students. Select "Online / Remote" in the calculator to see an hourly estimate.
How accurate is this salary calculator?
The figures are indicative estimates in US dollars, designed to show how country, certification, experience and our job network affect your pay. Real salaries vary by city, school and hours — they're a guide, not a guarantee of earnings.
Does TEFL Madrid help you find higher-paid jobs?
Yes. Beyond certifying you, we connect graduates to a job network and database that helps you reach better-paid positions than searching alone — the top scenario in the calculator. Get TEFL certified to get started.
