How much can you make by teaching English in China varies based on your location. Unlike most countries that accept foreign English teachers, China is unique in that salaries are based off the tier of the city. Here we provide to you a full break down of what salaries will look like throughout China based on experience, city tier, and qualifications.
How much can you make by teaching English in China?1st Tier
As stated here, 1st tier cities “are known for being importantly political, cultural, industrial and financial centres in China as well as key hubs for the greater East-Asia region”. How much can you make by teaching English in China? Lets take a look at the bigger cities first…
Cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou
Average ESL Teacher Salary: 15,000 RMB -30,0000+
Who Qualifies for what?
First things first. Let’s discuss getting into a southern Chinese first tier from the outside of the country. To sum it up in one word, it’s difficult. The south is heavily populated with foreigners. All of them are ready to work and have experience in China, which is what most southern schools are looking for. In order to get a quality position in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, or Shanghai you must have a degree, most likely be a native English speaker, have experience, and in most cases, an English teaching certificate.
International: At an international school, you’re looking at 15,000-30,000RMB+ monthly with great benefits. These schools only take the cream of the crop. You likely will need a teaching license from your home country, at least two years of experience, a degree, be a native English speaker, and have a TEFL of some sort. An entry level candidate will obviously make less, and extremely qualified people will make more.
University: Teaching at a university means extremely low hours, maybe 12-15 weekly, housing on campus, utilities paid for, meals offered, and no office hours. Because this is all-inclusive, and hours are low, salaries are much lower, possibly 6,000-8,000RMB monthly. In 1st tier cities, it can be competitive and salaries may possibly be a little more. The reason for this, is like in most countries, the best universities are built in places with a lot of history and even tourism. Simply put, the best universities want to showcase their best professors, possibly bringing you in an extra 1,000-2,000 RMB monthly.
Kindergarten/Public: Most public school teaching hours run the same way; 20-25 classes weekly. Hours are extremely low and office hours are not usually required after a brief probation period. Because of this, salaries can range from 10,000-16,000 RMB depending on qualifications. A housing allowance of around 2,000 RMB may be provided, or you can be possibly be offered to live on campus.
Training/Language Centre: Because these types of centres are privately owned and are money motivated, salaries are higher. Office hours can be mandatory as well as promotional events like an outing to recruit more students. A common salary can range from 12,000-20,000RMB+ depending on hours worked, bonuses, student retention, etc. Again, the more qualifications you have, the more you will earn with these types of schools.
2nd Tier
The markets in Tier 2 cities are a lot less competitive and the labour costs are substantially cheaper compared to Tier 1 cities. A rapid increase in consumer spending in second tier cities is creating more demand for foreign brands. How much can you make by teaching English in China varies based on your location.
Cities: Chengdu, Dalian, Nanjing, Qingdao, Tianjin, Suzhou
Average ESL Teacher Salary: 10,000 RMB-18,0000+
Who Qualifies for what?
It all comes down to qualifications at this point. Have zero qualifications? You make less. Have more? Earn more. In extremely sought-after cities like Nanjing, Qingdao, and Chengdu, you will face a lot of competition. How much can you make by teaching English in China varies based on your location. How much can you make by teaching English in China is something you should consider before making the move over.
International Schools: In 2nd tier cities, international schools are popping up more frequently. If you’re qualified enough to get offered a position in a 2nd tier city with an international school, you could make anywhere from 10,000-18,000 RMB+. Living costs in 2nd tier cities are outrageously lower than 1st tier cities. Benefits and housing will typically be great, similar to 1st tier options.
Universities: 2nd tier city universities will have the same benefits as first tier, with less pay due to lower hours and living costs. Living on campus, meals, etc. Salaries range from 4,000-7,000 RMB monthly.
Kindergarten/Public Schools: Same as in 1st tier cities, but with salaries that range from 8,000-15,000 RMB to correspond with living costs. A housing allowance of around 1,000 RMB may be provided, or you can be possibly be offered to live on campus.
Training/Language Centres: In 2nd tier cities training centers may operate a little differently. Instead of having a base pay and a bonus system that allows you to earn based on hours teach, usually there is a set salary ranging from 10,000-15,000 RMB. Again, all based on experience and qualifications.
Housing/Flight Included?: Housing is included around 50% of the time, give or take. You will always be reimbursed for your flight upon completing a contract successfully.
Why?
Because several 2nd tier cities are on the rise economically, housing prices are going up in the downtown areas. If your school does offer housing, it may be on the outskirts. At this point schools will offer you to take the housing, or get housing allowance to find a place of your own. The school will assist you with this as well.
3rd Tier
Cities: Hohhot, Zhongshan, Shantou, Dongguan, Guilin, Weifang
Average ESL Teacher Salary: 5,000-9,000 RMB+
Who Qualifies for what?
Positions in 3rd tier cities may be a bit easier to come by for anybody (regardless of nationality).
University: Same as 2nd tier cities with maximum salaries reaching roughly 6,000 RMB monthly. That is, unless you’re a master negotiator or extremely qualified.
Kindergarten/Public Schools: Similar to 2nd tier cities with salaries reaching somewhere between 6,000-8,000 RMB monthly. Extremely low living costs will allow for benefits to be all-inclusive.
Training/Language Centres: Training centres in 3rd tier cities are facing a lot of competition. The centres keep opening, but because these cities aren’t major hubs, the demand for English fluency isn’t as high. To draw more foreigners in, schools have started raising their minimum wage from 6,000 RMB starting to as much as 8,00 0RMB to start. By choosing to re-sign at these schools, you potentially qualify to earn more than 9,000 RMB monthly, which will go quite far in 3rd tier cities.
Housing/Flight Included?: Yes, housing is included. Flights will be reimbursed after contract completion.
Why?
Housing is cheap. Most of these cities have not been heard of by foreigners seeking employment in China, therefore benefits like a house need to be included in order to compete with 1st tier cities.
As we’ve stated before, each school will have its own contract, so some of this information is absolutely subject to change depending on which schools you qualify for. Understanding the basics on how much you can potentially earn in China as an English teacher, what different kinds of schools there are, and which city tier is best for you before having an interview will help you be that much more prepared in your journey to China. How much can you make by teaching English in China varies based on your location. Good luck with your search!