Many countries in the world have a great demand for ESL teachers, and China is one of them. As one of the most populous countries in the world, China is an opportunity full of ESL teachers. Young people in China are well aware of the importance of speaking fluent English. They also know that if they can speak good English and understand English, they will open a world of opportunities for them. The increasing demand for English teachers in China means that the average salary for teaching English in China is very strong.
In order to attract English-speaking overseas English teachers to teach English in China, Chinese schools offer very attractive and competitive salary packages, including but not limited to insurance, housing, paid vacations, and free air tickets.
Teaching English In China Salary
The average salary for teaching English in China varies widely across China. Overall, the average salary of English teachers is RMB10,000 to 30,000 (and in some cases may even be higher). It is conceivable that the salaries of English teachers in big cities are more competitive because they are full of foreigners who make a living, and most of them ask for English. In Beijing, a monthly teaching salary of 12,000-16,000 RMB is considered quite good, while a salary above 20,000 RMB is very good.
However, it is important to consider housing issues. Most schools in China either provide housing or provide monthly housing subsidies. Please make sure to find out if the salary is included so that they provide a reasonable total salary so you can better understand.
If you feel that big cities and prosperous cities are not suitable for you, then you can also pay attention to some small cities in China where the demand for English teachers is also great. Cities such as Suzhou and Chengdu are still bustling, but they are much smaller than Shanghai and Beijing, and their prices are cheaper, although salaries are usually lower.
Cost of living in China
Some people may feel that the average salary of English teachers in China is lower than their income in their home country. Although this may be true, one of the biggest benefits of teaching in China is the reduction in the cost of living. In China, teachers ’salaries are much lower than in Western countries such as the United States or the United Kingdom. In the United States or the United Kingdom, a large portion of salaries and other living expenses are for teachers.
After all expenses are deducted from the salary at the end of the month, many teachers in China may even be better than their home countries. In China, most English teachers do not need to pay rent because accommodation is usually borne by their employers, and rent is by far the largest expenditure that teachers spend in China. Therefore, many teachers in China can eventually save $ 1000 + (or more) per month, while some teachers can save more than USD 20,000 per year.
It is important to consider that the average cost of living in China varies from city to city. Of course, the cost of living in large cities is higher, while the cost of living in small cities is lower. In cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, the monthly cost of living is about 6,000 RMB without rent. Depending on where you live and your spending habits, it may be higher. In smaller cities, the average cost of living is between 1,000 and 3,000 RMB, depending on your choice and lifestyle (excluding housing costs).
Being an ESL teacher in China may be a good way to start a teaching career! As an ESL teacher, you can earn a generous salary to support yourself. When you are looking for ESL teacher jobs, please explore various options to find the best schools and cities in China for you.