Factors of Salary for ESL Teachers in China

The short answer:
The exact amount of money an ESL teacher can make in China involves several variables, but generally the range is roughly $1,100 USD to $4,800 USD per month (approximately 12,000 RMB to 35,000 RMB).

If you’re looking to teach English in China, here are the main requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in any subject

• Native speaking ability or proof of native-level English (native speakers preferred)

• An ESL certificate (TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, or equivalent—120 hours or more is preferred)

• A valid Chinese working visa (known as a Z visa)

• A clean criminal background check

These basic qualifications generally ensure a person can find one of the many English teaching jobs available in China. Salary, however, depends on a wider range of factors.

Bonuses Beyond Salary

Most teachers in the industry receive additional benefits that go beyond their base pay. These can include:

• Provided housing or a housing allowance

• Flight reimbursement (often at the end of a contract)

• Opportunities to re-sign at the end of a one-year contract

• Some schools offer an annual flight home to visit family

These benefits should be considered as part of your total compensation package when evaluating ESL salaries in China.

Factors That Determine ESL Teacher Salaries in China

Several factors impact how much an English teacher earns in China. These include:

• A teaching certificate from your home country

• A degree in Education

• Teaching experience (especially more than two years)

• Your country of origin

• The city or region in which you teach

• The type of school you work in

• The grade level you specialize in

In Depth Explanation

Let’s go through these factors one at a time.

If you have a teaching certificate that qualifies you to teach in the UK or the US, this will likely result in a higher salary. It also makes it easier to get hired by international schools and private institutions. Additionally, you may be able to teach specific subjects in English, such as science, math, or history.

If your bachelor’s degree is in Education—or if you have a Master’s in Education—this can also increase your salary, especially at international schools and top-tier institutions.

Schools typically offer more money to teachers who already have experience. If you have two years or more of any kind of teaching or educational experience, you’ll usually receive a better offer.

Your country of origin is also a factor. Chinese schools prefer native speakers from the United Kingdom, Ireland, America, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or South Africa.

The city or region where you work makes a difference as well. Teachers in larger cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou usually receive higher salaries to account for the higher cost of living. In contrast, smaller cities like Xi’an or Hohhot offer slightly lower salaries—but the cost of living is lower too. In rural areas or countryside placements, salaries are even lower, but daily expenses are minimal, making it possible to live comfortably and save.

The type of school you teach in plays a major role. Private tutoring schools, which often teach adults and children of all ages, tend to offer lower salaries. Public schools pay an average rate. Teachers of young learners, particularly in kindergarten, are typically paid slightly more. Universities and international schools usually have the highest standards and expectations—and offer the highest salaries in return.

Grade level matters, too. Kindergarten teaching jobs often pay the best, especially when combined with long-term contracts. Specialized programs, such as teaching business English or English to government employees, can be especially lucrative. These may require additional qualifications or security clearance.

Age and experience are the final variables. Recent college graduates typically earn an entry-level salary. Most schools do not hire teachers over the age of 60 due to visa restrictions and retirement-related policies.

Supplemental Income for ESL Teachers in China

Many teachers in China don’t find their primary teaching job too demanding and take on extra work to increase their income. Some work as translators, expat tour guides, or remote freelancers. These jobs are acceptable as long as they don’t violate your visa conditions or your school’s contract terms. Be very clear on what is allowed, as breaking visa or contract rules can result in immediate termination.

Some schools also offer extra pay for overtime, weekend work, substitute teaching, or travel to other branch locations. This can lead to significant extra income if you’re open to a flexible schedule.

Work Responsibilities and Schedule

The typical full-time schedule for ESL teachers in China includes about 25 teaching hours and 15 office hours each week, totaling around 40 hours. Some schools may ask for slightly more or less, but this is the industry average.

Chinese schools expect teachers to be punctual, as timeliness is an important part of work culture. Semi-professional attire is generally required. This includes button-down shirts, conservative clothing, or school-provided polos.

Lunch breaks usually last between 30 minutes and one hour. However, some of this time may overlap with lesson planning or administrative tasks.

Standard responsibilities include:

• Lesson planning

• Grading assignments

• Providing student feedback

• Participating in parent-teacher meetings

• Attending training sessions

• Assigning and reviewing homework

Career Progression for ESL Teachers in China

It’s entirely possible to increase your earnings as you gain experience. In my own journey, I started teaching through China Link ESL in Chongqing. My first position paid 15,500 RMB per month, plus housing and end-of-contract flight reimbursement.

My next job in Beijing offered 18,000 RMB base pay. By the time I became Director of Studies in Hohhot, I was earning 24,000 RMB a month after gaining additional certifications and moving into a leadership role. All of this occurred while working in private tutoring schools.

When I left China, I moved into educational content development and curriculum design. These salary figures reflect my time in China from 2016 to 2020.

Many ESL teachers in China follow a similar path—starting with base pay and moving on to higher-level roles or even into different sectors. Everyone’s path is different, so it’s important to plan your career around your own long-term goals.

Keep in mind that China is a low-cost-of-living environment. The salaries are excellent for living within China: you can save money, travel, eat out, and enjoy a comfortable life. But if you’re planning to use that income in high-cost countries like the United States or the UK, it won’t stretch nearly as far.

The Changing ESL Job Market in China

The ESL teaching market in China has changed over the past decade. COVID-19, economic slowdowns, and shifting government priorities have reshaped the field.

Salaries today are a bit lower than in past years, and competition is tighter as more Western job seekers look abroad. Still, China remains a strong market for entry-level ESL teachers and remains a solid way to start an international teaching career.

If you’re considering further study or looking to earn income while pursuing a second degree, teaching ESL in China offers enough time and flexibility to do so.

To increase your earning power, you can pursue higher certifications like the DELTA or an MA in TESOL. These qualifications are respected and open doors to better-paying roles.

Final Thoughts

This website includes a blog which our teachers use to share their experiences teaching ESL in China. If you’re interested in reading those firsthand accounts, you can find them here.

Overall, salaries for ESL teachers in China vary depending on qualifications, experience, location, and school type. Many people move to China for the cultural experience, and earning potential can grow significantly over time. Supplemental work and tax advantages (such as the U.S. foreign income tax exemption) can also make a big difference.

I hope this overview of ESL salaries in China helps you make an informed decision about teaching abroad.