South East Asia salaries
| Country | Local Currency | USD Equivalent | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇹🇭Thailand | THB 35–60k/mo | $1,000–1,800 | Very High |
| 🇻🇳Vietnam | USD 1,200–2,000/mo | $1,200–2,000 | Very High |
| 🇰🇭Cambodia | USD 900–1,500/mo | $900–1,500 | High |
| 🇮🇩Indonesia | USD 1,000–2,000/mo | $1,000–2,000 | High |
| 🇲🇾Malaysia | MYR 3,500–6,000/mo | $750–1,300 | Medium |
| 🇵🇭Philippines | USD 700–1,200/mo | $700–1,200 | High |
| 🇸🇬Singapore | SGD 2,500–4,500/mo | $1,900–3,400 | High |
East Asia salaries
| Country | Local Currency | USD Equivalent | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇰🇷South Korea | KRW 2.1–3.0m/mo | $1,600–2,300 | High |
| 🇯🇵Japan | JPY 250–350k/mo | $1,700–2,400 | High |
| 🇨🇳China | CNY 12–25k/mo | $1,700–3,500 | Very High |
| 🇹🇼Taiwan | TWD 55–80k/mo | $1,800–2,600 | Medium |
Middle East salaries
| Country | Local Currency | USD Equivalent | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇪UAE | AED 8–15k/mo | $2,200–4,100 | High |
| 🇶🇦Qatar | QAR 6–14k/mo | $1,600–3,800 | High |
| 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia | SAR 5–12k/mo | $1,300–3,200 | High |
What actually affects your salary
A 120-hour certificate gets you into the market. A Level 5 Diploma or CELTA opens doors to international schools paying 40–80% more.
International schools pay 2–3x more than public schools or language centres. The trade-off is higher entry requirements and more competitive hiring.
Capital cities typically pay more but cost more too. Smaller cities often offer better savings ratios.
Most markets have a clear salary progression — entry, mid and senior levels. Two years of experience typically increases earning potential by 20–40%.
Some markets (particularly China and Korea) historically paid premiums for native English speakers from specific countries. This is changing but still a factor in some schools.
Where do teachers save the most?
Salary alone does not tell the full story. Vietnam is consistently rated one of the best markets for savings — competitive USD salaries combined with very low living costs mean teachers routinely save USD 600–1,000/month. South Korea and Korea also offer exceptional savings because housing is typically included in the employment package.
The UAE offers the highest raw salaries but the high cost of living in Dubai and Abu Dhabi reduces the savings advantage compared to SE Asia.
Earn more with the right TEFL qualification
A recognised 120-hour TEFL certificate opens access to better-paying roles across all Asian markets.
Frequently asked questions
Which Asian country pays English teachers the most?
In raw USD terms, the UAE pays the most — AED 8,000–15,000/month tax-free is approximately $2,200–4,100. In SE Asia, Vietnam and Thailand offer the best salary-to-cost ratios.
Can I save money teaching in Asia?
Yes — particularly in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and South Korea. Teachers in Vietnam commonly save $600–1,000/month. Korea's housing benefit makes it one of the best markets for building savings.
Does a better TEFL qualification mean higher pay?
Yes, significantly. A Level 5 TEFL Diploma or CELTA opens access to international schools that pay 40–80% more than language centres. Even within language centres, higher credentials translate to better starting salaries.
How often do TEFL salaries increase?
Most markets have annual increments for returning teachers. International schools typically offer structured salary scales. Language centres are more variable but experienced teachers regularly negotiate increases.