Country guide
Teach English in China
International schools, training centers, and universities. Pay is the highest in Asia.
China's ESL market shifted significantly after 2021 when online tutoring of K-9 students inside China was banned. The current market is in-person: international schools (the top tier of pay), licensed training centers for adults and high schoolers, public schools, and universities. Pay is the highest in Asia, especially in Tier 1 cities.
Open positions in China
15 active listings mentioning China.
Jobs at K12 Schools 2026
Teachingsurfing · China · Full-time
ESL Teacher - Training Center
BrightPath Language Center · Shanghai, China · Full-time
Competitive Salaries Up to 30K at a Top-Rated School in China
Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) International Group,China. · China · Full-time
High Paid Native Teacher Position | Weekend Off + Flight Reimbursement
Horizon Recruitment · China · Contract
Kindergarten teaching position in Hangzhou
ShenzhenNew Silk Road Education Hangzhou Branch · China · Full-time
WANTED: Kindergarten English Teachers (Beijing)
Beijing RZD Culture · China · Full-time
ESL Teachers Needed in Different Cities Around China Now
Cheyenne's TESOL Recruitment Center · China · Full-time
Elite Adult English Trainer – Full-Time Position in Beijing
Elite Learning · Beijing | · Full-time
English teaching job in Taizhou zhejiang province happily
ShenzhenNew Silk Road Education Hangzhou Branch · China · Full-time
Native ESL Teacher Wanted | 16K-24K Net Salary + Housing Allowance | Hangzhou Long-term Position
Horizon Recruitment · : Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China · Full-time
Academic English Instructors for University Program – Changchun, Jilin
QIBA · China · Full-time
Experienced Instructors wanted for University EAP Program – Changchun, Jilin
QIBA · China · Full-time
Join Our Teaching Team – Native & Non-Native Teachers Wanted!
Beijing Wonder English Company · China · Full-time
High Paying Kindergarten and Public School Teaching Jobs in Major Cities in China
Gold Star TEFL Recruitment · China · Contract
Teach English in China – Training, Visa Support & Career Development
English 1 China · China · Full-time
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Salary
International schools: 25k to 45k RMB per month. Training centers: 18k to 30k RMB. Public schools: 12k to 22k RMB. Universities: 10k to 20k RMB with long vacations. Most contracts include housing or stipend.
Visa
Z visa. Requires bachelor's, two years of post-graduation work experience, a 120-hour TEFL, and a notarized criminal record check. Citizenship from one of seven native English countries is standard. Age cap of 60 is typical.
Best for
Experienced teachers who want to maximize savings. Two years of teaching in China can clear 30k USD in savings if you live carefully.
Common questions about teaching in China
Is online teaching of Chinese students still possible?
Not for K-9 students inside China. Adult-focused online teaching to Chinese learners through global platforms is allowed but pays much less than the old VIPKid era.
What's the salary difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities?
Tier 1 (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou) pays 30 to 50 percent more, but cost of living absorbs much of that. Tier 2 cities often have better savings rates.
How long does the visa take?
Plan on 8 to 12 weeks from offer to arrival. The criminal background check authentication is the slowest step.
Tools for teachers
What you'll need to teach in China
Curated partner tools that handle the practical side of moving here. Affiliate links fund the site at no cost to you.
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Visa guides for China
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Teach English in specific cities in China
Teach in Shanghai
International schools and adult training centers at the top of the China pay range.
Teach in Beijing
Capital city with strong university and international school markets.
Teach in Shenzhen
Tech-economy city with a growing international school market.
Teach in Guangzhou
Southern China hub with deep international school and training center demand.
Other countries in Asia
Teach in South Korea
EPIK, hagwons, and university roles. E-2 visa support is standard.
Teach in Japan
JET, eikaiwa chains, and ALT positions. Pay is steady, vacation is short.
Teach in Vietnam
Booming demand, low cost of living, and flexible hours.
Teach in Thailand
Lifestyle-first teaching with lower pay and lots of vacation.
Teach in Taiwan
Buxiban (cram school) work plus growing public school programs.
Teach in Cambodia
The easiest legal entry point in Asia. No degree required by law.