Country guide
Teach English in Saudi Arabia
Highest pay in ESL, mostly at universities and military programs.
Saudi Arabia historically pays the highest ESL salaries on the planet. Most jobs are at universities, technical colleges, and military English programs. The market favors experienced teachers with masters degrees. Cultural adjustment is real but the country has opened up significantly in the past five years.
Open positions in Saudi Arabia
No Saudi Arabia-specific listings right now. Here are other recent Middle East roles. Most recent posted October 15, 2026.
Volunteers needed for the 2027 Mini-American Summer School/Romania
Min-American Summer School/Romania · Various · Full-time
EFL Instructor, Military Setting in the UAE
Diplomatic Language Services · AE · Full-time
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Salary
University foundation programs: 12k to 22k SAR per month tax-free. Aramco and military contracts can exceed 25k SAR. Housing, transportation, and an annual flight home are standard.
Visa
Employment visa, sponsored by the institution. Master's degree often required. Process is slow — 3 to 6 months from offer to arrival is common.
Best for
Experienced teachers committed to a 1-2 year stint with explicit savings goals. Single male teachers have the easiest path; family-friendly compounds exist for those bringing dependents.
Common questions about teaching in Saudi Arabia
Is Saudi Arabia safe for Western teachers?
Yes, in line with most Gulf countries. Compounds and university campuses are secure and crime against expats is very low.
Can female teachers work in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Women teach at female universities and mixed institutions. The driving ban was lifted in 2018 and the abaya is no longer legally required, though it remains common in many workplaces.
Tools for teachers
What you'll need to teach in Saudi Arabia
Things teachers usually sort out before moving here. Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
ITTT
Most schools abroad ask for a TEFL certificate. Get yours online.
Offer: 10% off with code ETUNU2026K
- Self-paced, 120 to 550 hour courses
- Lifetime job guidance for graduates
See ITTT courses →
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
NordVPN
Add privacy on shared Wi-Fi while teaching abroad
- Encrypts traffic to the VPN server
- Compare device support and current plan terms
Access is not guaranteed. NordVPN currently reports blocked Windows connections in China; check device support before buying.
See NordVPN plans →
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
SafetyWing
Health cover for the gap before your school insurance starts
- Medical cover while you live abroad
- From about $63 per 4 weeks (ages 18-39)
Get a SafetyWing quote →
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Wise
Paid in one currency, need money in another? Skip the bank markup
- Real exchange rate, fee shown up front
- Hold and convert 40+ currencies
See Wise fees and rates →
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Get ready to teach in Saudi Arabia
Courses for ESL teachers
Ready-to-teach lesson courses with exercises and teacher notes.
Ready-to-teach lesson packs
Prepared lessons for your first weeks in the classroom.
Saudi Arabia vs United Arab Emirates
Credentialed teacher targeting maximum savings in the Gulf.
Browse all ESL jobs
Every current opening, worldwide.
Your CV for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia expects a different CV from the one a US resume builder produces. The layout, the photo, the paper size and which documents get attested are all country-specific, and getting them wrong is a common reason applications are set aside.
See the Saudi Arabia CV rulesRead next on teaching in Saudi Arabia
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Teach English in specific cities in Saudi Arabia
Sister site · Weightless
Prefer to work remotely from Saudi Arabia? Browse remote jobs you can do from anywhere on our sister site Weightless.
Find remote jobs →