ESL Salary Calculator

How much do ESL teachers make?

Select your destination, certification, experience, and teaching setting to get an estimated monthly salary range. Data is based on aggregated job postings and teacher reports from 2025-2026.

Keeping what you earn

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Wise lets you send and hold money in different currencies at the real exchange rate, with the fee shown before you pay. Useful when your salary lands in a local currency and you need to send part of it home.

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The figure above is gross, in local currency. A bank sending it home typically takes a cut in the exchange rate rather than in a stated fee, which is the part that does not show up on the payslip.

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A 120-hour TEFL adds roughly 8% to most country offers and is required for Korea, China, and the UAE.

How Salaries Are Calculated

What affects ESL teacher pay?

ESL salaries depend on several factors. Here is how each one influences your earning potential.

Country

The single biggest factor. Gulf states and East Asia generally pay the most. Latin America and Southeast Asia offer lower salaries but lower cost of living.

Certification

A CELTA or DELTA can boost pay by 15-25%. Even a basic TEFL adds roughly 8%. An MA in TESOL opens doors to university positions.

Experience

Teachers with 5+ years of experience can earn 35-50% more than new teachers, especially in markets that value seniority.

Setting

Online teaching offers flexibility but sometimes lower rates. In-person roles often include housing or flight benefits. Hybrid positions can maximize income.

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