How much can I earn teaching English in Greece?
In Greece, English teachers can typically earn between $800 and $1,100 per month. Despite recent economic challenges which have impacted various sectors including ESL teaching, Greece remains a popular destination for its warm Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, and relaxed lifestyle. The largest market for English teachers is in Athens, the capital city. However, other cities like Thessaloniki, Larissa, Heraklion, and Corfu also offer teaching opportunities.
Table of Contents
What are TESOL salaries in Greece?
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Greece?
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Greece?
What are TESOL salaries in Greece?
TESOL salaries in Greece have remained relatively stable over the past decade, with first-time teachers typically earning between $800 and $1,100 USD per month. This salary is generally sufficient for a basic living standard in Greece. Experienced teachers, however, may have the opportunity to earn significantly more than this average range. To supplement their income, many teachers in Greece also offer private tutoring outside of school hours. The hourly rates for private lessons usually range from $10 to $20, providing additional financial support and making life more comfortable for teachers in this Mediterranean country.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Greece?
In Greece, the primary employers of English language teachers are private language schools, known locally as frontistiria. There are approximately 6,000 of these schools spread across the country, catering mostly to children of various age groups, with some also serving business clients. The teaching schedule in these schools typically involves afternoon, evening, and weekend classes, focusing on supplementary English education for school children. Teachers can expect an average workweek of 20 to 30 hours of classroom teaching, plus additional planning time. While assistance with airfares is not common, some contracts include benefits like housing support and paid holidays. The peak hiring seasons are from August to October and in January, but opportunities are often available year-round.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Greece?
When teaching English abroad, you should find that Greece is relatively inexpensive when compared to much of Western Europe and North America. The biggest expense for most teachers is accommodation. Utilities are also quite expensive which leads many teachers to house share with friends or colleagues to keep their overheads as low as possible. You should try to avoid imported goods as these are usually much more expensive than local alternatives. By shopping at local markets rather than supermarkets you can make a considerable saving each month. The cost of living on mainland Greece is generally much less than on the many resort islands that surround it.
