How much can I earn teaching English in Taiwan?
English teachers in Taiwan, particularly in major cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan, can expect to earn between $1,000 and $2,300+ per month. This range varies based on factors such as teaching qualifications, experience, type of institution (public school or private language academy), and location. Native English speakers with TESOL certification typically find ample opportunities in Taiwan's vibrant teaching market. Additionally, the combination of competitive salaries and Taiwan's relatively low cost of living, along with its developed infrastructure and stable economy, makes teaching in Taiwan financially rewarding and a popular choice among English language educators.
Table of Contents
What are TESOL salaries in Taiwan?
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Taiwan?
Who else employs English language teachers in Taiwan?
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Taiwan?
What are TESOL salaries in Taiwan?
TESOL salaries in Taiwan are heavily influenced by qualifications and teaching experience. Teachers often receive payment on an hourly basis, with rates starting at around 600 NTD ($20 US) per hour. For those with extensive experience, hourly wages can increase to as much as 1,300 NTD ($40) per hour. Additionally, teaching contracts in Taiwan frequently offer benefits like return airfares, paid accommodation, health insurance, and a completion bonus.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Taiwan?
The primary employers of English language teachers in Taiwan are privately run cram schools (bushibans) and kindergartens. Bushibans, which are abundant throughout Taiwan, often hire native English speakers even without prior teaching experience. The average pay at these schools is around $20 US per hour, with a typical schedule of four teaching hours per day, five days a week. Kindergartens in Taiwan offer similar working hours and pay. For teachers with some classroom experience, foreign-run bushibans present a higher pay opportunity, offering around $30 to $40 US per hour, plus bonuses. These positions usually have higher expectations in terms of teaching skills, and a good understanding of Mandarin may be advantageous.
Who else employs English language teachers in Taiwan?
There are also opportunities for teachers within the public school system in Taiwan. Salaries in these jobs range from around 60,000 to 70,000 NTD (currently $1,900 to $2,200) per month. Most of these positions are at high school level and require longer hours and more administration work than language schools. A typical working day in a public school is from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. International schools offer the highest salaries in the country, potentially up to 200,000 NTD (over $6,000) per month. These opportunities are small in number and require a high standard of teaching based qualifications and extensive experience.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Taiwan?
Taiwan offers a perfect combination of high salaries and a relatively low cost of living which makes it possible to live comfortably and save a good amount of your income. Eating at local restaurants and using public transport are both very cheap, although rents can be high at around 5,000 NTD to 15,000 NTD per month for a shared apartment. However, as many jobs include free housing, this is not a problem for most teachers.
