How much can I earn teaching English in Japan?
English language teachers in Japan can expect varying salaries based on location, type of employment, and level of experience. In major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama, where demand for ESL teachers is high, salaries can range anywhere from $1,700 to $4,000 US per month. While Japan has traditionally been a high-earning destination for ESL teachers, recent increases in the cost of living have impacted the potential for savings. Despite this, Japan continues to offer numerous well-paying teaching opportunities, especially in its urban centers.
Table of Contents
What are TESOL salaries in Japan?
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Japan?
Who else employs English language teachers in Japan?
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Japan?
What are TESOL salaries in Japan?
TESOL salaries in Japan typically range from 250,000 to 600,000 yen per month ($1,700 to $4,000 US), depending on factors like the teacher's experience, academic qualifications, location, and the specific employer. Some positions may offer an hourly pay rate, usually around 3,500 yen per hour ($25 US). Besides the salary, many TESOL positions in Japan include additional benefits such as paid airfares, free housing, health insurance, and sometimes a contract completion bonus. These factors combined make TESOL teaching in Japan financially rewarding for teachers.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Japan?
The main employers of English language teachers in Japan are private language academies (Eikaiwas) and public schools. Eikaiwas cater to both children needing extra lessons and adults learning in their free time, usually offering classes in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends. The average salary in Eikaiwas is around 250,000 yen ($1,700) per month, with class sizes typically between 10 and 15 students. Benefits like paid flights and accommodation vary by employer.
Public schools, often hiring through government-sponsored programs like the JET Program, are another major employer. The JET Program, the largest recruitment program in Japan, hires about 2,000 teachers annually, offering a starting salary of 280,000 yen ($1,900) per month with potential yearly increases. Benefits include flights, paid accommodation, health insurance, and about four weeks of paid holiday. Additionally, some schools hire teachers directly, offering salaries between 200,000 and 250,000 yen ($1,400 to $1,700) per month with similar benefits.
Who else employs English language teachers in Japan?
For the best teaching salaries in Japan you should look at universities or international schools. Both of these offer good pay rates in the region of 300,000 to 600,000 yen ($2,000 to $4,000) per month. Employers in this bracket generally expect teachers to have a high level teaching qualification and several years of experience in the classroom. University jobs are particularly popular as the working hours are quite low and the holidays are long.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Japan?
The cost of living for English teachers in Japan has increased in recent years, affecting the potential for savings. Teachers often supplement their income through private language tuition, a common practice in Japan. The average hourly rate for private lessons is about 3,500 yen ($25), allowing teachers to earn significantly in addition to their regular salary. While specific living costs vary depending on the city and lifestyle, teachers in Japan typically find that their earnings, combined with potential extra income from private tutoring, are sufficient to cover living expenses and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
