How a Master’s in Education  (M.Ed.) Can Boost International Teacher Salaries 


| by Alex Skov

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As the demand for high-quality education continues to grow, so does the need for qualified, experienced teachers around the world. For educators who want to teach internationally and grow their earning potential at the same time, earning a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) can be a great way to make your resume more attractive to hiring managers at schools and open the doors to higher salary opportunities. Continue reading below to discover how having an M.Ed. can boost your international teacher salary, and why more educators are choosing to invest in advanced degrees. 

The Current Status of International Teacher Salaries 

Teacher salaries are greatly influenced by where you are teaching, so it makes sense that they vary significantly around the world. Factors like subject-specific demand and a country’s demand for teachers in general also play into how much teachers are paid internationally, as do a teacher’s educational qualifications. According to the CNBC, countries like Luxembourg, Germany, and Austria offer some of the highest salaries for teachers, with average pay ranging from $55,000 USD to over $100,000 USD annually. However, even in these well-paying countries, having an advanced degree can further elevate earning potential. 

In contrast, teachers in countries such as Thailand, China, and Vietnam typically earn less, but having a Master’s in Education can be the key to securing a higher salary package and better teaching positions. For example, data from IPGCE suggests that teachers with an M.Ed. in Thailand can expect to earn up to 30% more than those with just a bachelor’s degree. This salary boost applies across many regions where international schools seek qualified teachers to provide top-notch education to the children in their communities. 

Master’s Degrees Can Lead to Higher Teacher Salaries 

In addition to advancing your teaching skills, the decision to pursue an M.Ed. is often motivated by the possibility of earning more money. Many employers such as international schools, universities, and government education programs offer higher salaries to individuals with advanced degrees. Since teachers with an M.Ed. tend to have specialized knowledge in leadership, curriculum development, or high-impact subject areas, they are often viewed as valuable prospects when applying for jobs in the education system. 

A report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that teachers with an M.Ed. earn up to $11,000 more per year than those with only a bachelor’s degree while also reporting a lower unemployment rate. This increase can be even more pronounced when teaching abroad, where the competition for skilled educators is higher and can prompt schools to pay a premium for expertise, especially for teachers with U.S. teaching credentials and master’s degrees. Due to this, teachers with an M.Ed. or other education-related master’s degrees also tend to have more leverage than their counterparts who only have bachelor’s degrees when negotiating for higher salaries. 

International teacher salaries may also be enhanced with additional benefits, depending on the country where they are teaching. Some international schools in Hong Kong provide teachers with housing allowances, for example, while international teachers in Luxembourg enjoy extra time off for holidays. 

ESL Teachers with M.Ed. Earn More Abroad 

An M.Ed. can be a salary-raiser for educators specializing in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). With steady demand for ESL teachers across Europe, Asia, and other regions, schools are looking for international teachers who have the right combination of skills and credentials to meet the needs of multilingual classrooms.  

In addition to specific ESL-related qualifications, a master’s degree often signals an international teacher’s dedication to the subject. In these cases, having an M.Ed. can make a teaching candidate more desirable in the eyes of more prestigious schools, especially in countries where having a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for educators. 

Career Advancement Opportunities for Teachers with an M.Ed. 

While raising international teacher salaries is a major incentive to earning an advanced degree, getting a Master’s in Education also opens doors for career advancement. Teachers with advanced degrees often move into leadership roles with substantially higher salaries, like department heads, curriculum coordinators, or administrators. Many international schools prioritize hiring educators with advanced degrees for leadership positions, given their experience and knowledge in educational best practices. 

Furthermore, the flexibility of an M.Ed. and its specializations can allow teachers to transition into different sectors within education, including policy, curriculum development, and instructional design. This versatility not only boosts earning potential but also provides educators with more career options whether they want to work in the U.S. or anywhere around the world. 

Maximizing Your Teacher Salary with an M.Ed. from Moreland 

At the end of the day, pursuing a Master’s in Education is a strategic investment for teachers who want to enhance their salary potential while working abroad. The international job market values educators with advanced degrees for their ability to use innovative teaching methods to deliver high-quality education. 

For those considering a move into international teaching or seeking a way to boost their income, an M.Ed. can be the stepping stone to higher-paying roles and a more rewarding career. To learn more about teacher salaries in the U.S. and abroad — including tips for advancing your career and advice on how to maximize your earning potential as an international educator — download a complimentary copy of the Ultimate Guide to U.S. and International Teacher Salaries

You can also learn more about upleveling your salary and advancing your career with a 100% online M.Ed. from Moreland that can be completed from anywhere in the world! Learn more by joining an info session

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