International Teacher Salary Trends: What You Need to Know
| by Alex Skov
As the world becomes more and more interconnected by the day, teaching abroad is a great opportunity for educators looking to expand their careers and experience new cultures. But before taking flight on an international teaching journey, it’s important to understand the teacher salary trends across different countries.
Salaries for international teachers vary significantly depending on factors like location, subject area, and the level of education. Continue reading to get a better understanding of international teacher salaries and trends, top-paying countries for educators, and provide tips for maximizing your earning potential as a teacher abroad.
What Are the Highest-Paying Countries for Teachers?
According to CNBC News, some of the best-paying countries for international teachers are in Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific Ocean. The countries below have the highest annual average teacher salaries outside of the U.S.:
- Luxembourg: $101,360 USD
- Germany: $80,407 USD
- Canada: $71,664 USD
- Netherlands: $71,024 USD
- Australia: $65,658 USD
- Ireland: $62,313 USD
- Denmark: $60,185 USD
- South Korea: $59,103 USD
- Austria: $55,142 USD
- New Zealand: $53,247 USD
These salaries reflect a global trend where countries with well-funded education systems or high demand for specific subject areas — like STEM and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) — offer the most robust compensation packages.
Interntional Teacher Salary Trends Across Regions
When looking at salary trends for international teachers, it’s important to note that different regions offer varying levels of compensation and benefits depending on their need for different types of instruction. For example, countries in Asia like South Korea, Japan, and China offer competitive salaries, especially for teachers with expertise in teaching English.
Salaries in European countries tend to be higher overall, especially in countries like Luxembourg and Germany. However, the cost of living in these countries can also be higher, which may affect teaching income in real terms, especially considering that many international teachers value the ability to set aside money for savings or short trips to nearby countries.
In Southeast Asia, countries like Vietnam and Thailand offer significantly lower costs of living for international teachers. While teaching salaries are also low in these countries, especially when compared to those in Europe and East Asia — $1,000-$2,3000 USD per month in Vietnam and $1,000 USD per month in Thailand for TEFL teachers specifically — these figures are offset enough by the low cost of living that teachers can live comfortably in the region.
European countries may also have fewer job opportunities than Asian countries for teachers who focus on TEFL since English is a more widely spoken language across the continent. For example, recent data shows that about 25.7% of Luxembourg’s population speak English at home, work, or school, and 56% of Germans speak English as a second language, whereas 5% of people speak English in China.
Factors Influencing International Teaching Salary Trends
Several factors can influence how much a teacher can earn abroad, including:
- Country and region: As shown above, the country where you teach has a significant impact on salary. Some countries, like Luxembourg and South Korea, offer relatively high salaries, while others may pay less but provide other benefits such as housing or free health care.
- Experience and education level: Experienced teachers and those with advanced degrees such as a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) can often earn higher salaries. Many countries have tiered pay scales that reward teachers for their experience.
- Subject area: Teachers specializing in high-demand subjects such as STEM, special education, or TEFL often receive higher pay compared to other subject areas.
- School type: Private international schools tend to offer higher salaries compared to public schools, especially in regions or cities with a healthy economy.
Maximizing Your Earning Potential as an International Teacher
If you’re planning to teach abroad, here are a few strategies to help you make the most of your earning potential:
- Earn an advanced degree: Completing a master’s degree like an M.Ed., Master’s in Globalization and Education Research, or other advanced certifications can significantly raise your earning potential.
- Get a U.S. teaching license: While not always required, schools in other countries often consider a U.S. teaching license to be a prestigious credential that boosts a teacher’s qualifications. Educators who hold U.S. teaching licenses are often sought after in schools abroad. Educator preparation programs (EPPs) like TEACH-NOW can be completed 100% online, enabling you to earn your certification while abroad!
- Target high-demand countries for international teaching: Countries like South Korea, Germany, and Luxembourg offer high salaries due to their overall larger demand for qualified teachers. Research the market trends and seek out teaching positions in regions where your subject area or expertise is in demand.
- Consider opportunities at various types of schools: Whether you teach in an international, private, public, or government school can greatly impact your teaching salary. In South Korea, for example, there are various teaching opportunities — a few of which Kara, an international teacher in South Korea, outlines in this short video. Additionally, some international school positions may come with extra benefits such as housing allowances, health insurance, and paid travel — further boosting overall compensation.
- Explore additional income streams: Many teachers abroad supplement their incomes by offering private tutoring, leading extracurricular activities, or even creating educational content. These extra streams of income can supplement your salary while providing opportunities to expand your skill set.
Take Charge of Your Teaching Career with Moreland University
Teaching abroad is not only a rewarding experience, but it is also a chance to enhance your professional resume. While salaries can vary significantly from country to country, doing your research and strategically planning your next steps can help set you up for success. Whether you’re looking to teach in Europe, Asia, or anywhere else on the globe, understanding international teacher salary trends and benefits will help you make informed decisions that align with your career goals.
Ready to learn more about international teaching life? Download The Ultimate Guide to U.S. and International Teacher Salaries to dive deeper into global salary data and discover how you can elevate your career and earning potential as an educator.
