Teacher Salary in Japan
Published: | by Samantha Cleaver, Ph.D.
If you’re thinking about teaching abroad, Japan is a good option. The country has a strong international teaching market, teachers of English are especially in demand, and teachers are generally well compensated.
A U.S. teaching license is a good starting point for international educators. It’s also important, as you consider moving abroad, to understand your potential salary and cost of living. This post covers the ins and outs of teacher salaries in Japan, job requirements, and other factors that impact pay and quality of life as an international educator.
Average Teacher Salary in Japan
Your teacher salary in Japan will depend on multiple factors, including the type of school you teach in, the city you live in, and the credentials and experience you bring to the job.
On average, teachers in Japan can expect to earn anywhere from $1,700 USD to $5,000 USD per month, according to Go Overseas. To put that in context, the estimated cost of living is $780 USD to $1,240 USD per month.
The highest paying city is Tokyo, where English teachers earn around $1,500 to $4,000 USD (¥220,000–¥600,000) per month, according to the TEFL Institute. However, teachers in other cities may be able to save more, even on a lower salary, because the cost of living is also lower.
Other cities are known for their demands for university teachers or those who can teach business English. Nagoya has many corporate training centers, for example, while Kyoto is known for university positions.
Teacher Salaries in Japan by School Type
Japan has multiple school types, including government-run public schools, private English schools, and more formal international schools. Foreign teachers are recruited to teach English as well as other subjects, depending on the school. In addition to instruction, teachers are expected to plan lessons, grade materials, and participate in broader school life.
Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program
The Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) is a government-run program that recruits and places teachers in schools. Teachers who are employed through JET are Assistant Language Teachers (ALT) and are employed between 25 and 35 total hours per week to teach students in kindergarten through grade 12. JET teachers earn about $2,120 USD per month, according to Go Overseas.
Private English Schools: Eikaiwa
Eikaiwa are private English conversation schools that provide opportunities for children and adults to learn and practice English. Teachers work around 25 hours a week, according to Go Overseas, and may work afternoons and evenings. Eikaiwa are 12-month schools and hire year-round, so they are a good option for teachers who want to move mid-year. Teachers in Eikaiwa earn $1,900 USD per month on average.
International Schools
Japan has more than 100 international schools, according to the International Schools Database. These include International Baccalaureate (IB) schools and schools with a specific teaching focus, such as an American or British curriculum. A teacher at an international school typically earns between $1,900 USD and $4,550 USD per month, according to Go Overseas. Teaching contracts typically require 20-25 teaching hours per week, and requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree, a valid teaching license, and teaching experience.
Universities
Teaching English at a university is a coveted job in Japan. The average salary is $2,280 to $4,550 USD per month, according to Go Overseas. To teach at a university, you will likely need an advanced degree in English, TEFL, or Journalism.
How Much Foreign Teachers Earn in Japan
Foreign teachers in Japan generally earn between $1,700 and $5,000 USD per month, depending on the role and years of experience, according to Go Overseas. This is well within the cost of living for Japan.
Additional Benefits Teachers Receive in Japan
Foreign teachers can also expect benefits that ease the transition to life overseas, according to Jobs in Japan. These benefits may include:
- Airfare to and from your home country
- A housing allowance or housing that is provided by the school
- Paid professional development
- Fully paid summer and winter breaks
- Health coverage for basic medical care
How Teacher Qualifications Affect Salary
| JET Program | Eikaiwa | International Schools | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary | $2,120 USD per month | $1,900 USD per month | $1,900 to $4,550 USD per month |
| Required experience | None | None | 2+ years |
| Required credential(s) | Bachelor’s degree or higher, native-level English proficiency, an interest in Japan and working with children, not a Japan resident for more than 6 years since 2016 | Bachelor’s degree, native-level English proficiency, TEFL certificate (beneficial) | Bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred), teaching license, native-level English proficiency, IB training for IB schools |
Sources: Go Overseas, Jet Programme, Gaijin Pot, and Jobs in Japan
Note: A master’s degree is a highly desired credential in Japan, especially for international schools. Earning your master’s could significantly improve your job options and pay.
Is Teaching in Japan Worth It?
Japan’s comfortable salaries and cost of living make it a great teach-abroad option. Whether you want to teach English in a public or private school, or teach in your content area at an international school, Japan has options that provide a rich cultural experience and the opportunity to teach and see the world.
If you’re ready, you could earn your U.S. license from Japan — or from anywhere in the world — in as little as 9 months.
FAQs
How much do assistant English teachers make in Japan?
Assistant English teachers, hired and placed in schools through the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program (JET), make an average monthly salary of $2,120 USD, according to Go Overseas.
How much do English or ESL teachers make in Japan?
English teachers earn between $1,700 USD and $5,000 USD per month, according to Go Overseas. Salary ranges depend on experience, credentials, and the city and type of school you work in.
How much do math teachers make in Japan?
A licensed teacher with experience could earn $2,700 to $5,900 USD per month teaching math at an international school in Japan, according to Teach Away. Salary ranges will depend on experience, credentials, and the city you work in.
How much do music teachers make in Japan?
The average music teacher salary in Japan is about $35,500 USD annually, according to the Economic Research Institute. Salary ranges will depend on experience, credentials, and the city you work in.
How much do PE teachers make in Japan?
Physical education teachers in Japan earn about $31,000 USD annually, according to the Economic Research Institute. Salary ranges will depend on experience, credentials, and the city you work in.
How much do Spanish teachers in Japan make?
Spanish teachers in Japan earn about $1,821 to $2,261 USD per month, according to TES. Salary ranges will depend on experience, credentials, and the city you work in.
How much do special education teachers make in Japan?
Special education teachers in Japan typically earn around $1,800 USD per month, according to GlassDoor. Salary ranges will depend on experience, credentials, and the city you work in.
How much do elementary school teachers make in Japan?
Elementary teachers in Japan earn about $35,000 USD annually, according to the Economic Research Institute. Salary ranges will depend on experience, credentials, and the city you work in.
How much do high school teachers make in Japan?
High school teachers in Japan earn about $25,000 USD annually, according to Payscale. Salary ranges will depend on experience, credentials, and the city you work in. This doesn’t include a potential bonus after you fulfill your contract.
How much do kindergarten teachers make in Japan?
Kindergarten teachers in Japan earn $1,700 to $2,000 USD per month, according to Jobs in Japan. Salary ranges will depend on experience, credentials, and the city you work in.
How much do preschool teachers make in Japan?
Preschool teachers in Japan earn between $1,700 and $2,000 USD per month, according to Jobs in Japan. Salary ranges will depend on experience, credentials, and the city you work in.
