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Aside from the thrill of discovering new cultures and languages whilst teaching internationally, another compelling reason to move abroad is the possibility of a higher salary. The aim is to work and live differently, right? It’s time to talk about international school teacher benefits!
Before we dive into the actual international teacher salary figures, let’s clarify something: we are focusing on fully accredited, well-established international schools that only hire qualified international school teachers.
When comparing schools and countries, it’s key to know what to look for. Remember that the international teacher salary isn’t the full picture. It’s important to consider the cost of living, how a salary is taxed, and what other benefits are on offer such as accommodation, flight allowances, health insurance, tuition fee reductions for staff children and so on. Make sure you look at the wider context and match it up to your personal goals and priorities. Let’s take a closer look…
Cost of living overseas for international school teachers
The cost of living refers to the amount of money needed for basic expenses such as accommodation, groceries, healthcare, taxes, and so on. As a teacher abroad, the cost of living varies hugely from country to country. Some countries offer high salaries but the cost of living is high too so the ability to save is limited. By comparison, some countries offer lower salaries but saving is much easier because the cost of living is substantially lower. An international school teacher earning $75,000 in Switzerland may therefore have fewer savings than an international school teacher earning $23,000 in Egypt.
You can bear in mind the following grid whilst comparing salaries and the cost of living in various countries to discern the pros and cons of each place.
Some schools located in countries with weak currencies pay part of the teacher’s salary in the local currency (which acts as spending money) and part of the salary in a stronger currency such as the US Dollar, Euro or British Pound. This means that you should return home with more savings than you would have done if working at home.
Lastly, Numbeo provides data on the cost of living using an index that makes it easy to compare countries and cities. It measures consumer goods prices for groceries, restaurants, transportation, and utilities. It’s displayed relative to New York City, which has a score of 100, so a location with a score of 130 is 30% pricier than NYC, whereas a score of 80 means it’s 20% cheaper than NYC. You’ll find these scores on the ‘quality of life’ tab for each country and city.
Paying tax when teaching abroad
In most countries, international teachers pay taxes in the same way as local staff. In Japan, taxes and deductions are around 13% based on an early-career international teacher salary and 22% for experienced teachers; in Spain, it’s similar at 13% and 16%. Switzerland, with high teaching salaries, has a comparatively high tax at 30%. However, a number of countries offer tax-free salaries for foreign residents; many of them are in the Middle East.
Additional international teacher benefits
International school packages vary greatly, but most offer considerable teacher benefits beyond just the basic international school teacher salary. Below are some of the teacher perks you can find when you teach abroad.
1. Free places for international teachers’ children
Many international schools provide free education for international teachers’ children or a substantial discount between 50% and 90% of the fees. However, some offer no discount at all, although this is less common.
To check a specific school’s approach to tuition fees, click on the ‘Salary and benefits’ tab on the school’s Teacher Horizons profile page.
2. Free health insurance for international teachers
Broadly speaking, health insurance is paid for by schools in countries where the national healthcare services are inadequate. By contrast, international schools in countries with good healthcare systems are unlikely to provide additional health insurance.
3. Free relocation for international teachers
Many international schools will offer some kind of flight allowance. This could be scheduled for the beginning and end of your contract, given as a lump sum to be used on flights you book, or allocated yearly. A relocation allowance may also be included in an international teaching package. This is an amount that is given to help with the initial costs of moving to another country, such as shipping possessions or purchasing what you need to settle into your new home.
4. Free accommodation for international teachers
Lots of international schools offer their teachers free or subsidised accommodation as part of their teacher benefits package. In some schools, all of the teachers live in the same building in individual apartments; sometimes these will be on the school campus or nearby. Some international schools do not include accommodation in their international school teacher’s package but are open to helping you find a place to live and advising on good locations, estate agents, the expected cost of rent and how to negotiate if it’s culturally appropriate.
5. Other ways international schools support teachers financially
Where teachers live offsite, some international schools offer free transportation to and from the school campus or offer free use of the school bus; this can help reduce the costs of taxis and is usually more convenient than public transportation.
To support teachers coming with non-teaching spouses, some international schools provide an additional allowance. Once you’ve signed up to Teacher Horizons, our international advisers can help you find the right school if this is a consideration for you.
Various other incentives may be included in international teaching contracts such as gym memberships, free language classes to build fluency in the local language, contributions to a pension scheme, or even bonuses for contract renewals.
So let’s begin!
As you read through the guidance below, pay close attention to the cost of living and potential savings. Often these two factors have more impact on your financial stability and growth than the actual salary figure.
So here are the typical teacher salaries offered by international schools in the following regions and countries. You’ll notice that it’s broken down into the typical international teacher salary ranges for entry-level educators compared to highly experienced teachers (without management responsibilities), as well as the average salary for both. Some salary ranges vary significantly; this is due to the size of schools, their staffing budget and other factors.
When you spot a region or country you’re interested in, click on it for more information on what it’s like to live there and to discover what vacancies are currently available at international schools in that location!
Benefits of teaching in Africa
Teaching in Africa is both enriching and rewarding. While taking advantage of the opportunity to immerse yourself in new and exciting cultures, no matter the location, teaching jobs in Africa will also allow you to explore this sunny continent.
Countries such as Egypt, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya are popular destinations for international teachers wanting to invest time in educating children in Africa at the same time as exploring the rich diversity of the continent.
Teacher salaries in Egypt
The salary range for an entry-level teacher: $20,000 – $47,300
Average: $31,700
The salary range for a highly experienced teacher without management responsibilities: $25,000 – $65,000
Average: $42,300
Cost of living index: 19
Savings potential: 38%
Teacher salaries in Tanzania
The salary range for an entry-level teacher: $11,400 – $55,000
Average: $26,800
The salary range for a highly experienced teacher without management responsibilities: $25,000 – $67,000
Average: $40,100
Cost of living index: 31
Savings potential: 39%
Benefits of teaching in Asia
Asia is one of the most popular destinations for international teachers who want to experience life outside their own culture or home country. There is a broad range of international schools in Asia, offering attractive remuneration packages and the opportunity to travel widely, often at the same time as being able to put aside some savings.
While Singapore, Japan and South Korea hold strong appeal, there are other teaching jobs in Asia in countries such as Malaysia and Cambodia that have a much lower cost of living and still allow for regional travel. Whether you choose South, East or Central Asia, Teacher Horizons holds a wealth of information about teaching in Asia, from salaries and visa requirements to the opportunities for exploration that exist once you are based there.
Teacher salaries in China
The salary range for an entry-level teacher: $21,600 – $75,000
Average: $43,200
The salary range for a highly experienced teacher without management responsibilities: $28,000 – $99,300
Average: $60,100
Cost of living index: 40
Savings potential: 46%
Teacher salaries in Thailand
The salary range for an entry-level teacher: $12,000 – $55,000
Average: $30,000
The salary range for a highly experienced teacher without management responsibilities: $17,200 – $83,900
Average: $40,700
Cost of living index: 42
Savings potential: 38%
Teacher salaries in Singapore
The salary range for an entry-level teacher: $37,000 – $82,000
Average: $53,900
The salary range for a highly experienced teacher without management responsibilities: $39,000 – $95,000
Average: $75,200
Cost of living index: 87
Savings potential: 40%
Benefits of teaching in Central America
Central America is relatively new on the international school jobs scene but with an increasing number of opportunities in countries such as Costa Rica, Panama and El Salvador, this part of the world is a good destination for teachers on a quest for new experiences. The cost of living in these countries is reasonable and the sunshine and slower pace of life make for a great international teaching experience.
Teacher salaries in the Dominican Republic
The salary range for an entry-level teacher: $12,000 – $26,000
Average: $21,000
The salary range for a highly experienced teacher without management responsibilities: $15,000 – $30,000
Average: $22,500
Cost of living index: 42
Savings potential: 54%
Teacher salaries in Costa Rica
The salary range for an entry-level teacher: $8,800 – $45,000
Average: $28,200
The salary range for a highly experienced teacher without management responsibilities: $9,800 – $55,000
Average: $35,300
Cost of living index: 53
Savings potential: 17%
Benefits of teaching in Europe
With international school jobs in European cities such as Paris, Prague, Lisbon and Istanbul you’ll be spoiled for choice when you start considering your priorities. Whether you are looking for a cheaper quality of life, proximity to the ski slopes or living somewhere that doesn’t get too cold, there are many options available.
Salaries and benefits vary widely depending on whether you are in the north or south of Europe and, if you have an EU passport, relocation is straightforward. Competition for these roles can be fierce and while accommodation is often not part of the package, the cost of living tends to be lower. There are also many other invaluable international school teacher benefits such as immersing yourself in history and the culture of your chosen city.
Teacher salaries in Spain
The salary range for an entry-level teacher: $20,900 – $44,200
Average: $32,400
The salary range for a highly experienced teacher without management responsibilities: $24,400 – $56,800
Average: $38,400
Cost of living index: 51
Savings potential: 17%
Teacher salaries in Poland
The salary range for an entry-level teacher: $23,300 – $30,000
Average: $26,700
The salary range for a highly experienced teacher without management responsibilities: $23,300 – $34,900
Average: $29,400
Cost of living index: 39
Savings potential: 29%
Teacher salaries in Turkey
The salary range for an entry-level teacher: $12,000 – $49,600
Average: $29,100
The salary range for a highly experienced teacher without management responsibilities: $13,000 – $80,200
Average: $42,100
Cost of living index: 30
Savings potential: 24%
Benefits of teaching in the Middle East
Teaching in the Middle East is a must for those who wish to experience a new culture at the same time as earning good, tax-free money. There are many high-quality international schools in countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain and, while local laws and customs can be restrictive, the quality of life for international teachers is excellent. In some countries in the Gulf, you may face challenges with motivating students in class, but this is all part and parcel of education in this part of the world.
Teacher salaries in the UAE
The salary range for an entry-level teacher: $18,800 – $45,000
Average: $34,700
The salary range for a highly experienced teacher without management responsibilities: $24,000 – $75,300
Average: $48,300
Cost of living index: 60
Savings potential: 26%
Teacher salaries in Qatar
The salary range for an entry-level teacher: $26,400 – $48,700
Average: $38,900
The salary range for a highly experienced teacher without management responsibilities: $38,800 – $60,000
Average: $51,400
Cost of living index: 59
Savings potential: 38%
Benefits of teaching in North America
North America is an appealing location for international teachers wishing to move somewhere different where language barriers, for the most part, won’t be a challenge. The United States and Canada provide opportunities to immerse yourself in a different educational system, exposing you to new teaching methods in a new environment. While there is an increasing number of international schools in this part of the world, the job market is highly competitive due to teachers available locally. In addition, obtaining a visa could be a challenge depending on where you want to go. A little further south, you’ll find international teaching opportunities in Mexico and islands such as Bermuda, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands if you’re looking for a more Caribbean lifestyle.
Teacher salaries in Mexico
The salary range for an entry-level teacher: $7,800 – $31,300
Average: $20,600
The salary range for a highly experienced teacher without management responsibilities: $8,200 – $44,700
Average: $25,000
Cost of living index: 38
Savings potential: 37%
Teacher salaries in the USA
The salary range for an entry-level teacher: $35,000 – $56,000
Average: $50,500
The salary range for a highly experienced teacher without management responsibilities: $45,000 – $90,000
Average: $61,000
Cost of living index: 72
Savings potential: 12%
Benefits of teaching in South America
South America is becoming an increasingly popular destination for teachers with international school careers. With a generally affordable cost of living and, in some countries, a very competitive remuneration package, you can take advantage of the opportunity to learn a new language that will open doors to further travel around the continent. Popular destinations include Colombia, Chile and Brazil – all vastly different in culture and climate, and all offering excellent roles in international schools.
Although there are fewer international schools in South America than there are in Asia or Europe, the teaching jobs in South America are steadily increasing in number.
Teacher salaries in Colombia
Salary range for an entry-level teacher: $11,000 – $43,000
Average: $25,200
The salary range for a highly experienced teacher without management responsibilities: $21,000 – $48,000
Average: $31,400
Cost of living index: 24
Savings potential: 29%
Teacher salaries in Brazil
Salary range for an entry-level teacher: $26,000 – $46,500
Average: $35,700
The salary range for a highly experienced teacher without management responsibilities: $34,700 – $66,700
Average: $46,500
Cost of living index: 37
Savings potential: 26%
Transferring money internationally
As much as it is important to learn about salary and benefits for international teachers, It is also important to consider the best ways to transfer money internationally. As international teachers, we need to transfer money to and from our home country and sometimes even to multiple countries. We also need to spend in multiple currencies while we are travelling. All this can make managing, transferring and spending money complicated.
There are a few tools available, but we recommend Wise as we use it and have done since we were international teachers ourselves.
In the words of Wise:
“We’re building the best way to move and manage the world’s money. Min fees. Max ease. Full speed.”
Wise also offers multi-currency accounts, business accounts and debit cards in certain countries.
Sign up to Wise and make international money transfers fast and easy.
Teacher Horizons is here to help
So there you have it! Spend some time discerning what your priorities and non-negotiables are regarding salary expectations, savings potential, and teacher benefits such as accommodation, health insurance and so on. Once you have clarity on what you’re looking for, remember to set up a Teacher Horizons teacher profile for free and let’s get searching for your next teaching job abroad – together!