What Salary Can You Earn Teaching English in Asia?

Teaching English in Asia is more than just a job—it’s a chance to explore the world, build meaningful connections, and earn a living while doing it. From the bustling cities of East Asia to the laid-back beaches of Southeast Asia, the region offers a variety of teaching opportunities that suit different goals—whether you're aiming to save money or simply soak up the culture.

So, what can you actually expect to earn? Let’s break it down by region and look at how your income—and lifestyle—can vary across the continent.

💰 East Asia: High Pay, High Expectations

East Asia is often the go-to region for teachers who want to save money and enjoy structured teaching programs. Countries like South Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan offer some of the highest salaries in Asia, along with generous perks like housing, health insurance, and flight reimbursements.

🇯🇵 Japan: $2,100 – $2,675/month

Japan blends futuristic cities with ancient tradition, and English teachers are in steady demand—especially through the JET Program and private language schools.

• Cost of Living: High in cities like Tokyo, but manageable with budgeting.
• Benefits: Health insurance, paid holidays, and often a relocation stipend.
• Savings Potential: Moderate—possible to save with careful planning.

Japan is perfect if you're looking for a culturally rich, modern country with stable job prospects and a strong support network.

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🇰🇷 South Korea: $1,670 – $2,000/month

South Korea is one of the best countries in Asia for saving money as a teacher, thanks to solid salaries and low living costs (especially outside of Seoul).

• Benefits: Free housing, paid airfare, national health insurance, and end-of-contract bonuses.
• Savings Potential: High—many teachers save $800–$1,000/month.
• Cost of Living: Lower than Japan, especially in smaller cities.

If your goal is to teach, travel, and bank some serious savings, South Korea is one of the top options in Asia.

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🇨🇳 China: $1,300 – $2,575/month

China offers a wide range of teaching positions across kindergartens, private schools, international schools, and universities.

• Benefits: Housing allowance, bonuses, flight reimbursement, and medical insurance.
• Savings Potential: High—especially outside major cities.
• Cost of Living: Very affordable in smaller cities, higher in places like Shanghai and Beijing.

With such a huge demand for teachers, China is a great choice for both new and experienced educators.

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🇹🇼 Taiwan: $1,700 – $2,220/month

Taiwan strikes a balance between good pay and a relaxed lifestyle. It’s a clean, friendly, and safe country with an easy-going expat community.

• Benefits: Health insurance, some housing assistance, national holidays.
• Savings Potential: Moderate—living comfortably while saving a little.
• Cost of Living: Cheaper than Japan, but more than Southeast Asia.

Taiwan is ideal for teachers who want a mix of solid income, a welcoming culture, and stunning natural landscapes.

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🌴 Southeast Asia: Low Cost, High Adventure

Southeast Asia might not offer the highest salaries, but what it lacks in income, it more than makes up for in lifestyle, culture, and affordability. If you're teaching for the experience, the adventure, and the chance to truly immerse yourself in a new way of life—this is where you want to be.

🇹🇭 Thailand: $1,000 – $2,000/month

Thailand is a long-time favorite for English teachers who value community, culture, and work-life balance.

• Benefits: Fewer standardized benefits than East Asia, but some schools offer housing or stipends.
• Savings Potential: Low to moderate—you can live comfortably, but don’t expect to save much.
• Cost of Living: Very affordable, especially outside Bangkok.

From weekend trips to tropical islands to temple hopping in Chiang Mai, Thailand is perfect for teachers who want rich experiences and an easygoing vibe.

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🇻🇳 Vietnam: $1,200 – $2,000/month

Vietnam’s teaching market is booming, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, where private language centers and public schools are hiring year-round.

• Benefits: Some schools offer housing stipends, work permits, and bonuses.
• Savings Potential: Moderate to high—good salaries paired with low living costs mean many teachers save $300–$800/month.
• Cost of Living: Very low—street food, rent, and transportation are all budget-friendly.

Vietnam is ideal if you’re after a dynamic city life, delicious food, and a strong expat network.

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🇰🇭 Cambodia: $700 – $2,500/month

Cambodia offers one of the most accessible markets for new and non-traditional teachers (including those without degrees), with a wide pay range depending on experience and institution.

• Benefits: Less standardized—some international schools offer bonuses and paid holidays.
• Savings Potential: Low to moderate—you can live well, but savings vary.
• Cost of Living: Extremely low, even in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

It’s a great choice for adventurous teachers looking for flexibility and cultural depth on a budget.

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🕌 South Asia: Low Salaries, Deep Cultural Immersion

South Asia isn’t known for high teacher salaries, but it’s unmatched in cultural richness and local hospitality. Teaching here is often more about impact and immersion than financial reward.

🇮🇳 India: $150 – $1,000/month

India offers a wide range of teaching roles—from volunteer programs in rural schools to paid jobs in private institutions in major cities.

• Benefits: Minimal—volunteer positions often include housing and meals, but little or no salary.
• Savings Potential: Very low—this is more about the experience than income.
• Cost of Living: Incredibly low in most parts of the country.

India is perfect for those who want to contribute to meaningful education initiatives while exploring one of the most spiritually and culturally diverse countries on the planet.

🏜️ Middle East: High Salaries, High Standards

The Middle East technically falls within Asia, and it’s one of the most lucrative regions for English teachers—especially for those with experience and strong credentials. If your goal is to maximize savings while living abroad in a unique cultural setting, this is one of the best-paying destinations on the map.

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (UAE): $3,000 – $5,000/month

With its modern cities and generous compensation, the UAE is a magnet for career teachers.

• Benefits: Free housing, annual airfare, health insurance, and end-of-contract bonuses.
• Savings Potential: Very high—teachers often save $1,000–$2,500/month.
• Cost of Living: High—but offset by benefits and tax-free income.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer a cosmopolitan lifestyle, but schools are selective—most prefer licensed teachers with a few years of experience.

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🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: $2,500 – $4,000/month

Saudi Arabia isn’t for everyone, but it offers top-tier salaries and benefits for those who qualify.

• Benefits: Housing, flights, insurance, and sometimes family packages.
• Savings Potential: Extremely high—minimal spending and no taxes mean big savings.
• Cost of Living: Moderate—but there’s less temptation to spend due to the conservative lifestyle.

It’s ideal for seasoned educators focused on financial goals. Cultural adaptation is key, but the rewards can be significant.

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🇶🇦 Qatar & 🇰🇼 Kuwait: $2,000 – $3,500/month

Smaller job markets, but solid salaries and benefits.

• Benefits: Housing, airfare, and insurance included.
• Savings Potential: High, especially with low tax burden.
• Cost of Living: Comparable to the UAE, especially in Doha and Kuwait City.

These countries are best suited for teachers with qualifications and prior classroom experience, often in international schools or higher education.

💼 Perks, Savings Potential, and Final Thoughts

Salaries are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to teaching English in Asia. To truly understand what you’ll earn—and what you’ll keep—you need to factor in the benefits, living costs, and lifestyle priorities.

🎁 Common Perks That Boost Your Earnings

In many Asian countries, schools sweeten the deal with extra benefits. These can stretch your paycheck further than you'd expect.

• 🏠 Free or Subsidized Housing: Especially common in South Korea, China, Japan, and the Middle East.
• 🩺 Healthcare Coverage: Public and private school teachers often receive health insurance in countries like Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the UAE.
• ✈️ Airfare Reimbursement: Round-trip flights may be covered in South Korea, Japan, China, and Saudi Arabia.
• 🎓 End-of-Contract Bonuses: A bonus equivalent to one month’s salary is common in East Asia and parts of the Middle East.
• 📅 Paid Holidays: Generous vacation time allows teachers to explore the region or relax between terms.

These perks can significantly reduce your cost of living—meaning more money in your pocket and more freedom to travel or save.

💰 Where Can You Save the Most?

If building savings is a top goal, East Asia and the Middle East offer the strongest opportunities. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Top Savings Potential:

  • 🇰🇷 South Korea: Free housing + decent salary = ~$1,000/month in savings.
  • 🇨🇳 China: Especially in smaller cities with lower living costs.
  • 🇦🇪 UAE and 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: High, tax-free salaries with full benefits = serious savings.

• Moderate Savings Potential:

  • 🇯🇵 Japan and 🇹🇼 Taiwan: You can save with discipline, but living costs are higher.
  • 🇶🇦 Qatar and 🇰🇼 Kuwait: Good benefits and moderate living costs allow for solid savings.

• Minimal Savings, Maximum Experience:

  • 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇰🇭 Cambodia: Comfortable living and cultural immersion, but less financial gain.
  • 🇮🇳 India: Focus is on volunteerism and impact, not income.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Teaching English in Asia isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience—and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you’re after a high-paying job with great benefits or a laid-back lifestyle where every day is an adventure, there’s a country for you.

• Want to save money? Head to South Korea, China, Japan, or the Middle East.
• Want flexibility and cultural depth? Try Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia.
• Want to make an impact in a truly unique environment? Consider India or lesser-known regions in Central Asia.

Wherever you land, teaching abroad in Asia offers a rich blend of purpose, travel, and personal growth. With the right preparation—and a little curiosity—you’ll find a teaching experience that fits your lifestyle, budget, and dreams.