What is the average English teacher salary in Cambodia?

Teaching English in Cambodia might not make you rich on paper, but it offers one of the best lifestyle returns in Southeast Asia. Daily life is affordable, locals are friendly, and the demand for English education continues to grow—especially in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

While salaries are generally lower than in neighboring countries like Thailand or Vietnam, the cost of living is also significantly cheaper. You can live comfortably, enjoy local food and travel, and still have enough left over for savings or side projects. Whether you're looking for a relaxed lifestyle, meaningful community work, or just a base to explore the region, Cambodia makes a strong case.

From volunteer roles in rural schools to well-paid positions in international academies, there’s a surprising amount of variety when it comes to teaching jobs here. And if you’ve got a TEFL certificate and some flexibility, you’ll likely find something that fits your goals.

📊 1. General Salary Overview

Salaries for English teachers in Cambodia typically range from $700 to $1,500 USD per month, depending on the type of institution, your teaching background, and where you're based. While this might sound modest compared to countries like South Korea or Japan, Cambodia’s low cost of living means your income stretches a lot further.

Teachers who supplement their main job with private tutoring can earn an additional $10 to $25 USD per hour, especially in cities with high demand for after-school English support. Some teachers even shift to tutoring full-time once they've built a solid client base.

Key factors that influence your pay include:

• Type of school (public, private, international, NGO)
• Teaching experience and certifications
• Your level of education (especially degrees in education or English)
• Location — salaries are higher in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap compared to smaller towns or rural areas

🏫 2. Public Schools: Modest Pay, Fulfilling Work

Teaching English in Cambodian public schools offers a salary range of $700 to $1,000 USD per month, depending on the school’s location and your qualifications. These positions are often seen as stable and predictable, with set daytime hours and a slower pace than private institutions.

You’ll typically be working in larger classrooms with limited resources, which encourages creativity and adaptability in your teaching. Public schools usually follow a national curriculum, and you’ll likely be the only foreign teacher on staff—an immersive cultural experience in itself.

Other benefits include:

• Weekends off and all national holidays observed
• A chance to experience rural or local life
• A more relaxed workload, especially compared to private academies

These jobs are ideal for teachers seeking cultural immersion, community connection, and a more laid-back teaching rhythm.

🏢 3. Private Language Schools: Flexibility and Mid-Level Pay

Private language schools—often called English academies—are among the most common employers for foreign teachers in Cambodia. Salaries typically range from $800 to $1,200 USD per month, with variations based on class load, location, and experience.

These schools usually offer a mix of classes for children, teens, and adults, which makes the work dynamic and varied. Most operate outside of standard school hours, meaning you’ll likely teach evening and weekend classes.

Key perks include:

• Greater schedule flexibility, ideal for side gigs or travel
• Opportunities to build experience with different age groups
• More structured support and resources than public schools

You’ll find the highest concentration of private language schools in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Battambang, though smaller towns are seeing growth as well. These roles suit teachers who want variety, flexibility, and a slightly higher paycheck.

🎓 4. International Schools: Top Salaries, Higher Standards

International schools in Cambodia offer the highest salaries—typically ranging from $1,200 to $1,500 USD per month. These roles are also the most competitive and usually require a degree in Education or a valid teaching license. Some schools may also ask for prior experience with international curricula (like IB or Cambridge).

Working at an international school means:

• Smaller class sizes and well-equipped classrooms
• Structured curriculum and professional development support
• Additional benefits like paid holidays, health insurance, or housing stipends

These schools cater to both expatriate and elite local families, often located in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. For qualified teachers seeking a more traditional school environment and better compensation, this is the most rewarding route.

🌍 5. NGO & Volunteer Roles: Low Pay, High Impact

Teaching through NGOs or volunteer programs in Cambodia may not offer high pay, but the impact is incredibly meaningful. These roles typically pay between $500 and $800 USD per month, though many include free housing, meals, or transportation as part of the package.

You’ll often work in:

• Rural villages or underserved urban communities
• Community centers, youth programs, or educational nonprofits
• Classrooms with limited resources but eager learners

This path is ideal for those who value cultural immersion, community involvement, and making a difference. It’s less about the paycheck and more about the experience and contribution.

👥 6. Private Tutoring & Online Teaching

Private tutoring and online teaching are great ways to boost your income—or even work independently. Rates typically range from $10 to $25 USD per hour, depending on your experience and the client’s needs.

Tutoring can take place:

• In-person at cafes, students’ homes, or informal classrooms
• Online via platforms like Cambly, Preply, or through your own student network

This setup is especially popular in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, where demand is steady. It’s ideal for teachers who want schedule flexibility, extra cash, or the ability to work remotely.

🗺️ 7. City-by-City Salary Comparisons

Where you teach in Cambodia makes a big difference in both salary and living costs. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:

• Phnom Penh: Offers the highest salaries, especially in international and private schools. But the cost of living is also the highest—expect to spend more on rent, food, and transport.
• Siem Reap: Salaries are generally lower, but so are expenses. A strong presence of NGOs means more opportunities for mission-driven roles with modest pay.
• Battambang & Kampot: These smaller cities offer modest pay, but the low cost of living makes it easy to live comfortably. Perfect for those seeking a slower pace and deeper community ties.

Your ability to save or splurge often depends more on your location than your salary.

📈 8. How to Boost Your Salary in Cambodia

If you want to earn more as an English teacher in Cambodia, it’s not just about finding the right school—it’s also about what you bring to the table.

• Get TEFL certified: Most schools expect at least a 120-hour TEFL certificate. A high-quality course can give you a competitive edge, especially at better-paying institutions.
• Show prior experience: Teachers with classroom experience—particularly in Asia—can often negotiate higher salaries or land roles in international schools.
• Be flexible: Willingness to teach evenings, weekends, or a mix of age groups can open the door to better contracts or allow you to combine multiple roles (e.g., school + tutoring).
• Learn basic Khmer: While not required, speaking a little Khmer shows respect, builds rapport, and helps you better manage your classroom—qualities schools value when hiring or giving raises.

The more value you bring, the more income opportunities you create.

🎁 9. Common Benefits and Perks

While not all schools in Cambodia offer extensive benefits, many provide extras that make life easier and more affordable.

• Housing stipends or free accommodation: Especially common in NGO or volunteer roles, but occasionally offered by private schools as well.
• Free meals: Some schools and NGOs provide lunch or food stipends to reduce daily expenses.
• Paid holidays: Public holidays are generally observed, with private schools occasionally offering paid leave during Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben.
• Visa and work permit support: Not universal, but more professional schools often assist with the paperwork.
• Professional development: A few better-funded institutions offer workshops or training sessions to help teachers grow.

Even modest perks can make a big difference in your overall experience and cost of living in Cambodia.

📝 Conclusion: A Great Place for Value, Not Just Pay

Cambodia might not top the charts for teacher salaries, but it more than makes up for it in affordability, community, and cultural depth. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a slower pace of life, the value of teaching here goes well beyond the paycheck.

You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, low living costs, and countless opportunities to grow as a teacher and traveler. For those who care more about experience than excess, Cambodia delivers a lifestyle that’s both sustainable and deeply rewarding.

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