If you're considering teaching English in China, one of your first questions is likely: What’s the salary like?
Good news — teaching in China isn’t just about the paycheck, but it can be a financially smart move, especially when you factor in perks like free housing, travel allowances, and low living costs. Whether you're just starting out or bringing years of classroom experience, there’s a wide range of opportunities that offer a comfortable and rewarding lifestyle.
Let’s break down salaries by school type, explore what really influences your income, and help you figure out where your best fit might be.
Here’s a snapshot of what you might earn depending on where you work:
School Type | Monthly Salary (RMB) | Approx. USD | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
Public Schools | ¥10,000–¥20,000 | $1,400–$2,800 | Steady hours, government-run, long holidays |
Private Language Centers | ¥12,000–¥18,000 | $1,700–$2,500 | Evenings/weekends, structured curriculum |
Kindergartens | ¥12,000–¥28,000 | $1,700–$3,900 | Energetic vibe, younger learners, weekday hours |
International Schools | ¥15,000–¥30,000+ | $2,100–$4,200+ | Top pay, full expat packages, licensed teachers |
Universities | ¥7,000–¥15,000 | $1,000–$2,100 | Light workload, lots of vacation, culture-rich |
💡 Exchange rates fluctuate. This chart uses an estimate of 1 USD = 7.1 RMB.
Not all teaching jobs are created equal. Your earnings can swing significantly depending on a few key variables:
China’s cities are grouped into tiers, and this affects both salary and cost of living:
City Tier | Examples | Salary Range (RMB) | Cost of Living | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tier 1 | Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen | ¥15,000–¥30,000+ | High | High earners, urban experiences |
Tier 2 | Hangzhou, Suzhou, Chengdu, Nanjing | ¥12,000–¥22,000 | Moderate | Balanced lifestyle + savings |
Tier 3 | Xi’an, Kunming, Guilin | ¥7,000–¥15,000 | Low | Immersion, saving, slower pace |
🧭 Explore more in our guide to the best places to teach English in China.
Your hours matter. Most schools expect 20–25 teaching hours/week. Some contracts include additional pay for demo lessons, overtime, or weekend events. Be sure to factor that into your earning potential.
When teaching in China, your monthly paycheck is only one piece of the puzzle. Most schools sweeten the deal with perks that help cover major expenses — or let you pocket more of your salary.
Let’s look at the most common (and valuable) benefits offered to English teachers in China:
Housing is one of the biggest savings factors for teachers in China.
💡 This can save you up to $800+ USD/month — especially in Tier 1 cities where rent is expensive.
Most schools offer reimbursement for your round-trip airfare once you complete your contract. Some schools — especially international or well-funded kindergartens — even pay this up front.
By law, schools must provide basic health coverage — but many reputable employers go further:
📌 Pro tip: Ask for a copy of the insurance policy so you know exactly what’s covered.
To reward loyalty and strong performance, many schools offer bonuses such as:
You’ll get time off — and in many cases, you’ll be paid to relax.
🛫 With smart planning, you can use breaks to travel around China or explore nearby countries like Vietnam, Japan, or Thailand.
Reputable employers will sponsor your Z Visa, which is the legal work visa for foreign teachers in China.
Some schools — especially universities or cultural exchange programs — include Mandarin classes as part of the experience.
Some employers invest in your growth as a teacher, offering:
Not all perks are listed clearly in job ads. Here’s a checklist of questions to ask:
✨ Don’t just look at salary — the entire package matters.
One of the biggest perks of teaching English in China isn’t just the paycheck — it’s how far your money goes.
With low day-to-day expenses (especially outside of Tier 1 cities) and many schools covering housing, insurance, and flights, teachers often save more abroad than they did at home — even on a modest salary.
Let’s break it down by category so you can picture your real monthly budget.
Rent varies a lot depending on the city — but in most cases, your employer will cover it or provide a housing allowance.
City Tier | Rent for 1BR Apartment | Covered by School? |
---|---|---|
Tier 1 | ¥4,000–¥8,000 | Usually allowance |
Tier 2 | ¥2,000–¥4,000 | Often fully covered |
Tier 3/Rural | ¥800–¥2,500 | Commonly covered |
Utilities (electricity, gas, water): ¥200–¥400/month
High-speed internet: ~¥100/month
💡 If rent is fully covered, your housing costs could be close to zero — which means big savings.
Imported goods (cheese, wine, cereal) are pricier, but fresh produce, noodles, tofu, and local meat are all very affordable.
🥢 Eat like a local and cook at home — you can eat well and save easily.
Public transit is safe, clean, and super efficient in most cities.
Item | Monthly Cost (approx.) |
---|---|
Mobile plan (with data) | ¥60–¥100 ($8–$14) |
Gym membership | ¥150–¥400 ($20–$55) |
Movie ticket | ¥30–¥60 ($4–$8) |
Social outings & KTV | ¥50–¥100 per night |
Daily life in China can be both fun and affordable — especially outside big cities.
Teachers in China often explore nearby regions or countries on weekends and holidays.
✈️ Want to explore beyond China? Round-trip flights to Thailand or Vietnam are often under $200.
How much can you actually save each month as a TEFL teacher in China?
Here’s a realistic snapshot — assuming moderate spending and typical benefits:
Location Type | Salary (USD) | Avg. Monthly Spend | Estimated Monthly Savings |
---|---|---|---|
Tier 1 City | $2,500 | $1,400–$1,800 | $700–$1,100 |
Tier 2 City | $2,000 | $1,000–$1,400 | $600–$1,000 |
Tier 3/Rural | $1,500 | $600–$1,000 | $500–$900 |
🔐 Many teachers save $5,000–$10,000+ USD per year — while still traveling, eating out, and enjoying life.
Whether you want to save aggressively, travel every weekend, or just live comfortably without stress, China makes it possible. Your cost of living is flexible — and so are your options.
When it comes to teaching abroad, your contract matters just as much as your classroom. In China, it’s totally normal — and even expected — to negotiate parts of your job offer. That could mean a higher salary, better perks, or more flexible hours.
Let’s walk through how to negotiate smartly, respectfully, and confidently.
Before you start salary talks, be sure you understand:
🎯 Example: A ¥15,000 salary might be great in Xi’an, but low in Shanghai.
Here’s what schools value most when deciding salary:
✅ Highlight these in your interview and follow up with salary-related questions after an offer is made.
Politeness is key. Start with appreciation, then ask if there's flexibility. Examples:
“Thanks so much for the offer — I’m really excited about the opportunity. I was wondering if there’s any room to adjust the salary based on my education and experience?”
“This sounds like a great fit. Would it be possible to revisit the housing allowance or end-of-contract bonus?”
Keep it collaborative — not confrontational. Most schools will either say yes, give you a compromise, or explain their limits.
Can’t bump your salary? Ask for other perks:
What to Negotiate | Typical Value (RMB) |
---|---|
Higher housing allowance | ¥1,000–¥3,000 |
Flight reimbursement timing | ¥5,000–¥8,000 |
Contract completion bonus | ¥5,000–¥10,000 |
Paid vacation days | +5–10 days |
TEFL course reimbursement | ¥2,000–¥4,000 |
💬 Ask: “Would you be open to increasing the bonus or covering part of my TEFL course?”
Once you’ve agreed on the offer, make sure it’s clearly stated in your signed contract:
🔐 If it’s not written down, it doesn’t count. Ask for a contract in English (if not already provided).
Not every job is worth it. Walk away if:
❌ Trust your gut. A good school will treat you with respect from day one.
Once you land the job, here’s how to turn it into a rewarding year (or more):
Explore top cities for teaching in China
These skills can help you transition into international schools, teacher training, or remote education careers.
Don’t just treat your TEFL year as a “gap” — see it as a launchpad. Many teachers:
Your China experience can be one of the most transformative years of your life.
Ready to take the next step? Browse English teaching jobs in China.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.