What is the average English teacher salary in Taiwan?

Taiwan has become an increasingly attractive destination for people looking to teach, travel, and build a new life abroad. Known for its friendly locals, delicious food, safe cities, and rich culture, Taiwan also offers solid earning potential—especially when compared to the relatively low cost of living.

If you’re considering teaching English in Taiwan, one of your first questions is probably: How much will I earn? The answer depends on a few key factors, including the type of school you work for, your experience, your qualifications, and where you’re located.

In this article, we’ll break down:

• The average salaries for different types of schools
• What kinds of benefits are usually included
• How your location can affect both income and expenses
• Tips for boosting your earnings while living comfortably in Taiwan

Whether you're looking to save money, gain experience, or just enjoy the lifestyle, understanding how salaries work is key to making the most of your teaching adventure in Taiwan.

💼 English Teacher Salary by School Type

The type of institution you work for in Taiwan will have a major impact on your salary, schedule, and lifestyle. From government-backed programs to cram schools and elite international campuses, each option offers a different teaching experience—and a different paycheck.

Here’s a deeper look at the most common school types and what you can expect in terms of salary, work hours, benefits, and career growth potential.

🏫 Public School Teaching Jobs

Average Salary: NT$60,000–70,000 per month ($1,870–$2,180 USD)
Typical Work Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday
Teaching Hours: Around 15–20 classroom hours per week
Best For: Teachers who prefer structure, job security, and benefits

Public schools in Taiwan are considered one of the most stable and desirable placements—especially through official programs like the Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program (TFETP).

While the number of teaching hours is relatively low, you are expected to be on campus all day and participate in extracurriculars, lesson planning, meetings, and school events.

Common Benefits:

• Government-regulated contracts
• Paid public holidays and vacation time
• Housing allowance or subsidized rent
• Contract completion bonuses
• Health insurance and labor insurance
• Return flight reimbursement (in many cases)

💡 These positions often require more formal documentation and interviews, but they're ideal for teachers who want a consistent schedule and official support.

🏢 Private School Teaching Jobs

Average Salary: NT$50,000–60,000 per month ($1,560–$1,870 USD)
Typical Work Hours: 20–25 teaching hours per week
Best For: Teachers who want a more personalized teaching environment

Private schools in Taiwan operate independently of the public education system and often cater to local families seeking an English-intensive curriculum. Class sizes are smaller, students are often more focused, and the general atmosphere tends to be more student-centered.

While private school salaries are slightly lower than public schools, many teachers find the lighter workload, smaller classes, and supportive environment to be worth the tradeoff.

Perks May Include:

• Paid holidays and vacation time
• Smaller classes (10–20 students on average)
• More control over curriculum
• On-campus support staff
• Health insurance and housing assistance

📝 Note: Teaching loads and expectations can vary significantly depending on the school's size and reputation. Some may resemble public schools, while others are closer to bilingual institutions.

🏫 Buxiban (Cram School) Jobs

Average Salary: NT$40,000–70,000 per month ($1,250–$2,180 USD)
Typical Work Hours: Afternoons, evenings, and weekends
Best For: First-time teachers or those looking for flexible hours

Buxibans (補習班) are Taiwan’s version of after-school academies, where students come to improve their English skills outside regular school hours. These jobs are widely available year-round and are often the easiest entry point into teaching in Taiwan.

Buxibans pay hourly, so your total income depends on how many hours you're assigned. Pay ranges can vary drastically between schools, and not all offer benefits or paid holidays.

What to Expect:

• Teaching children aged 4–15, sometimes adults
• Large variability in class size (from 5 to 30+)
• Work hours typically from 1 PM to 9 PM
• Minimal compensation for prep or meetings
• Shorter holidays compared to public schools

Some Buxibans Offer:

• Performance bonuses
• Health insurance
• Visa sponsorship
• Airport pickup or apartment assistance

⚠️ Quality varies widely—some schools are very professional, while others can be disorganized. It's important to vet any buxiban before accepting a job.

🌍 International School Jobs

Average Salary: NT$80,000–200,000 per month ($2,500–$6,240 USD)
Typical Work Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM, with additional duties or extracurriculars
Best For: Licensed teachers with education degrees and experience

International schools in Taiwan are private institutions that follow foreign curricula—typically American, British, or IB (International Baccalaureate). These schools serve both local and expatriate students, offering a premium education with native-level English instruction.

These are the highest-paying teaching jobs in Taiwan, and they come with premium benefits, including tax-free salaries in some cases.

Benefits Often Include:

• Full health insurance
• Round-trip airfare
• Paid housing or generous housing allowance
• Annual bonuses
• Retirement contributions
• Professional development opportunities

🎓 These positions are competitive. Most require a teaching license (like a PGCE or state certification) and at least 2 years of classroom experience.

🎓 University Teaching Jobs

Average Salary: Around NT$55,000 per month ($1,720 USD), with potential for more through tutoring or part-time contracts
Typical Work Hours: 10–16 hours of class time per week
Best For: Teachers with advanced degrees seeking academic flexibility

Teaching at a university in Taiwan can be both prestigious and relaxed. These roles are harder to secure and typically require a Master’s or PhD, though some schools will accept extensive teaching experience in lieu of a higher degree.

Universities offer low teaching hours, plenty of freedom, and long breaks—perfect for those who value autonomy and time off over higher pay.

Perks Can Include:

• Winter and summer breaks (unpaid but long)
• Academic freedom in lesson design
• Access to research or speaking opportunities
• Option to take on extra classes or tutoring for extra income

🧑‍🎓 Most university roles are secured locally or through personal connections—rarely through overseas recruiting.

📈 Private Tutoring and Side Income Opportunities

In addition to your full-time teaching job, many educators in Taiwan take advantage of private tutoring or online teaching to boost their monthly income. These options offer flexibility, higher hourly rates, and the chance to connect with motivated learners one-on-one.

📚 Private Tutoring

Hourly Rate: NT$600–1,200 ($19–$38 USD), depending on your experience, qualifications, and location.

Private tutoring is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to earn extra money as an English teacher in Taiwan. Teachers often offer tutoring sessions in the evenings or on weekends, fitting them around their full-time school schedules.

Common Tutoring Niches:

• Children and teenagers needing extra help with schoolwork or test prep
• University students preparing for TOEFL, IELTS, or conversation fluency
• Business professionals seeking workplace English or presentation coaching
• Parents looking for in-home lessons for young children

Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes and can take place in cafes, homes, or even online. Once you build a good reputation or receive referrals, it’s possible to create a consistent side income with minimal marketing.

💡 Teachers who speak basic Mandarin or work in more residential neighborhoods often find it easier to attract clients directly.

Keep in mind: If you're on a work visa tied to a specific school, technically, private tutoring is a legal gray area. It’s rarely enforced, but do so at your own discretion or seek out clients discreetly.

🌐 Online Teaching

With the rise of online education, many teachers in Taiwan now earn extra income teaching students in other countries—from China and Japan to the Middle East and beyond.

Benefits of Online Teaching:

• Global reach: Work with students from anywhere in the world
• Flexible hours: Early mornings, evenings, or weekends—whatever fits your schedule
• Minimal travel: Teach from your apartment, a coworking space, or even a cafe with good Wi-Fi
• Diverse platforms: You can freelance or use structured platforms like Cambly, Preply, or AmazingTalker

Typical hourly rates range from NT$500–1,000 ($15–$32 USD), depending on the platform and your experience.

Some teachers even build their own client base and avoid platform fees entirely—especially if they specialize in test prep, business English, or specific niches.

⚠️ Be sure your primary employer allows secondary income streams, especially if your contract includes exclusivity clauses.

Private tutoring and online teaching aren’t just ways to increase your income—they’re also opportunities to expand your skills, gain deeper teaching experience, and connect with learners in new and rewarding ways.

📊 Salary Summary Table

To help you quickly compare your options, here’s a breakdown of the typical salary ranges for English teaching jobs in Taiwan across different types of schools and side gigs. These numbers represent monthly pay unless otherwise noted.

💡 Keep in mind that salary isn’t everything. Some jobs come with extra perks like paid housing, airfare, healthcare, and bonuses—which can significantly boost your overall compensation package.

Whether you’re looking to cover basic living expenses or save aggressively while abroad, Taiwan offers a broad range of earning opportunities to match your goals and qualifications.

🏙️ How Location Affects Salary and Living Costs

Where you live and teach in Taiwan can have a big impact on both your monthly income and how far that income goes. While base salaries can be relatively consistent across the country, cost of living varies greatly depending on your location—especially when it comes to rent.

🏙️ Taipei

• Pros: Highest job density, most international community, modern infrastructure.
• Cons: Highest cost of living in Taiwan.
• Rent in Taipei can eat up a significant portion of your salary—especially if you want your own apartment in the city center.
• However, Taipei also offers more chances to supplement income through tutoring or freelance gigs thanks to its large population and demand for English.

📌 Many teachers in Taipei live in shared apartments or studio flats to keep housing affordable.

🌤️ Taichung & Kaohsiung

• Pros: Competitive salaries + significantly lower rent and daily costs.
• Taichung (central Taiwan) is known for its comfortable climate and growing expat scene.
• Kaohsiung (southern Taiwan) has a laid-back vibe, coastal beauty, and a well-connected MRT system.
• Both cities offer a strong balance between modern amenities and affordability.

💡 Teachers here can often save more money than those in Taipei—even with slightly lower base salaries.

🌾 Smaller Cities & Rural Areas

• Pros: Extremely low living costs, quieter pace of life, close-knit communities.
• Cons: Fewer job openings, less access to expat networks, and potentially more limited lifestyle options.
• Teaching jobs in rural Taiwan may offer lower salaries, but you can also enjoy substantially lower rent, food, and transportation costs.
• Great for teachers who prioritize cultural immersion, nature, or saving money over urban comforts.

💰 Saving Potential

In general, English teachers in Taiwan can live comfortably and still save money—especially if they:

• Share housing
• Limit luxury spending
• Take on extra tutoring
• Teach outside of Taipei

✨ With smart budgeting and a bit of extra work, it’s possible to save $500–$1,000 USD/month even on an entry-level salary.

Whether you’re aiming to pay off debt, travel more, or build a financial cushion, Taiwan’s reasonable living costs make it an attractive place to live well on a teacher’s wage.

💡 Tips to Maximize Your Salary in Taiwan

While your base salary depends on your school type and location, there are several ways to increase your earnings and improve your overall financial situation once you're teaching in Taiwan. Here are some practical strategies to help you get the most out of your time abroad:

📚 1. Take a TEFL Course Before Applying

• Many schools offer higher pay to candidates with a 120+ hour TEFL or TESOL certification.
• Even if it’s not required by immigration, a TEFL certificate can help you negotiate a better contract or get hired by more reputable schools.
• Courses with practical components (like lesson planning or teaching demos) are especially valuable for beginners.

🎓 Bonus: Some TEFL providers also offer job placement assistance, which can fast-track your application process.

🏡 2. Consider Smaller Cities

• Taipei might offer slightly higher salaries, but lower living costs in cities like Taichung, Kaohsiung, or Hualien can boost your savings.
• Rent, transportation, and food expenses are significantly more manageable outside the capital.
• Schools in less competitive areas may also offer better benefits or flexibility to attract teachers.

🤝 3. Negotiate Your Contract

• Don’t be afraid to ask about:
  • Housing allowances
  • Relocation support
  • Paid vacation days
  • Flight reimbursements
  • End-of-contract bonuses
• Some schools (especially private ones) are open to tailoring offers to qualified candidates.

💬 Tip: Always be polite and professional—negotiation is normal but should be approached respectfully.

📈 4. Take On Tutoring or Online Teaching

• Once you’ve settled in, consider adding private students or teaching online to increase your monthly income.
• Evening and weekend slots are perfect for tutoring school kids, university students, or business professionals.
• Many teachers easily earn an extra NT$10,000–30,000 ($300–$900 USD) per month through side gigs.

⚠️ Always check your work visa terms or employer policies before taking on additional income streams.

🔄 5. Renew Contracts Strategically

• Many schools offer renewal bonuses or small raises for teachers who complete their first year and stay on.
• After your first contract, you’ll be in a better position to negotiate for better hours, higher pay, or more responsibility.

✨ Staying an extra year with the same employer can save you the time, stress, and cost of switching jobs—and often comes with perks.

Maximizing your income in Taiwan isn’t just about chasing the highest paycheck. With the right strategy, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, build your savings, and gain valuable international teaching experience all at once.

🧭 Conclusion: Solid Pay, Great Lifestyle, and Room to Grow

Teaching English in Taiwan offers a rare combination of respectable pay, a rewarding lifestyle, and professional growth opportunities. Whether you're just getting started in education or already have classroom experience, Taiwan provides a flexible and stable environment to build your teaching career.

While salaries can vary depending on the type of school and your qualifications, even entry-level teachers can live comfortably—and save money—thanks to Taiwan’s relatively low cost of living. Add in modern infrastructure, delicious food, safe cities, and a welcoming culture, and it’s easy to see why so many teachers fall in love with life here.

With smart planning, a TEFL certificate, and a little hustle through tutoring or online teaching, your time in Taiwan can be both financially sound and personally enriching. Whether you're staying for a year or making it a longer-term chapter, Taiwan remains one of the best-value destinations in Asia for English teachers.

✨ Come prepared, stay flexible, and make the most of every opportunity—Taiwan has a lot to offer if you're ready to take the leap.