What is the average English teacher salary in Thailand?

If you're thinking about teaching English abroad, Thailand consistently ranks as one of the most attractive destinations — and for good reason. It offers warm weather, friendly communities, delicious food, and stunning travel opportunities. But what about the pay?

While Thailand doesn’t offer the highest teaching salaries in Asia, it makes up for it with an affordable cost of living, a relaxed lifestyle, and diverse teaching roles for teachers of all experience levels. Whether you're just starting out or looking to step into a more senior teaching role, there’s a niche for you in Thailand’s education system.

In this article, we’ll break down salary expectations by school type, explore what affects your earning potential, and look at side income opportunities that can help you stretch your income even further.

🏫 Public Schools: Lower Salaries, High Demand

If you’re starting your teaching journey in Thailand, public schools are often the most accessible option. They hire year-round and are especially open to first-time teachers — even those without extensive experience.

Salaries at public schools typically range from 25,000 to 55,000 THB per month (roughly $700 to $1,540 USD), depending on location, qualifications, and the school's funding. While this is on the lower end of the pay scale, it's enough to live comfortably in many parts of Thailand, especially outside major cities.

Classes are generally large (often 30–50 students), and resources can be limited — but the environment is usually laid-back and culturally immersive. Public school jobs offer a chance to experience traditional Thai education while building confidence and classroom management skills in a relatively low-pressure setting.

🏢 Private Schools: Better Pay, More Structure

Private schools in Thailand offer a step up in both salary and structure. Teachers at these institutions can expect to earn between 35,000 and 70,000 THB per month (around $980 to $1,960 USD), depending on experience, location, and qualifications.

Compared to public schools, private schools often have smaller class sizes, better resources, and a more professional environment. Teachers may be expected to follow a set curriculum, submit lesson plans for review, or collaborate more closely with academic staff — but the extra effort is usually reflected in the pay and working conditions.

These positions are ideal for teachers who want a balanced mix of structure, support, and cultural experience, and who may already have a TEFL certificate or some classroom background.

🌍 International Schools: Top-Tier Pay and Requirements

If you're a licensed teacher with classroom experience, international schools in Thailand offer some of the highest salaries and best overall packages. Monthly pay typically ranges from 80,000 to 170,000 THB (about $2,240 to $4,760 USD), depending on the school, subject, and your qualifications.

These institutions follow Western curricula (such as American, British, or IB) and maintain rigorous academic standards. As a result, they usually require teachers to have a teaching license (like QTS or a state certification) and at least 2 years of experience in a similar role. Positions are competitive but come with significant perks.

In addition to a generous salary, international schools often provide housing or stipends, paid holidays, health insurance, annual flight reimbursements, and contract completion bonuses. These roles are ideal for career educators seeking financial stability, professional development, and a global work environment.

🕒 Language Centers: Flexible but Hourly

Language centers in Thailand cater to both children and adults, often operating outside of standard school hours. Full-time teachers typically earn between 25,000 and 40,000 THB per month (around $700 to $1,120 USD), while part-time or hourly teachers can make 400 to 1,000 THB per hour ($11 to $28 USD), depending on experience and location.

These roles offer flexibility — with classes usually scheduled in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends. This makes them ideal for teachers looking to supplement another job or those who prefer a non-traditional workweek.

However, income can vary significantly based on student enrollment, especially for hourly teachers. While the pay isn’t as stable as in formal school settings, language centers offer great opportunities for building experience and working with a wide range of students.

🎓 Universities: Prestige and Flexibility

University teaching jobs in Thailand are known for offering prestige and academic freedom. Salaries typically range from 30,000 to 60,000 THB per month (approximately $840 to $1,680 USD), depending on the institution, your qualifications, and the number of hours you teach.

One of the biggest perks is the flexibility. Unlike K–12 schools, university teachers often have fewer contact hours and aren’t required to be on campus when not teaching. This allows time for other pursuits — such as private tutoring, online teaching, or simply enjoying life in Thailand.

These roles are best suited to experienced educators, particularly those with a master’s degree or higher. They’re also a good fit for anyone who enjoys teaching adults, engaging in academic discussions, or exploring opportunities in curriculum development or research.

👨‍🏫 Private Tutoring: Extra Income on the Side

Private tutoring is a popular way for English teachers in Thailand to boost their income — especially for those working in lower-paid school jobs or with flexible schedules. Hourly rates usually range from 400 to 1,000 THB (around $11 to $28 USD), depending on your experience, subject focus, and the location or clientele.

Most tutoring is focused on conversation skills, exam prep (like IELTS or TOEFL), or school support for children. Some teachers specialize in business English for professionals. Sessions can be held at cafes, students’ homes, or even online.

While the earning potential is solid, tutoring does require self-promotion, time management, and often travel between lessons. There’s less structure and stability than with contracted jobs, but for those who enjoy independence and one-on-one teaching, it can be a rewarding side hustle or even a full-time path.

📈 What Affects Your Salary?

Your salary as an English teacher in Thailand can vary widely depending on several key factors — it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Understanding what influences your pay can help you set realistic expectations and negotiate better offers.

• Experience: The more classroom experience you have, the higher your potential salary. Schools are often willing to pay more for teachers who’ve already taught abroad or have worked with similar student age groups.

• TEFL Certification: While not always required by law, many schools expect a 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certificate. In some cases, having this credential directly bumps up your salary — and increases your chances of landing better schools or cities.

• School Location: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and other urban or tourist-heavy areas tend to offer higher salaries — but also come with a higher cost of living. Remote or rural schools may pay less but offer quieter lifestyles and stronger cultural immersion.

• Degree Type and Nationality: Native English speakers often get preference, and those with degrees in Education or English may qualify for better jobs or pay rates, especially at private and international schools.

🏡 Typical Benefits Beyond Salary

While base pay is important, many teaching jobs in Thailand come with additional perks that make the total compensation package more appealing — especially when compared to the cost of living.

• Housing Support: Some schools provide free on-campus housing, a monthly housing allowance, or assistance finding affordable apartments nearby. This can dramatically reduce your living costs, especially in cities like Bangkok or Phuket.

• Health Insurance: Most full-time teaching positions come with basic health coverage, either through the Thai social security system or private insurance plans. While coverage levels vary, it helps protect against unexpected medical costs.

• Paid Holidays and Leave: Teachers usually get Thai national holidays off, plus paid vacation days during school breaks. These breaks are great for regional travel or rest.

• Visa and Work Permit Assistance: Reputable schools handle the paperwork for your non-immigrant B visa and work permit, guiding you through the often confusing legal process.

• Bonuses and Extras: Some international and private schools offer end-of-contract bonuses, performance incentives, or even round-trip airfare reimbursement — especially for licensed or experienced teachers.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Is Teaching in Thailand Worth It Financially?

Thailand might not top the charts for teacher salaries, but it delivers where it counts — quality of life, cultural immersion, and affordability. For many teachers, the value lies in the full package: warm weather, delicious food, welcoming locals, and the ability to live well without a sky-high income.

With smart budgeting, a bit of side work (like tutoring or online lessons), you can live comfortably and even save modestly. The lifestyle perks — from weekend beach getaways to vibrant local festivals — make every baht stretch further.

If your goals include travel, adventure, and personal growth — not just a paycheck — then teaching English in Thailand can be one of the most rewarding moves you’ll ever make.

👉 Browse Teaching Jobs in Thailand