Average Salary for Teaching English in Dubai (UAE)

Dubai isn’t just a luxury travel destination — it’s one of the highest-paying places in the world for English teachers. With its blend of modern lifestyle, tax-free income, and global education hubs, it’s no surprise that thousands of teachers set their sights on the UAE each year.

While landing a teaching job in Dubai is competitive, the rewards are worth it. Salaries are strong, benefits are generous, and the professional environment is world-class.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• Average salaries by school type (in AED and USD)
• What benefits you can expect alongside your paycheck
• How to increase your earnings with qualifications or private tutoring
• What factors impact your salary as a teacher in Dubai

Whether you're an experienced educator or just exploring options, here’s what you need to know about how much you can earn teaching English in Dubai.

🏫 Salary by School Type in Dubai

Dubai offers a range of teaching opportunities, and your salary will depend heavily on the type of school you work for. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect, both in local currency (AED) and USD, along with what each school type is like.

🎓 1.1 International Schools

• Salary: 15,000–25,000 AED / $4,080–$6,810 USD per month
• Students: Primarily expat children
• Curriculum: British, American, IB, or other international systems
• Environment: High academic standards, strong professional development
• Benefits: Usually includes housing or housing allowance, medical insurance, annual flights home, and end-of-contract bonuses
• Best For: Qualified teachers with experience in international curricula who want a top-tier teaching role with excellent compensation

🏛 1.2 Public and Government Schools

• Salary: 12,000–20,000 AED / $3,270–$5,450 USD per month
• Students: Emirati nationals
• Curriculum: Government-run, with increasing focus on English and STEM subjects
• Environment: Large class sizes, more structured, often includes Arabic language and cultural integration
• Benefits: Stable contracts, housing support, medical insurance, and return flights
• Best For: Experienced teachers who are adaptable and want job security with strong benefits

🏫 1.3 Private Schools

• Salary: 9,000–15,000 AED / $2,450–$4,080 USD per month
• Students: Mix of local and expat students
• Curriculum: Varies widely – could be local, British, American, or other
• Environment: Standards can range from basic to excellent depending on the school
• Benefits: May include partial housing, flights, and insurance – but not always guaranteed
• Best For: First-time teachers abroad or those looking for a balance between salary and lifestyle

💬 1.4 Language Schools

• Salary: 8,000–12,000 AED / $2,180–$3,270 USD per month
• Schedule: Mostly evenings and weekends
• Students: Children, professionals, and adult learners
• Environment: Casual, skills-focused classes in small groups or 1-on-1
• Benefits: Flexible hours, but often paid hourly and may not include housing or insurance
• Best For: Teachers looking for flexible part-time work or those new to Dubai who want to build experience and connections

🎓 1.5 Universities

• Salary: 18,000–30,000 AED / $4,900–$8,170 USD per month
• Requirements: Master’s or PhD often required, plus prior university teaching experience
• Schedule: Lighter teaching load, more time for research or administrative tasks
• Benefits: Strong compensation packages, prestige, and long-term career potential
• Best For: Highly qualified educators seeking a more academic environment with fewer teaching hours and strong perks

📚 1.6 Private Tutoring

• Rate: 150–300 AED/hour / $40–$80 USD/hour
• Clients: Wealthy expat families, high school students, business professionals
• Subjects: English, exam prep (IELTS, SAT), conversation practice
• Flexibility: Set your own schedule, but success depends on reputation and word of mouth
• Best For: Experienced teachers who are entrepreneurial and want to boost their income with flexible, high-paying work on the side

Whether you're chasing savings, career growth, or a new adventure, Dubai’s school types offer something for every kind of teacher.

💼 Benefits That Add to Your Package

Beyond your base salary, teaching jobs in Dubai often come with a generous benefits package that significantly boosts your overall compensation. These perks can make a huge difference in your ability to save money and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle abroad.

• Housing or Housing Allowance
  Most schools either provide accommodation or offer a monthly housing stipend—this can be worth thousands of dirhams.

• Health Insurance
  Comprehensive medical coverage is standard and usually includes dental and sometimes dependents.

• Annual Flights Home
  Schools often pay for a round-trip flight home each year, especially for international hires.

• Tax-Free Salary
  The UAE doesn’t charge income tax, so your take-home pay is exactly what you’re offered—no deductions.

• End-of-Contract Bonuses
  Many schools offer a gratuity or lump-sum bonus at the end of your contract, especially if you renew or complete multiple years.

These benefits are a key reason Dubai remains one of the most attractive destinations for English teachers worldwide.

📈 What Affects Your Salary in Dubai

Not all teaching jobs are created equal. Several factors will influence how much you earn—and how much you can negotiate.

• Experience Level
  More years in the classroom typically means higher pay. Many top schools require at least 2–3 years of full-time teaching experience.

• Qualifications
  A teaching license (like a PGCE or state certification) or advanced TEFL credentials (like CELTA or DELTA) can boost your earning potential.

• School Prestige
  Elite international schools and universities offer the highest pay, but also expect high standards and experience with specific curricula.

• Subject Area
  While English teaching roles are common, teachers of STEM subjects, Business, or IB programs are often paid more due to higher demand.

By understanding these variables, you’ll be better prepared to find a role that matches both your qualifications and your salary goals.

✨ Dubai Offers High Pay — If You Meet the Bar

Dubai stands out as one of the most financially rewarding places to teach English abroad. While salaries vary based on the type of institution and your qualifications, the added benefits—like housing, health insurance, and a tax-free paycheck—make a big difference.

Teachers with the right experience, credentials, and flexibility can not only enjoy an exciting life in the UAE but also save a significant portion of their income.

Looking to take your next step in Dubai?
Explore current job openings, weigh the benefits, and choose a school that fits your career goals and lifestyle. With the right match, Dubai can offer both adventure and financial reward.