What is the average English teacher salary in Vietnam?

Vietnam has quickly become one of Asia’s most appealing destinations for teaching English — and not just because of its breathtaking landscapes or world-famous street food. What really draws teachers in? A sweet combination of strong salaries and incredibly low living costs.

Whether you're hoping to build your savings, travel extensively, or just enjoy a better lifestyle abroad, teaching English in Vietnam offers one of the best returns on your time and energy.

This guide breaks down how much you can realistically earn as an English teacher in Vietnam — across different job types, school environments, and experience levels.

💰 Overview: Salary Range for English Teachers in Vietnam

• Typical salary range: 27–51 million VND per month
• USD equivalent: $1,100–$2,100/month
• Hourly tutoring rates: 345,000–1.4 million VND ($15–$60/hour)

How much you earn teaching English in Vietnam depends on a few key factors:

• Where you teach: Public schools, language centers, universities, and international schools all offer different pay scales.
• Your qualifications: A TEFL certificate, a bachelor’s degree, and teaching experience can boost your salary.
• Your location: Cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi generally offer higher pay than smaller towns or rural areas.

Next, we’ll break down salary expectations by school type so you can see where you might fit.

🏫 Public Schools

Salary:

• 35–48 million VND/month
• $1,450–$2,000/month

What to Expect:

• Daytime working hours, typically Monday to Friday
• Large class sizes — often 40 to 50 students per class
• Paid national holidays and school vacations
• Teaching focuses on listening and speaking skills, often with support from a Vietnamese co-teacher

Ideal For:

Teachers who want a structured schedule, consistent time off, and a more traditional school environment. Public school jobs are great for work-life balance and cultural immersion, especially in local communities.

🏢 Private Language Centers

Salary:

• 27–42 million VND/month
• $1,100–$1,750/month

What to Expect:

• Classes usually held in the evenings and on weekends, as students attend after regular school hours
• Employers are actively hiring year-round, especially in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
• Most schools require a TEFL certificate, but prior teaching experience is not mandatory

Perks:

• Pre-made lesson plans, worksheets, and structured curriculums to save you prep time
• Orientation and training provided for new hires
• Friendly work environments and opportunities to meet other expat teachers

Ideal For:

First-time ESL teachers or travelers seeking a reliable income stream with minimal upfront experience or advanced credentials.

🎓 International Schools

Salary:

• 46–55 million VND/month
• $1,900–$2,300/month

What to Expect:

• Smaller class sizes and well-resourced classrooms
• Strong administrative support and established international curricula (e.g., Cambridge, IB, or American systems)
• Competitive compensation packages often include health insurance, paid holidays, and professional development

Requirements:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in education
• A state-issued teaching license (e.g., PGCE, teaching credential, or QTS)
• 2+ years of classroom teaching experience in your home country or a similar setting

Ideal For:

Qualified, licensed teachers looking for a professional, high-paying teaching role with long-term career potential in a well-supported international environment.

🏛 Universities

Salary:

• 21–51 million VND/month
• $850–$2,100/month

What to Expect:

• Daytime teaching hours, typically Monday to Friday
• Older, more motivated students focused on academic or professional English
• Often a lighter workload (fewer teaching hours) than other settings

Hiring Notes:

• Preference given to candidates with a master’s degree, TESOL/linguistics background, or prior university teaching experience
• Jobs concentrated in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other major university towns

Ideal For:

Teachers seeking a more academic, low-pressure environment or experienced educators transitioning into higher education roles in Vietnam.

👨‍🏫 Private Tutoring

Rates:

• 345,000–1.4 million VND/hour
• $15–$60/hour

What to Expect:

• Teach in-person at cafés, students’ homes, or remotely via video calls
• Total control over your schedule, pricing, and clients
• No employer support or benefits — you manage everything yourself

Tips:

• Use social media, expat networks, or word of mouth to find students
• Consider offering exam prep (IELTS/TOEFL) or business English for higher rates
• Start part-time to test demand before going full freelance

Ideal For:

Confident, self-starting teachers who want to earn more, work independently, and take full control of their teaching career.

📊 Salary Comparison Table

School Type	Salary Range (VND)	Salary Range (USD)	Key Features
Public Schools	35–48 million/month	$1,450–$2,000/month	Weekday schedule, large classes, paid breaks
Private Language Centers	27–42 million/month	$1,100–$1,750/month	Nights/weekends, beginner-friendly jobs
International Schools	46–55 million/month	$1,900–$2,300/month	Licensed teachers only, top-tier pay/benefits
Universities	21–51 million/month	$850–$2,100/month	Daytime hours, academic environment
Private Tutoring	345k–1.4m VND/hour	$15–$60/hour	Flexible, high earnings potential

💡 How to Maximize Your Salary in Vietnam

1. Get TEFL Certified

   • A 120-hour TEFL is not just preferred — it’s essential for legal work and opens doors to better-paying roles.

2. Apply in Major Cities

   • Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi offer the highest ESL salaries due to sheer demand and the number of premium schools.

3. Teach at Multiple Schools or Tutor on the Side

   • Many teachers increase their income by combining part-time jobs or offering private lessons.

4. Build Experience

   • International schools and universities often reserve top-paying positions for teachers with 2–3 years of prior experience.

5. Be Professional and Reliable

   • Vietnamese schools value consistency and professionalism. Being dependable boosts your chances of referrals and contract renewals.

📈 Why Teachers in Vietnam Can Save More Than Elsewhere

Even though salaries in Vietnam may seem modest compared to the West, many teachers find they’re able to save more here than in their home countries. With affordable rent (often $250–$500/month), cheap and delicious food, and inexpensive transportation, your day-to-day costs remain low. That means more of your paycheck goes toward travel, savings, or passion projects — not just bills.

In fact, many teachers report saving $500–$1,000/month while still enjoying a comfortable lifestyle. Those who take on private tutoring or freelance work alongside a full-time job often boost their income significantly.

🏖️ Work–Life Balance and Lifestyle Perks

Unlike some high-pressure teaching destinations, Vietnam offers a more relaxed work culture. Public school teachers often finish their day before 4 p.m., and even language center roles leave time during the day to explore. On weekends, you can hop on a motorbike and head to the beach, mountains, or countryside.

This balance is one of the biggest reasons so many ESL teachers renew their contracts year after year — the work is rewarding, the lifestyle is vibrant, and the opportunities to grow are real.

🌟 Conclusion: High Earning Potential with Low Living Costs

Vietnam offers one of the best combinations of salary, benefits, and lifestyle in the ESL world. Whether you're just starting out or aiming to take your international teaching career to the next level, the income you can earn here — especially when compared to the low cost of living — makes Vietnam a standout destination.

With options ranging from structured public schools to flexible private tutoring, there’s a role for every kind of teacher. Combine that with vibrant culture, travel opportunities, and a welcoming community, and it's easy to see why so many teachers choose Vietnam.

👉 Ready to find a teaching job that fits your goals? Explore English teaching jobs in Vietnam