In today’s world, it’s more common than ever to have more than one stream of income. Whether it’s freelancing on weekends, launching an Etsy store, or teaching a skill online, side hustles have become part of everyday life. With remote work on the rise and traditional 9-to-5 jobs offering less security, people are finding smart, flexible ways to earn extra money—and enjoy more freedom while doing it.
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) fits seamlessly into this landscape. It offers the ability to teach from anywhere, set your own hours, and do meaningful work that connects you with people across the globe. Whether you’re trying to pad your savings, fund travel, or slowly transition into a more mobile lifestyle, TEFL is one of the most rewarding—and underrated—side hustles out there.
What Is TEFL (and Why It’s So Accessible Now)?
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. You might also see similar acronyms like TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language). While there are some technical differences, they’re often used interchangeably—especially in job listings.
In the past, teaching English abroad meant moving overseas, signing a long contract, and often holding a teaching license or degree. Today, the game has changed. With TEFL certification and a reliable internet connection, you can start teaching from your own home—even part-time. Online platforms have made it easier than ever to connect with students around the world who want to improve their English for school, work, or travel.
There’s no need to be a certified teacher or grammar expert to get started. If you’re a fluent English speaker with a willingness to learn and engage, TEFL opens the door to a side hustle that’s flexible, in-demand, and surprisingly fulfilling. From retirees to university students, from stay-at-home parents to full-time professionals—anyone can find their niche in the TEFL world.
Who TEFL Is Perfect For as a Side Hustle
One of the best things about TEFL is how easily it slots into different lifestyles. Whether you’re juggling studies, parenting, or another job, teaching English on the side can work for you—not the other way around.
Students can earn extra income teaching online from their dorm room or during holiday breaks. Stay-at-home parents often find TEFL to be a rewarding way to work from home without sacrificing time with their kids. Remote workers and digital nomads love that they can teach from anywhere, adding a steady income stream that supports their travel goals. Even part-time workers or those between jobs use TEFL as a flexible fallback while figuring out their next steps.
The beauty of it? You don’t need to change careers or commit to full-time hours. You can teach during evenings, on weekends, or during summer holidays—whatever fits your lifestyle. It’s one of the few gigs where you can scale up or scale down with almost no friction.
Flexibility Without the Fluff: How TEFL Works Around You
Not all side hustles are truly flexible—but TEFL actually is. You can teach fully online, in person, or even a mix of both. If you live in a major city, you might offer private lessons to local learners. If you're abroad, you could join a seasonal language camp. And if you're teaching online, you can log in from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
You also get to decide when you work. Some teachers focus on early mornings or late nights, especially if they’re working with students in Asia. Others set up weekend schedules or keep things super casual with just a few hours per week.
There are two main ways to work: as a freelance tutor, where you set your own rates and schedule, or through a company platform that brings you students and curriculum (but may require a set number of hours). Freelancing offers maximum freedom but takes more initiative to build your student base. Working for a company is often better for beginners who want consistency without too much admin.
Either way, the control stays in your hands—and that’s what makes TEFL so compatible with real life.
How Much Can You Earn from TEFL as a Side Gig?
One of the most appealing parts of TEFL as a side hustle is the potential to earn real money without clocking in full-time. Your income depends on how much you teach, your level of experience, and whether you work independently or for a platform.
Entry-level teachers working for online platforms usually earn between $10–$20 per hour. Experienced freelancers or teachers working with specialized students (like business professionals or test prep learners) can command $25–$40+ per hour.
Here’s what that might look like per week:
- 5 hours/week: $50–$200
- 10 hours/week: $100–$400
- 15 hours/week: $150–$600
At the low end, it’s a helpful top-up to your income. At the higher end, it can cover rent or build your savings. While full-time online teachers can earn $1,500–$3,000+ per month, many people are happy keeping it part-time for the freedom it offers.
TEFL isn’t passive income—it takes effort—but the payoff is solid, especially for something so portable and adaptable.
Getting Started: What You Need to Begin
To get hired—especially by legitimate companies—you’ll need a 120-hour TEFL certification. This is the global standard that shows you’ve completed a proper training course in teaching methodology, lesson planning, classroom management, and more.
When choosing a TEFL course, look for one that’s accredited (e.g., by Ofqual, TQUK, or DEAC) and includes tutor support, real assessments, and lifetime certificate access. Avoid ultra-cheap Groupon-style courses that promise everything but deliver very little—many aren’t accepted by employers.
If you want to boost your job prospects, consider add-on modules like:
- Teaching English Online – focuses on tech, platforms, and remote-specific skills.
- Business English – great for high-paying freelance or adult learners.
- Young Learners – useful if you plan to teach children, especially on family-friendly platforms.
These extras aren’t required, but they help you specialize—and stand out—right from the start.
Tech and Tools: Your Simple Online Teaching Setup
You don’t need a fancy studio or thousands of dollars in gear to start teaching English online. In fact, most successful side-hustlers keep it simple. Here’s what you really need:
- Laptop or desktop with a webcam
- Stable internet connection (preferably 10 Mbps or higher)
- Headphones with a built-in mic or a standalone USB mic for clearer sound
Once you're set up, the right tools can make your teaching smoother:
- Zoom or Google Meet – most online platforms use these, and they’re free.
- Google Docs/Slides – perfect for sharing and editing lesson materials in real time.
- Online whiteboards (like Miro or Whiteboard.fi) – great for interactive explanations, especially with kids.
For lesson planning, there’s no need to start from scratch. Use free TEFL resources like:
- TeachingEnglish (British Council)
- ESL Library (limited free access, paid plans optional)
- ISLCollective, BusyTeacher, or Breaking News English – full of ready-made worksheets and lesson ideas.
Once you’ve taught a few lessons, you’ll get into a rhythm—and you’ll refine your setup as you go.
Side Hustle with Purpose: Personal, Cultural, and Global Benefits
Sure, TEFL can earn you extra income—but that’s only part of the reward. Teaching English opens doors to meaningful experiences and unexpected personal growth.
You’ll likely meet learners from all over the world—kids in Japan, professionals in Brazil, university students in Turkey. These conversations aren’t just about grammar; they’re about life, goals, culture, and perspective. It’s a two-way exchange.
Many side hustlers say teaching helped them:
- Sharpen their own communication skills
- Build patience, empathy, and cross-cultural awareness
- Improve their understanding of English (especially grammar and pronunciation)
- Feel more confident speaking in front of others
There’s also a deeper reward: knowing that your work has real impact. Whether you’re helping someone get a new job, pass a visa interview, or simply feel more confident, you’re giving something valuable—and gaining a lot in return.
Top 10 Online Teaching Companies to Start With
If you’re looking to turn TEFL into a side hustle, choosing the right platform is key. Some companies offer structure and consistency, while others give you full freedom to set your own rates and schedule. Here are 10 of the best online teaching platforms for beginners, with a mix of flexibility, support, and income potential.
1. Cambly
- Best for: Total beginners, casual conversation practice
- Pay: ~$10.20/hour (adults), ~$12/hour (Cambly Kids)
- Highlights: No degree or TEFL required, super flexible, talk with students worldwide at any time of day.
2. Preply
- Best for: Freelancers who want full control over pricing
- Pay: You set your own rates (many start at $10–$20/hour), but Preply takes a 18–33% commission
- Highlights: Build your own student base, teach as little or as much as you want.
3. Italki
- Best for: Tutors who want to create a brand or niche
- Pay: Set your own rate; platform takes 15% commission
- Highlights: Two types of teachers—Professional (requires TEFL or degree) and Community Tutors (no cert required); great for language exchange and cultural engagement.
4. LatinHire
- Best for: Latin American time zones and Spanish speakers
- Pay: ~$7–$13/hour
- Highlights: Works with various edtech clients; offers subjects beyond English like math and business; training provided.
5. Lingoda
- Best for: Structured lessons and adult learners
- Pay: ~$12–$14/hour
- Highlights: Curriculum provided, low prep, flexible scheduling, suitable if you prefer order and consistency.
6. Open English
- Best for: Bilingual English-Spanish speakers
- Pay: ~$7–$13/hour
- Highlights: Focuses on Latin American adult and teen learners; requires a minimum availability of ~10 hours/week.
7. Novakid
- Best for: Teaching kids (ages 4–12)
- Pay: ~$15–$20/hour
- Highlights: Interactive curriculum, fun classes with animated materials, especially good if you enjoy working with children.
8. Verbling
- Best for: Experienced freelancers with a polished style
- Pay: You set your rate; 15% commission
- Highlights: Slick platform with professional branding, video intros, and classroom tools; ideal if you're aiming to stand out.
9. Superprof
- Best for: Diversifying beyond TEFL (math, music, test prep, etc.)
- Pay: Set your own rates, 100% of earnings go to you (no commission)
- Highlights: Global platform for in-person and online tutoring; complete freedom to choose your hours, prices, and subjects.
10. iTutorGroup
- Best for: Teachers who want structure and consistent bookings
- Pay: ~$15–$22/hour depending on experience and bonuses
- Highlights: Curriculum provided, work with both kids and adults across Asia, great if you're looking for a more stable side income.
Each of these companies caters to different goals, schedules, and personalities. Some are great for dipping your toes in the water, while others are better suited for building a longer-term side hustle. If you're just starting out, try a low-barrier platform like Cambly or Preply, then branch out as you gain confidence and experience.
Freelance Tutoring vs. Platform Work: Pros and Cons
When launching your TEFL side hustle, one of the biggest decisions is whether to work through an online platform or go fully freelance. Both routes have their perks—and their trade-offs.
Platform Work: Easy Start, Built-in Students
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Pros:
- No need to market yourself—students come to you.
- Platforms often provide lesson materials, scheduling tools, and payment systems.
- Easier to get started quickly, especially if you're new to teaching.
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Cons:
- Lower pay per hour due to platform commissions.
- Less control over branding, pricing, and sometimes even your teaching style.
- You may need to stick to minimum hours or be available during specific time slots.
Freelance Tutoring: More Freedom, More Responsibility
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Pros:
- You set your own rates and keep all your earnings.
- Full control over your brand, teaching methods, and student base.
- Easier to build long-term relationships and raise rates over time.
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Cons:
- You’ll need to market yourself (social media, referrals, teaching marketplaces).
- Payment processing, scheduling, and materials are all on you.
- Takes longer to build momentum compared to plug-and-play platforms.
Which Is Right for You?
If you're new to TEFL, a platform may be the best starting point—it removes a lot of friction and helps you gain confidence. But if you're a self-starter who values freedom and wants to maximize income long-term, freelance tutoring might be the better fit. Many teachers use both: start on a platform, then branch out once you’ve built a student base and portfolio.
Building Momentum: How to Grow Your TEFL Side Hustle
Getting started is one thing—turning your TEFL side gig into something consistent (and lucrative) is another. Here’s how to build momentum without burning out.
Start Small and Stay Consistent
- Begin with just 2–5 hours per week to get comfortable.
- Use weekends, evenings, or lunch breaks to teach—it’s all about routine.
- As you get into a rhythm, increase your hours or raise your rates gradually.
Collect Testimonials and Track Progress
- Ask happy students to leave reviews or write a short testimonial.
- Save screenshots of positive feedback.
- Build a simple digital portfolio with your certification, sample lessons, and student quotes—this boosts your credibility fast.
Upskill to Earn More
- Consider short add-on TEFL modules (e.g. teaching kids, Business English, IELTS prep).
- Some platforms prioritize teachers with specialized training—this can mean more bookings and better pay.
- Invest in tools that save time and enhance lessons (interactive whiteboards, AI grammar checkers, etc.).
Even if TEFL is “just” a side hustle, treating it professionally can lead to surprising opportunities. Whether you want to pad your savings, explore new cultures, or lay the foundation for a full-time teaching path, growing your skills and reputation is the key to long-term success.
TEFL as a Launchpad for Bigger Things (Optional Path)
While many treat TEFL as a flexible side hustle, for some, it becomes the beginning of something much bigger. Teaching English can open unexpected doors—whether it’s a complete career pivot, an international lifestyle, or a path to long-term impact.
From Side Gig to Full-Time Career
- Plenty of online teachers begin with a few hours a week, then gradually scale into full-time roles.
- As your skills grow, so do the opportunities—more students, higher pay, and greater demand.
- Teaching online gives you experience with learners from around the world, building cross-cultural communication skills that transfer to any global career.
Career Pivots: From Teacher to Trainer and Beyond
- Specialized TEFL experience can lead to roles in curriculum design, exam prep coaching, or teacher training.
- Some TEFL teachers go on to write materials, lead workshops, or launch their own tutoring businesses.
- It’s not just about teaching—it’s about growing into an educational entrepreneur or consultant.
TEFL as Your Passport
- Whether you want to be a digital nomad, an expat, or simply see more of the world, TEFL makes it possible.
- With demand across Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, you can travel while earning—legally and sustainably.
- Even online, you can build global relationships from your laptop and experience cultures from your own home.
TEFL might start small, but its potential reach is massive. If you decide to take it further, the skills you build can evolve into a life-changing journey.
Final Thoughts: Why TEFL Isn’t “Just Another Gig”
TEFL is more than a side hustle—it’s an opportunity to earn while making an impact, to connect across cultures, and to develop skills that matter. Sure, it’s flexible. Sure, it fits into evenings and weekends. But it also brings purpose to your paycheck, something most side gigs can’t offer.
Whether you teach part-time to fund your travels, fill a financial gap, or test-drive a new career, TEFL lets you do it on your own terms. And unlike other gigs, it’s something you can feel proud of—because you’re helping someone grow.
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