Advertised salaries only tell part of the story. Housing, flights, bonuses, and tax treatment can add thousands of dollars a year — or quietly eat into your take-home pay. Here is how the major markets compare.
What the numbers include
The ranges below reflect typical pre-tax monthly salaries for full-time English teachers, converted to US dollars. Where a package includes housing or an allowance, that value is noted separately because it changes your real budget significantly.
| Country | Monthly range (USD) | What’s often included |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1,600 – $3,200 | Housing or allowance, flight reimbursement |
| Japan | $1,800 – $2,400 | Modest housing support, transport costs |
| South Korea | $1,700 – $2,300 | Free housing, flights, severance pay |
| Taiwan | $1,700 – $2,300 | Lower living costs, some housing help |
| Vietnam | $1,500 – $2,300 | Strong savings potential |
| Thailand | $1,200 – $2,000 | Lifestyle-focused packages |
Ranges are approximate and move with exchange rates, city and school type.
Country by country
South Korea and Japan deliver the most predictable packages. Korean schools usually provide furnished housing, airfare and a severance payment at the end of a one-year contract, while Japanese employers pay a steady salary but rarely cover rent in full. China pays the highest headline salaries in tier-one cities, but the cost of living there is rising quickly.
Taiwan and Vietnam are the value picks. Cheaper rent and food stretch your salary further, and many teachers in Ho Chi Minh City and Taipei save a bigger share of their income than peers in Tokyo. Thailand pays less, but suits teachers who prioritize lifestyle over savings.
What pushes your pay up
- School type — international schools usually pay the most; universities often offer fewer teaching hours and longer holidays rather than higher pay
- Qualifications — a teaching license, CELTA or a relevant master’s degree can unlock higher bands
- Experience — two or more years of classroom experience often adds a step to your base pay
- Location — big cities pay more, but smaller cities can leave you with more savings
- Hours — compare teaching hours per week, not just salary, and ask about overtime rates
How to compare offers
Always convert the full package — base salary, housing, flights, bonuses, and insurance — into a single annual figure before you decide. A school that pays slightly less but covers rent is often the better deal.
- Housing provided, or a monthly allowance (and how much)
- Flight reimbursement — at the start, the end, or both
- Contract completion bonus or severance pay
- Health insurance and paid vacation days
- Tax rate and whether pension contributions are refundable
Ask your school whether tax is deducted before or after salary is quoted, and whether the completion bonus is guaranteed in the contract.
Figures are typical ranges gathered from job listings and teacher reports, not guarantees. Always check the exact package in your contract.