What is the average English teacher salary in China?

If you're considering teaching English in China, one of your first questions is likely: What’s the salary like?

Good news — teaching in China isn’t just about the paycheck, but it can be a financially smart move, especially when you factor in perks like free housing, travel allowances, and low living costs. Whether you're just starting out or bringing years of classroom experience, there’s a wide range of opportunities that offer a comfortable and rewarding lifestyle.

Let’s break down salaries by school type, explore what really influences your income, and help you figure out where your best fit might be.

English Teacher Salary Ranges in China

Here’s a snapshot of what you might earn depending on where you work:

💡 Exchange rates fluctuate. This chart uses an estimate of 1 USD = 7.1 RMB.

What Affects Your Salary as a Teacher in China?

Not all teaching jobs are created equal. Your earnings can swing significantly depending on a few key variables:

Qualifications & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree is legally required for a Z visa.
• A TEFL certificate (at least 120 hours) is essential for most jobs — see our recommended TEFL courses.
• Previous teaching experience can lead to better pay and access to top-tier schools, but many entry-level roles don’t require it.

School Type

• International schools offer the highest salaries, often to licensed, experienced teachers.
• Language centers and kindergartens are beginner-friendly and pay well in cities.
• Public schools provide stability and holidays but with lower base pay.
• Universities are more about lifestyle than earning potential.

Location

China’s cities are grouped into tiers, and this affects both salary and cost of living:

🧭 Explore more in our guide to the best places to teach English in China.

Workload

Your hours matter. Most schools expect 20–25 teaching hours/week. Some contracts include additional pay for demo lessons, overtime, or weekend events. Be sure to factor that into your earning potential.

Benefits & Perks That Boost Your Salary Package

When teaching in China, your monthly paycheck is only one piece of the puzzle. Most schools sweeten the deal with perks that help cover major expenses — or let you pocket more of your salary.

Let’s look at the most common (and valuable) benefits offered to English teachers in China:

Free Housing or Allowance

Housing is one of the biggest savings factors for teachers in China.

• Many schools offer a fully furnished apartment, often walking distance from the school.
• In bigger cities, employers may give a housing allowance instead — typically ¥2,000–¥4,000/month.
• Utilities are usually low (¥200–¥400/month), and internet is fast and cheap (¥100/month).

💡 This can save you up to $800+ USD/month — especially in Tier 1 cities where rent is expensive.

Flight Reimbursement

Most schools offer reimbursement for your round-trip airfare once you complete your contract. Some schools — especially international or well-funded kindergartens — even pay this up front.

• Standard: One round-trip ticket per year
• Some international schools offer multiple flights annually

Health Insurance

By law, schools must provide basic health coverage — but many reputable employers go further:

• Coverage often includes hospital visits, emergencies, and checkups
• Top-tier schools may offer international insurance plans
• Many also cover visa-related medical checks in China

📌 Pro tip: Ask for a copy of the insurance policy so you know exactly what’s covered.

Contract Completion & Performance Bonuses

To reward loyalty and strong performance, many schools offer bonuses such as:

• End-of-contract bonus (often 1 month’s salary)
• Holiday bonuses (for Chinese New Year or National Day)
• Performance incentives for strong student reviews or extra duties

Paid Holidays

You’ll get time off — and in many cases, you’ll be paid to relax.

• All schools observe China’s national holidays (like Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival)
• Public schools and universities often include winter and summer breaks
• International schools follow Western-style academic calendars, with long winter and summer holidays

🛫 With smart planning, you can use breaks to travel around China or explore nearby countries like Vietnam, Japan, or Thailand.

Visa Sponsorship

Reputable employers will sponsor your Z Visa, which is the legal work visa for foreign teachers in China.

• They’ll guide you through the application, work permit, and residency process
• Most cover or reimburse the visa-related fees
• Be wary of any job that asks you to enter China on a tourist visa

Free Mandarin Lessons

Some schools — especially universities or cultural exchange programs — include Mandarin classes as part of the experience.

• You don’t need to be fluent, but even basic Chinese goes a long way
• Classes usually focus on practical speaking and listening

Professional Development Support

Some employers invest in your growth as a teacher, offering:

• Workshops, teaching conferences, or paid training sessions
• Reimbursement for additional TEFL or TESOL certifications
• Support for those interested in curriculum development or teacher training

How to Evaluate a Job Offer

Not all perks are listed clearly in job ads. Here’s a checklist of questions to ask:

• Is housing included, or will I receive an allowance?
• Will the school cover my airfare?
• What’s the holiday and sick leave policy?
• Is health insurance included — and what does it cover?
• Will the school sponsor my legal Z Visa?
• Are there end-of-contract or performance bonuses?
• Any opportunities for professional development or Mandarin classes?

✨ Don’t just look at salary — the entire package matters.

Cost of Living in China (and How Much You Can Save)

One of the biggest perks of teaching English in China isn’t just the paycheck — it’s how far your money goes.

With low day-to-day expenses (especially outside of Tier 1 cities) and many schools covering housing, insurance, and flights, teachers often save more abroad than they did at home — even on a modest salary.

Let’s break it down by category so you can picture your real monthly budget.

Rent & Utilities

Rent varies a lot depending on the city — but in most cases, your employer will cover it or provide a housing allowance.

Utilities (electricity, gas, water): ¥200–¥400/month
High-speed internet: ~¥100/month

💡 If rent is fully covered, your housing costs could be close to zero — which means big savings.

Food & Dining

• Local restaurants & street food: ¥10–¥30/meal ($1.50–$4.00)
• Mid-range dining (2 people): ¥100–¥200 ($14–$28)
• Groceries per week: ¥300–¥600 ($40–$80)

Imported goods (cheese, wine, cereal) are pricier, but fresh produce, noodles, tofu, and local meat are all very affordable.

🥢 Eat like a local and cook at home — you can eat well and save easily.

Transport & Getting Around

• Subway/bus ride: ¥2–¥5 ($0.30–$0.70)
• Taxi (5 km): ¥15–¥25 ($2–$3.50)
• Didi (Chinese Uber): ¥30–¥60 for longer rides
• E-bike: ¥1,000–¥2,000 ($140–$280) — a popular, cost-saving option

Public transit is safe, clean, and super efficient in most cities.

Other Living Costs

Daily life in China can be both fun and affordable — especially outside big cities.

Travel & Adventure Budget

Teachers in China often explore nearby regions or countries on weekends and holidays.

• High-speed trains: ¥100–¥500 ($15–$70)
• Domestic flights: Often under ¥500 ($70)
• Budget hotels: ¥150–¥300/night
• Hostels: ¥50–¥150/night

✈️ Want to explore beyond China? Round-trip flights to Thailand or Vietnam are often under $200.

Monthly Savings Breakdown

How much can you actually save each month as a TEFL teacher in China?

Here’s a realistic snapshot — assuming moderate spending and typical benefits:

🔐 Many teachers save $5,000–$10,000+ USD per year — while still traveling, eating out, and enjoying life.

Final Thought: Lifestyle = Flexibility

Whether you want to save aggressively, travel every weekend, or just live comfortably without stress, China makes it possible. Your cost of living is flexible — and so are your options.

Part 4: Negotiating Your TEFL Salary in China (Without Being Awkward)

When it comes to teaching abroad, your contract matters just as much as your classroom. In China, it’s totally normal — and even expected — to negotiate parts of your job offer. That could mean a higher salary, better perks, or more flexible hours.

Let’s walk through how to negotiate smartly, respectfully, and confidently.

1. Know the Market

Before you start salary talks, be sure you understand:

• Average salaries for the school type (public, international, kindergarten, etc.)
• Living costs in the specific city or province
• What benefits are typically offered (e.g. housing, flights, bonuses)

🎯 Example: A ¥15,000 salary might be great in Xi’an, but low in Shanghai.

2. Leverage Your Qualifications

Here’s what schools value most when deciding salary:

• A TEFL certificate — ideally 120 hours+
• A degree in education, English, or a related field
• Prior teaching experience (even tutoring or online ESL)
• Classroom management or curriculum skills
• Mandarin proficiency or cultural familiarity

✅ Highlight these in your interview and follow up with salary-related questions after an offer is made.

3. How to Ask (Without Overstepping)

Politeness is key. Start with appreciation, then ask if there's flexibility. Examples:

“Thanks so much for the offer — I’m really excited about the opportunity. I was wondering if there’s any room to adjust the salary based on my education and experience?”

“This sounds like a great fit. Would it be possible to revisit the housing allowance or end-of-contract bonus?”

Keep it collaborative — not confrontational. Most schools will either say yes, give you a compromise, or explain their limits.

4. Negotiate the Total Package — Not Just Salary

Can’t bump your salary? Ask for other perks:

💬 Ask: “Would you be open to increasing the bonus or covering part of my TEFL course?”

5. Get Everything in Writing

Once you’ve agreed on the offer, make sure it’s clearly stated in your signed contract:

• Monthly salary (after tax)
• Housing benefits and expectations
• Bonus amount and timing
• Work schedule and weekly hours
• Visa sponsorship and fees
• Insurance coverage

🔐 If it’s not written down, it doesn’t count. Ask for a contract in English (if not already provided).

6. Know When to Say No

Not every job is worth it. Walk away if:

• They ask you to enter on a tourist visa
• The contract is vague or has odd conditions
• Communication feels slow, unprofessional, or pushy
• Promises are made verbally but not in writing

❌ Trust your gut. A good school will treat you with respect from day one.

Final Tips: Maximize Your Time in China

Once you land the job, here’s how to turn it into a rewarding year (or more):

Pick a Place That Fits Your Goals

• Big cities = fast-paced life, expat communities, nightlife
• Mid-sized cities = balance of savings + lifestyle
• Smaller towns = deep cultural immersion, fewer distractions

Explore top cities for teaching in China

Grow Your Career While You’re Abroad

• Take advanced TEFL or TESOL courses
• Learn to build lesson plans or teach different age groups
• Explore leadership, curriculum design, or online teaching roles

These skills can help you transition into international schools, teacher training, or remote education careers.

Make It Count

Don’t just treat your TEFL year as a “gap” — see it as a launchpad. Many teachers:

• Save money while traveling Asia
• Build lasting friendships
• Start long-term careers in education, writing, or global work

Your China experience can be one of the most transformative years of your life.

Ready to take the next step? Browse English teaching jobs in China.