The job market in South East Asia and China is extremely varied in with wages from as low as 2,000 rmb right up to 30,000+. With such a high demand for teachers, especially qualified teachers and a lack of supply it has created a job market with a lot of opportunity for everyone.

The highest salaries are usually reserved for qualified teachers at international schools with the best reputations and highest fees! However many international schools do hire staff that are not qualified, and this is where we can get a big difference in pay between teachers that have degrees but not specialise in education.

I will feature teachers and their career paths to give an insight into what is possible. If you wish to feature on the site feel free to contact me at uklaoshi@gmail.com.

Teachers without a degree, will find it hard to find places with higher salaries as it is often very difficult to gain work permits.

Different Types of Teaching Institutions

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In China there are many different types of employers that can then be split down into smaller groups. Many teachers work on-line, where they can work from anywhere in the world, where as most teachers work in schools or language centres. Schools can then be split into international, private and public. The highest wages and benefits are found in the International schools. For those looking at getting jobs here check out the personal Development Section. Also we have some summer camps. As many schools only offer 10 month contract to pad out teachers pay schools offer their own summer camps and teachers looking o do something different can work at different camps. In my experience your the camps your own school puts on usually offer lower salaries than what can be found elsewhere

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Language Centres

Language centres can be any age, from kindergarten right up to working professionals. The hours can vary a lot and when accepting contracts you should look at how many teaching hours you are doing. You don't want to accept a high salary, teaching 30 hours + a week and burning yourself out.

Advantages

• You do not need to attend as many meetings, morning ceremonies and generally just have to turn up for your lessons.

• Often lesson plans are already made up for you.

• Fairly flexible work times, usually you will have to work weekends, but you can choose two days off in the week.

• Normally you will work in the evenings, so no need to be up early!

• Students are potentially more motivated to learn, as they or their parents are paying specifically for extra English lessons.

• Generally smaller classes.

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Disadvantages 

• Wages are generally lower than in schools.

• You normally only get paid for the hours you do, so no sick pay, holiday pay and if no students no pay!

• You have to work weekends.

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Schools

Most teachers teach in schools, any age from Kindergarten to Year 12. Schools usually provide work permits and accommodation, flight allowances and regular consistent working hours. There does however seem to be a move towards 10 month contracts and even sometimes 9 months. When accepting these salaries it is important to work out how much the salary works out over 12 months

Advantages

• Most schools will pay you holidays (not all do)

• Working a standard 9-5 Monday to Friday means you have the same time off as most people

• Wages are generally higher

• Benefits such as air fare and accommodation is normally better

Disadvantages

• Early starts 

• Non flexible working hours and holidays

• You will have "office hours" meaning you can not leave after your lessons

• More prep is expected

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International Schools

These schools usually high the more experienced staff with the best qualifications. Having QTS from your home country is a big advantage, however due to supply and demand problems many international schools have to make some compromises and accept staff without QTS. This is one of the big pulls in China is the amount of international schools that give unqualified teachers a chance.

Advantages

• Higher Pay

• Longer Holidays

• Better benefits

• Usually smaller classes

• More support from the school

• More professional Environment

Disadvantages

• Usually require higher qualifications and experience

• Higher expectations 

• Usually you have more meetings, involvement with parents and training

Summer Camps

Summer camps usually take place between July and September whilst most students have summer holidays. These camps usually have a lighter schedule and are more game orientated than usual school. Due to the increasing number of schools only offering 10 months contracts these can be a valuable source of income for teachers and an opportunity to do something a little bit different.

Advantages

• Usually shorter hours

• More emphasis on "having fun"

• Less pressure

• No marking etc

Disadvantages​

• Often pay is lower

• The summer in China is very hot and humid

• You have to work during your holidays!

On-Line Teaching

Lots of teachers are increasingly using the internet to teach. All you need to be an on-line teacher is a computer and good internet connection. Wages here can be fairly decent, depending on which country you are living in (if you are living in Switzerland the wage feels a lot lower than someone in Cambodia).

Advantages

• Mobility, live wherever you want!

• Flexible work times

• No commutes

• No meetings, assemblies or marking

• Not having to deal with classroom management

Disadvantages​

• Difficult to build relationships with work colleagues or students as you never actually meet them

• Potential of not being paid is higher when dealing with people remotely

• Usually not provided with work permits, meaning you could have visa issues

• Usually you will be working Beijing time around six o'clock, depending on where you are this may not convenient