Top 5 Countries to Make the Most Money Teaching English Abroad in 2026

The Best Countries to Teach English Abroad for Money and Savings in 2026

The best places to teach English abroad to make money and save are South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, the Gulf Arab States, and Vietnam. As an English teacher in these countries, you can earn enough money to save anywhere from $500 - $1,500 USD per month. 

*Salary estimates updated for 2026. 

Which Country Pays the Highest Salary to English Teachers?

Teach English Abroad for a Year

There are thousands of opportunities worldwide for TEFL-certified English teachers who want to find a job abroad that pays well and offers exceptional benefits. In most cases, you will be expected to make a one-year commitment to receive contracts in the most lucrative countries for teaching English abroad.

• How much money can you make teaching English abroad?
• Teach English Abroad Overview

Now that you know where the best places to make money with TEFL are, let's take a look at the teaching abroad salary by country:

1. South Korea 

Average Monthly Salary: $1,500 - $2,500 USD a month + Free Housing

A prosperous economy and a deep-rooted commitment to education make South Korea a top destination for teaching English abroad, especially for those looking to make money. Offering a fantastic combination of high-tech, modern cities with thousands of years of history and culture, Korea offers a great international experience and fantastic travel opportunities throughout Asia. 

Highlights of teaching English in Korea:

• English teachers in Korea typically make enough to save around 50% of their salary each month. Savings can top $1,000 a month, or up to $15,000 a year.
• Free furnished housing is provided to English teachers in Korea.
• English Teachers will likely be reimbursed for their airfare and provided with a stipend for a flight home at the end of their contract.
• English Teachers in Korea who complete their 12-month contract will typically receive an extra month’s salary as a bonus.
• Kick off your international teaching career by earning your TEFL certification in Incheon, Korea.
• Learn about ITA's Guaranteed Job Placement Program for Teaching English in South Korea.

Read More to learn more about teaching ESL abroad in South Korea: Salary & Benefits for English Teachers in South Korea.

2. China 

Average Monthly Salary: $1,000 - $2,600 USD a month + Free Housing

From the spectacular skylines of Shanghai and 250-mile-per-hour bullet trains to the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City in Beijing and the ancient treasures of Xi'an, China offers a wealth of contrasts between ancient and modern and East and West. With 300 million Chinese taking English classes every year, it's also the largest TEFL job market in the world, with some of the highest-paying ESL jobs for English teachers abroad.

Highlights of Teaching English in China:

• Make enough money to save $500-$1,500 a month or more after expenses.
• Most English teachers in China receive free housing and free or reimbursed airfare.
• Discover the treasures of one of the oldest civilizations.
• Live in modern, fast-paced cities like Shanghai or Shenzhen offering world-class shopping, fantastic cuisine, exciting nightlife, and state-of-the-art modern public transportation.

Read More: Salary & Benefits for English Teachers in China

3. Japan 

Average Monthly Salary: $1,600 - $1,900 USD a month

Offering an unparalleled combination of culture, cuisine, history, and stunning natural beauty, Japan has long been a top market for qualified English teachers to teach ESL abroad. According to global research firm Statista, 12.8% of the Japanese population (more than 16 million people) are learning English, and the subject is compulsory in junior high schools and high schools, creating increased demand for qualified English teachers.

Highlights of teaching English in Japan:

• Depending on the position and personal spending habits, most teachers make enough to save $150-$500 a month after expenses.
• Remote hiring is a common practice in Japan, meaning you can get hired to teach English from home so you have a job waiting for you before you depart.
• Most first-time teachers make the equivalent of $1,400-$1,600 a month, though some may earn more depending on the position and can expect to make more with experience. 
• Earn your TEFL certification in Nagoya, Japan.
• Learn about ITA's Guaranteed Job Placement Program for Teaching English in Japan.

Read More: Salary & Benefits for English Teachers in Japan

4. Taiwan 

Average Monthly Salary: $1,800 - $2,500 USD a month

Another great destination for teaching ESL overseas, Taiwan is located on an island off the southeast coast of China. It offers a unique opportunity to experience Chinese culture in a subtropical environment (think Florida or Jamaica).

With a population of 23 million, Taiwan is not as large as some other major Asian nations, but the government recently announced its new Bilingual 2030 Policy to "strengthen English communication skills of the citizens, especially among young people, and to help bolster their global competitiveness." This new effort to promote English language proficiency throughout Taiwanese society should only increase the demand for high-quality English language instruction.  

Highlights of teaching English in Taiwan:

• Make enough money to save $500-$700 a month after expenses.
• Live in a prosperous and democratic Asian society where living standards are high.
• Enjoy the vibrant street life, colorful markets, and world-class shopping of Taipei.
• Spend your weekends enjoying Taiwan’s gorgeous coastlines or exploring the country’s lush, mountainous interior, known for its innumerable hot springs and awe-inspiring views.
• Learn Mandarin and discover Chinese & Taiwanese culture.

Read More: Salary & Benefits for English Teachers in Taiwan

5. Gulf Arab States 

Where does it pay the most to teach English abroad?

The highest-paid ESL teaching jobs abroad tend to be paid by countries in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). English teaching jobs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai pay particularly well, and teachers can expect to earn between $2,000 - $5,000 USD per month, tax-free.

2026 Update: Job opportunities are still possible, but due to the current conflict in Iran, we recommend staying up to date on the situation as well as checking with your state department on the current safety risks and travel recommendations. We aim to monitor this closely and will continue to update those interested to the best of our ability. 

(Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain) – Tremendous oil wealth and a desire to become international players in the economic and political arenas have led the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf region to invest billions of dollars into their educational systems, particularly English language instruction.

As a result, qualified English teachers are offered very attractive pay and benefits packages to come to teach. However, because the number of opportunities is only a fraction of what is found in Asia or Europe, the job market can be competitive (an MA and/or professional background in education is often required for many positions). 

Highlights of teaching English in the Persian Gulf region:

• Salaries range from $2,000 - $5,000 per month (tax-free).
• Benefits may include free health insurance, furnished housing/housing stipend, and flights to and from your home country.
• An opportunity to experience a region rich in culture and history.
• Enjoy fantastic regional travel opportunities, with access to Europe, Africa & South Asia.

Read More: Salary & Benefits for English Teachers in the Middle East

Honorable Mention: Vietnam 

Average Monthly Salary: $950 - $1,500 USD a month

Offering a low cost of living and ability to save, Vietnam has become a popular choice for travelers in recent years and is deserving of being on this list. Boasting thousands of miles of coastline, a charming blend of multiple cultures, and a collection of colorful and bustling cities, Vietnam offers something for everyone, including a great job market for teaching English.

Highlights of teaching English in Vietnam:

• The low cost of living and good salaries enable English teachers in Vietnam to save up to $600 a month after expenses.
• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a bustling, dynamic Asian city that combines modern conveniences and cosmopolitanism with traditional street markets and local color.
• An ancient center of Vietnamese culture with a touch of French colonial charm, Hanoi offers an alluring combination of historic monuments, serene lakes, and bustling streets lined with colorful shops and food stalls.
• The beaches of Vietnam are said to be some of the most spectacular in Southeast Asia.

Read More: Salary & Benefits for English Teachers in Vietnam

Helpful Tips For Making Your TEFL Experience a Financial Success

Here you'll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about finding high-paying countries, savings, and the caveats that come with them. 

Where Can I Teach English Abroad with All Expenses Paid?

Compensation packages for English teachers abroad will vary by school and by country.  Countries where schools are most likely to provide housing, airfare, paid vacation, and other top benefits include South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and sometimes China.

Which Countries Have Housing Benefits?

Teachers in South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and China are the most likely to receive free housing. Teachers who are in the JET Program in Japan will receive assistance in finding housing for their stay. 

Countries With High Salaries But High Burnout

In Asia and the Middle East, you will find the highest salaries, and that does come with higher workloads and possibly longer working hours. However, burnout occurring is more dependent on the school situation someone might find themselves in, or a personal tolerance, compared to the country overall. Make sure you find employment at a school or company that offers you a work-life balance that specifically fits your needs. 

Teach English Online for Location Flexibility

As interest in digital nomadism continues to soar, teaching English online provides TEFL-certified teachers with opportunities to earn extra pay at virtually any time from anywhere in the world, including your own home.  Most starting teachers can make at least $10-$20 (USD) an hour, and hours are very flexible. Typically, your earning potential will go up as you gain more experience. 

Read more:

• Teach English Online: 8 FAQs to Get You Started
• How Much Money Can I Make Teaching English Online?
• How to Become a Digital Nomad

Teach English to Private Students for Extra Income

Tutoring private students in English as a second language is a multi-billion-dollar global industry with opportunities in virtually every nation. Many English teachers abroad or in their home country will offer private English lessons to supplement their income, while others may make it a full-time career. This can be common in countries like Spain, where the typical income is lower. You can earn $10-$25 and hour for most private tutoring gigs.

• Can I Make Money as a Private Tutor when I Teach English Abroad?
• English Tutoring TEFL Specialty Course
  
  

Even Better: Teach English Test Preparation

To significantly increase your income, consider teaching Test Preparation for Standardized English Proficiency Exams. Each year, tens of millions of people worldwide take special classes to prepare for English proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL, IELTS, and TOEIC.

Many of those planning to take such tests will pay high fees to receive special training or tutoring from qualified English teachers to help them pass, and so as an English teacher, you can expect to earn $35-$55 an hour, compared to private tutoring. 

Read more:

• Teaching Test Prep Skills TEFL Specialty Course
  
  

Take an Accredited TEFL Certification

Taking an accredited TEFL certification course (TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language) will provide you with the skills and qualifications you need to get hired, make more money due to your certificate's reputation, and have the network necessary to build other sources of income where needed.

Read more:

• What is TEFL & TEFL Certification for Teaching English Abroad?
• Accredited Online & In-Person TEFL Certification Course Index
• Why Accreditation for TEFL Courses is Essential

Carefully Research Salaries, Visa Options, and Cost-of-Living Differences

Understanding your options and how the process of teaching English abroad works in different countries is essential if you are going to be financially successful teaching English overseas.  Every country is different, and while there are thousands and thousands of job opportunities that you will likely qualify for, understanding the requirements and the hiring process, including matters like visas, in each one is important. 

Here are some of our top resources to learn more about the process of getting TEFL certified and teaching English abroad.

• 7-Step Plan for Teaching English Abroad in 2026
• TEFL Country Comparison Chart - compare information about salaries, visas, & hiring requirements for teaching English in more than 60 nations worldwide. 
• TEFL Country Profiles
• Videos of ITA Alumni Teaching English Abroad

Many folks who get TEFL certified are looking to only teach English abroad for a year or two. Should you decide that you want to make teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) your primary career, you may want to invest in a degree in a field like TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), which is often required to teach English in public schools in the U.S.