The hiring season for teachers in China is coming up, and if you’re considering teaching there but aren’t sure where to begin, you’re not alone. Finding the right job can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In this overview of teaching jobs in China, I’ll walk you through the basics: what qualifications you need, the types of schools you can work at, and how much you can expect to earn.
Requirements to Teach in China
Before getting started, let’s look at the basic requirements for teaching jobs in China.
To be an English teacher:
- A passport from one of the seven native English-speaking countries recognized by the Chinese government: the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa.
- A bachelor’s degree or above in any subject.
- Able to obtain a clean background check.
- Hold a TEFL/TSOL certification, other relevant teaching license, or recommendation letters that validate your two years of teaching experience.
To be a Subject teacher:
If you plan to work as a subject teacher, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Hold A bachelor’s degree in that subject.
- Have at least 2 years of teaching experience in the same subject, gained after you finish your degree, and outside of China.
- Able to obtain a clean background check.
Keep in mind that requirements may vary depending on schools, so remember to check with schools for their specific requirements.
Types of Schools in China
International school in China
Here’s an overview of teaching jobs in China: You can work at kindergartens, public schools, bilingual schools, international schools, universities, or training centers. The best choice depends on your interests, qualifications, and what you want to achieve in your teaching journey.
● Kindergartens:
Kindergartens are a favored choice among foreign teachers because they tend to have more accessible entry requirements. Preschool or kindergartens usually accept children from 2-6 years old, and they have two start dates per year in line with the kindergarten semester. The monthly salary typically ranges from 12,000 to 28,000 RMB.
● Public schools:
Public schools in China often consist of three levels: elementary, middle, and high school. They offer reasonable schedules and extra paid vacation. Keep in mind classes can be large (40-60+ students). Work hours are typically weekdays (Monday to Friday), with monthly salaries ranging from approximately 12,000 to 20,000 RMB.
● Bilingual schools:
Bilingual schools charge higher tuition, but they offer excellent facilities and smaller classes (around 25-35 students), which means a relatively higher salary. However, they have high expectations for foreign teachers. In most cases, the monthly salaries range from 18,000 to 28,000 RMB.
● International Schools:
International schools in China serve students with foreign passports or those planning to study abroad. Teaching positions in International and High-end Bilingual Schools come with attractive salaries, but this also means stricter entry requirements, with most positions requiring a teaching license and experience in IB and AP courses. Typically, salaries range from 20,000 to 35,000 RMB per month.
● Universities:
Universities and colleges usually expect teachers to have a higher degree and teaching experience. The schedules at universities are often more flexible, which means you’ll have some extra free time. As for the monthly salary, it can range from 8,000 to 15,000 RMB, depending on your location, experience, and qualifications.
● Training Centers:
Teaching jobs at training centers are usually easier to secure because they hire year-round to meet high demand. And you can start any time of the year. But their salaries are not as competitive as those offered by other types of schools. You can expect a monthly salary ranging from 12,000 to 25,000 RMB.
Factors Affect Salary For Teaching Jobs
Salary for teaching jobs in China for foreigner depends on several factors, such as:
- Location: Your salary for teaching in China depends on where you teach. Tier 1 cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou often offer higher salaries than Tier 2 or 3 cities. However, the cost of living in Tier 1 cities is also higher than in Tier 2 or 3 cities.
- Qualifications: Teaching experience and better qualifications can help you get better pay in China. A BA degree and TEFL are the minimum but having a teacher license (such as QTS or a U.S. Teacher License) or a master’s in education can help you get a higher-paying job, with some positions offering salaries exceeding 30,000 RMB.
- Types of schools: As mentioned above, salaries can vary significantly depending on the school and the teaching position.
Teachers with more experience and qualifications often can get higher salaries. Additionally, the demand for English teachers can influence salary offers, with schools willing to pay more for qualified candidates.
If you still have any questions about teaching jobs in China and the Apostille, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at support@eslnest.com. If you want to learn more about teaching in China, check out our article Teach English in China – A Complete Guide 2025.
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