Brazil’s flamboyance, exciting lifestyle and tropical weather make it a tempting destination for TEFL teachers. Maybe you’re considering going yourself. But before you do, you’d best know how much you can earn there – that’s what this article is all about.
In general, TEFL teachers in Brazil earn R$4,300-7,000 ($800-1,400) per month from the most common sources of income – language academies. International schools pay R$4,000-9,000 ($750-1,700) monthly. Private classes earn R$60-120 ($11-22) per hour.
The pay isn’t great. Brazil is unlikely to be a country where you save money as a TEFL teacher, but you can make ends meet and enjoy living there. Keep reading to find out which sources of income are best for you.
Searching for the perfect TEFL destination with the best earnings? Compare countries around the world with my free resource: How Much Do TEFL & TESL Teachers Make? Countries compared.
Options and earnings for TEFL teachers in Brazil
The majority of TEFL teachers in Brazil will make their money from language academies, which are found throughout the country. To supplement their income, teachers often give private classes. In some cases, it’s possible to earn all your money from these private classes.
International schools are another option for licensed teachers, if you can find a suitable role.
| Earnings Source | Per Hour ($) | Hours Per Week | Per Month ($) | Annual Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Schools | 5-10 | 40 | 750-1,700 | 9K-20K |
| Language Academies | 8-13 | 25 | 800-1,300 | 10K-16K |
| Private Classes | 11-22 | 20 | 900-1,800 | 11K-21K |
Living costs aren’t too bad in Brazil. It’s not cheap to live there, but most salaries will cover all expenses. Expect to pay R$4,300-6,400 ($800-1,200) per month.
The work permit situation is a little murky. In theory, you need a work permit to be employed or work as a freelancer. In practice, a lot of teachers go under the radar. I wouldn’t put myself in that kind of risk, but many people do, and the authorities seem to turn a blind eye most of the time.
One thing to take into account is the strength of the Brazilian Real. It fluctuates a lot. At the start of 2018, it was at about 3 reals for 1 US dollar. By the end of 2021, it had risen to 5.5 reals for 1 US dollar – a massive change.
If you’re looking for great value TEFL certificates, I recommend International TEFL and TESOL Training. Click the link for 15% off all courses (I receive compensation, so you’re supporting me, too). Not convinced? Read why I’d choose ITTT over other TEFL course providers.
This means two things. First, it’s better to get paid in US dollars if you can, and secondly to take all salary estimates you read online with a pinch of salt. A private class costing R$40 earned $13 in 2018, but in 2021, it was little more than $7.
How much do TEFL teachers make in language academies in Brazil?
Language academies are the main employers of TEFL teachers in Brazil. Cultural Inglesa, Wizard and CNA are some of the biggest academies, while there are hundreds of smaller companies in each city.
Pay is between R$4,300 ($800) and R$7,000 ($1,300) per month, with the higher salaries for more experienced teachers and jobs in major cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
Contracts at these academies usually last around 6 months. Hiring takes place in March and August. January and February are holiday season, so don’t expect much work then.
Your academy may or may not help you get a work visa. You’d hope they might at least help you with the process, if not pay the cost, but many won’t even do that, and ask you to work on a tourist visa, which is technically illegal.
How much do TEFL teachers make from international schools in Brazil?
The figures I’ve gathered from the internet suggest a monthly pay of R$3,000-9,000 ($750-1,700) for English teachers in international schools.
I’ll admit, these figures might not be perfectly accurate. Really, I wouldn’t expect any international school to pay as little as $750 per month for a licensed teacher, so the upper end of the range ($1,700) is more reasonable.
The best international schools will pay as much as R$322,000 ($60,000) a year, which works out at R$27,000 ($5,000) per month – way higher than the figures I’ve suggested so far.
Unfortunately, these schools are highly competitive, and only teachers with plenty of experience will find employment with them.
How much do TEFL teachers make from private classes in Brazil?
Private classes are a great source of income for TEFL teachers in any country. It’s no different in Brazil. With hourly rates of R$60-120 ($11-22), they aren’t going to make you rich, but they’re the best per-hour wage available.
Just be warned, you’ll have to spend some time every week planning classes, hours which are not included in the figures.
Some teachers make their money exclusively from private classes. You can charge even higher rates in the major cities (up to $30 or more per hour), teaching business classes, and make a comfortable living.
Alternatively, private lessons can supplement your language academy wage. If you take 3 hours of private classes every week at R$60 ($11) per hour, you’ll make an extra R$720 ($132) per month – money which lets you to enjoy yourself even more.
Conclusion
The attraction of working as a TEFL teacher in Brazil certainly isn’t the money. Most will earn enough to break even living on a modest budget, but in the process will enjoy a rich and exciting lifestyle.
If I were to move to Brazil right now, I’d work for a language academy. I’d make sure to get a work permit, and supplement my income with a few high-paying private classes, hopefully transitioning to the point where most of my earnings were from private lessons.
But Brazil isn’t for everyone. If you’re interested in South America, and are still searching for the right country, check out my post on how much TEFL teachers make in Colombia.
Why not head over to my resource: How Much Do TEFL & TESL Teachers Make? Countries compared to see what countries around the world can offer?
