Tropical climate, beautiful natural scenery and a relaxed lifestyle are an attractive proposition for anyone looking to work abroad, and Colombia has all those things in abundance. As it shrugs off its history of drugs and violence, the country has become a hotspot for TEFL teaching. But how much can a TEFL teacher earn there?
Generally, TEFL teachers in Colombia earn between 2M and 4.2M pesos ($500-1,050) per month from the main source of employment – language academies. Private and International schools pay upwards of 3M pesos ($750). Private classes earn 48-100K pesos ($12-25) per hour.
Earnings depend on qualifications and experience, with the lower paid jobs accessible to anyone with a TEFL certificate or bachelor’s degree. But those hoping to make a living in the country need to do their research.
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Options and earnings for TEFL teachers in Colombia
There are four main options for TEFL teachers seeking work in Colombia. The first is to get hired by a language academy and is the likely source of income for most people.
Those with an advanced qualification (CELTA or degree/masters in education) might find work in private/international schools while anyone can set up private classes with individuals or small groups.
The final option is to join the Teach English in Colombia program (TEC). This is a service created by SENA (Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje) which employs native English teachers to give vocational English classes to the local population.
| Earnings Source | Per Hour ($) | Hours Per Week | Per Month ($) | Annual Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Program | 3+* | 25-35 | 400+* | 4,800+* |
| Private/International Schools | 5-7 | 30-40 | 750-1,000 | 9,000-12,000 |
| Language Academies | 4-9 | 25-35 | 500-1,050 | 6,000-12,600 |
| Private Classes | 12-25 | 20 | 960-2,000 | 11,500-24,000 |
The cost of living in Colombia isn’t exorbitant, but it’s not as cheap as some might hope. 2-4 million pesos ($500-1,000) is to be expected. The lower range applies to those willing to share accommodation and live relatively frugally, while those seeking a more comfortable life will reach the upper end of the range, or even higher.
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Fortunately, for all but the highest earners, income tax won’t be applicable. The rate is 0% for annual earnings under approximately 46 million pesos ($11,600).
Getting a work permit isn’t too much of a challenge either, as long as you find an employer big enough to get the right documentation. Unfortunately, getting a permit to freelance as a private tutor isn’t possible for the long term.
How much do TEFL teachers make in language academies in Colombia?
New and inexperienced TEFL teachers working in language academies in Colombia typically earn 2M-3M pesos ($500-750) per month. Working 30 hours a week, this is 17-25K pesos ($4-6) per hour. Pay increases with experience, reaching monthly salaries of around 4.2M pesos ($1,050).
If you’ve researched how much you can get paid in other countries, you’ll know these figures are low. Extremely low. $4-6 an hour is well below the minimum wage in most anglophone countries.
However, you get stability of regular work and the right requirements to apply for a work visa.
There are several large language academies in Colombia, with the likes of the British Council and Berlitz making their presence known, as well as EAFIT and the Colombo Americano.
These jobs aren’t hard to find. Either by applying before arrival or in-person when you get there, if you have a TEFL certificate, or a bachelor’s degree and apply at the right time (Jan/Feb and the summer) you’ll be up and running pretty quickly.
How much do TEFL teachers make from private classes in Colombia?
Private classes are a lucrative form of income for TEFL teachers in Colombia. A new or inexperienced teacher can charge 48-60K pesos ($12-15) per hour, and those with a few years under their belts can charge up to 100K pesos ($25).
These hourly rates are much higher than language academies, and even private schools. 20 classes a week can net $1,000 or more.
Be warned, though, not all Colombians will have the disposable income to pay for such expensive lessons. It may be a struggle to fill a week with classes if you don’t target the rich parts of the cities, and that’s assuming you even have the documentation to work as a freelancer.
Foreign nationals require employment to get a work visa. This rules out freelancing for almost everyone, but that doesn’t mean private classes aren’t an option.
You can supplement your language academy (or other) income with a few private classes.
Imagine you take 3 classes a week at 48K pesos ($12). Over the course of a 4-week month, you’ll earn an extra 576K pesos ($144) which allows you to enjoy yourself a bit more.
How much do TEFL teachers make in private schools in Colombia?
Private schools in Colombia are happy to employ native English speakers without extensive qualifications. A 120-hour TEFL certificate may be enough. However, a CELTA may be required in the best schools.
The pay isn’t wonderful. Roughly 3-4M pesos ($750-1,000) is what you can expect for working a full-time schedule.
On the other hand, if you’re a licensed teacher with a degree/masters level qualification and a bit of experience, you may find work in international schools. Salaries for these jobs come in around 8M pesos ($2,000) per month.
How much can you earn on the TEC program in Colombia?
The Teach English in Colombia (TEC) program pays a stipend of 1.6M pesos ($400) per month PLUS an allowance for rent. As a result, there’s no exact total figure. The rental allowance will vary depending on location, but on the whole, the pay is enough to live a decent lifestyle and experience the culture.
SENA (Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje) provides vocational training for those who can’t afford it themselves. You’ll be teaching adults work-related English.
The nice thing about the program is you can give back to the community. Teaching private classes and working in private/international schools is a great way to live, but you’re limited to teaching those who can pay for it. The TEC program is directed at giving opportunities to the poorer members of the population.
Conclusion
You aren’t going to get rich working as a TEFL teacher in Colombia. In fact, the rates of pay are some of the lowest in the world, and the cost of living doesn’t allow you to save masses.
However, if you’re looking for an experience, it’s a great destination. The country is growing and prospering after casting off the weight of its past, and many expats are finding it a great travel location.
Plus, there’s the chance to improve your Spanish!
If you’re interested in a Spanish-speaking country but aren’t sure Colombia is the right place for you, check out How Much Money Do TEFL Teachers Make in Spain? Or how about neighbouring Brazil? Read How Much do TEFL Teachers Make in Brazil?.
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?
