Taiwan is a popular destination for TEFL teachers and for good reason. The quality of life, low expenses and vibrant culture mean it’s not only a great place to live, but somewhere you can survive comfortably. So how much exactly can a TEFL teacher earn there? I’ve done some digging for you.
In general, TEFL teachers in Taiwan earn between 36K and 67K NT$ ($1,300-2,400) per month from the main employment routes – cram schools/buxiban. Experienced teachers in international schools make 100-194K NT$ ($3,600-7,000). Private classes earn 500-1,000 NT$ ($18-36) per hour.
When compared to most other countries, these rates are high, and there are plenty of opportunities for both new and experienced teachers. With so many options, you need to know which one will suit you best.
Searching for the perfect TEFL destination with the best earnings? Compare countries around the world with my free resource: How Much Do TEFL & TESL Teachers Make? Countries compared.
Options and earnings for TEFL teachers in Taiwan
TEFL teachers in Taiwan have four main sources of income. The most common of these is what I usually refer to as language academies, but in Taiwan are known as cram schools or buxiban.
Public schools also employ foreign teachers with good credentials to their name. Higher up the ranking are international schools which demand several years of experience and weighty qualifications, but pay extremely good wages.
The last way to make money as a TEFL teacher is through private classes.
| Earnings Source | Per Hour ($) | Hours Per Week | Per Month ($) | Annual Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | 12.5-15 | 40 | 2,000-2,400 | 24,000-28,800 |
| International Schools | 22.5-44 | 40 | 3,600-7,000 | 43,200-84,000 |
| Cram Schools/Buxiban | 13-21 | 25 | 1,300-2,100 | 15,600-25,200 |
| Private Classes | 18-36 | 20 | 1,440-2,880 | 17,300-34,600 |
Taiwan isn’t the cheapest place to live, but given the wages and the quality of life, the living costs are very reasonable.
Expect to pay an absolute minimum of 14K NT$ ($500), a figure only achievable in rural areas, while those in the extensive city districts on the west and north sides of the island will pay around 28K NT$ ($1,000) or more.
Income tax is generous, too. If you’re eligible, rates are pretty low, with only those earning over 1.2M NT$ per year paying 20% or more.
Getting a work permit shouldn’t be a problem if you’re employed. However, as is the case with most countries, foreigners without an employment contract can’t freelance legally.
The school year in Taiwan mirrors most western countries. It runs from September to June/July, with a break of a around 3 weeks in January and February.
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How much do TEFL teachers make in cram schools/buxiban in Taiwan?
Cram schools and buxiban are what I usually refer to as language academies. They’re companies which offer paid classes for children and adults outside normal public school hours.
New and inexperienced TEFL teachers can expect to make 36K-50K NT$ ($1,300-1,800) per month in cram schools/buxiban in Taiwan. With more experience and qualifications, the wage can rise to 58K NT$ ($2,100).
It’s not quite as simple as a fixed monthly wage, though. Often, these schools pay for the hours you teach (usually around 4 hours per day), not including preparation time.
This means you can do about 20 hours of teaching time a week, equating to 450-720 NT$ ($16-26) per hour. This seems fantastic. But when you add prep time (which you often have to do in the place of work), let’s say 1 hour a day, the hourly rate goes down a little to 360-640 NT$ ($13-23) per hour.
The good things about these positions are: they’re widespread, don’t require serious qualifications or experience and the pay is good, considering the number of hours you work.
On the other hand, the teaching process may be restrictive depending on the specific buxiban. You could find yourself doing lots of grammar and exam prep lessons. Saying that, there are options to join kindergarten buxiban which might be more dynamic and rewarding.
How much do TEFL teachers make in public schools in Taiwan?
Public schools in Taiwan regularly hire TEFL teachers with the right requirements. You’ll probably need to be a licensed teacher in your own country, but may be able to get in with a qualification like a CELTA.
Public schools in Taiwan typically pay TEFL teachers 55-67K NT$ ($2,000-2,400) per month for full-time positions. For a standard 40-hour week, this works out at 344-419 NT$ ($12.5-15) per hour.
The hourly rates at public schools aren’t great. In fact, they may end up lower than buxiban and cram schools, but since you’re working longer hours, the total pay is higher.
The benefits are: stable income, regular hours, and working in an established school system.
How much do TEFL teachers make in international schools in Taiwan?
Short answer, a lot. International school jobs are extremely competitive and require a degree-level teaching certificate (a license in your own country) and several years of experience.
Generally, TEFL teachers in international schools in Taiwan make 100K-194K NT$ ($3,600-7,000) per month. This gives an hourly rate of 625-1,210 NT$ ($22-44). The most prestigious schools pay the higher wages and are more competitive.
Not only are these positions hard to get, but they’re quite demanding, too, with 40-hour weeks expected as a minimum. If you can get a role, the earnings are fantastic. It’s regular income you can depend upon.
How much do TEFL teachers make from private classes in Taiwan?
As a new TEFL teacher, 500-700 NT$ ($18-25) is a typical hourly rate. Experienced teachers can charge as much as 1,000 NT$ ($36) per hour. Assuming 20 hours of classes a week, this results in a monthly income of 40K-80K NT$ ($1,440-2,880).
Private classes are always good earners in any country. The issue with most places, including Taiwan, is you can’t go freelance as a foreigner because you won’t be eligible for the required work permits.
As a result, most TEFL teachers may opt to supplement their income from their other employment (often a buxiban) with a few hours of private tuition every week.
Imagine you took 3 private classes a week at 500 NT$ ($18) per hour. Over the course of a month, this would earn an extra 6,000 NT$ ($215) which could allow you to live a little better, or save up for trips to nearby countries.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a qualified and experienced teacher, or someone just starting out in TEFL, there are good options in Taiwan. Even the lowest paid jobs will allow you to live with relative comfort.
Not only that, but it’s a good location for travelling to other parts of East Asia, with Japan and South Korea to the north and Vietnam and Thailand to the south.
But if you think Taiwan isn’t the place for you, check out some of my other articles about earnings in different countries like Indonesia and 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?
