Austria’s mountains, history and sophistication make it an attractive destination for holidaymakers and TEFL teachers alike. But how much can you make teaching English there?
In general, TEFL teachers in Austria earn €1,300-3,000 ($1,400-3,300) per month from freelance language academy contracts or on the USTA program. International schools pay €2,000-4,000 ($2,200-4,400), a figure which rises with experience. Private classes earn €20-30 ($22-33) an hour.
These are some high salaries compared to most other countries in the world. But things aren’t as great as they sound. It’s tricky to get hired as a TEFL teacher in Austria, especially if you aren’t a native English speaker or if you don’t have EU membership. Let’s take a more detailed look.
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Options and earnings for TEFL teachers in Austria
Language academies are a popular source of income for TEFL teachers in Austria. Private and international schools are an option for those who have better qualifications and more experience.
Like in all countries, private classes can provide supplementary income.
Austria also has the Fullbright USTA (United States Teaching Assistant) program, which is a great way for American students and graduates to get into the country, assuming they meet the required conditions (including speaking German).
| Earnings Source | Per Hour (€) | Hours Per Week | Per Month (€) | Annual Estimate (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private & International Schools | 14-29 | 30-40 | 2,000-4,000 | 24K-48K |
| Language Academies | 20-35 | 20-30 | 2,000-3,500 | 24K-42K |
| Private Classes | 20-30 | 20 | 1,600-2,400 | 19.2K-28.8K |
| USTA | 25 | 13 | 1,307 | 10.5K* |
As you can see, the salaries for TEFL teachers in Austria are up there with the highest around the world.
Of course, as it’s a wealthy nation, the living costs are also higher than most places. Typical monthly expenses (including rent) are around €1,500-2,500 ($1,650-2,750), although those on a frugal budget living in rural areas could get by on as little as €1,000 ($1,100).
There are two major hurdles to getting a TEFL job in Austria.
First is being a native speaker. Unfortunately, this is expected for nearly all jobs in the country, regardless of what teaching qualifications you have. That’s not to say it’s impossible to find work. It’s just a lot more difficult.
The second is getting the required legal documents to work – visas and permits. If you’re an EU citizen, this isn’t hard because of freedom of movement laws.
However, if you’re from outside the EU (which most native English speakers are now Brexit has happened), getting a work permit is extremely difficult.
There’s a points-based system which is hard to meet given TEFL teachers aren’t highly paid workers. Also, lots of language academies prefer to hire self-employed teachers on a freelance basis, and this makes it even harder to meet the requirements.
Austrian schools follow the standard calendar, beginning in September and finishing around June/July. Hours vary, but are typically from 8.00 a.m. to 14.00 p.m. Language academy lessons could be at any time of day.
How much do TEFL teachers make in language academies in Austria?
Language academies are a major employer of TEFL teachers in Austria. They typically pay €20-35 ($22-38) per hour, but only offer a few hours per week. Most TEFL teachers who take this route get employment with multiple academies.
In this way, you can work 20-30 hours a week and earn €2,000-3,500 per month. Expect plenty of travelling from place to place.
Business English is in high demand. Lots of academies and companies will prefer teachers with TEFL certificates and bachelor’s degrees and having experience teaching business English will be a big plus.
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ESL Base’s list of language academies in Austria is a great resource when looking for employment there. Vienna has the most opportunities, followed by Salzburg, Linz, Graz and Innsbruck.
It’s often better to apply in-person, so moving there may help your prospects, if it’s at all possible.
How much do TEFL teachers make in private and international schools in Austria?
Private schools, international schools, and even universities hire TEFL teachers in Austria. Compared to language academies, they require better qualifications and experience.
If you want to get a full-time teaching job at a private or international school, you’ll almost certainly need a teaching license from your own country and a few years of experience. However, for lower-paid jobs at these institutions, a CELTA may be sufficient.
You can get paid €2,000-4,000 per month, or even higher when you rise up the ranks.
For more on the difference between CELTA and other TEFL certificates, read TEFL vs. CELTA: What’s the difference? Which is best?
How much do TEFL teachers make on the USTA program in Austria?
The USTA (United States Teaching Assistant) program by Fullbright is a great opportunity for American graduates who speak German and want to spend a year in Europe while earning a good salary.
The monthly wage is €1,307 ($1,434) for just 13 hours a week. That works out at €25 ($27) per hour. The program runs from the start of October to the end of May.
Not everyone can do this, though. Not only do you need to have a bachelor’s degree (or be working towards one), but you need to show you have intermediate-level proficiency in German.
If you fulfill these requirements, you don’t have to worry about visa issues, as the government-sponsored program will sort that out.
And it’s not just for citizens of the USA. UK nationals can apply to the program through the British Council, and if you’re from another anglophone nation, it’s worth researching if your government has a similar scheme.
For the full guide on becoming an English tutor, read my article: How to Get Started as an EFL/ESL Private Tutor.
How much do TEFL teachers make from private classes in Austria?
Unless you’re an EU national who can live and work freely in Austria, going full time as a private English tutor isn’t possible because of work permit restrictions.
However, if you manage to get other employment (the USTA program, for example), private classes can be a great source of income.
With hourly rates of €20-30 ($22-33), giving just three classes a week can earn you at least €240 per month. That may allow you to enjoy your time in the country even more!
Conclusion
Work permit difficulties make Austria a real challenge for TEFL teachers from outside the EU, and especially non-native speakers.
However, with such attractive salaries, if you can get past the documentation hurdles, there’s a good quality of life to be had in the country – great scenery, grand culture and wonderful people.
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?
