The island Kingdom of Bahrain is an attractive choice for TEFL teachers due to the demand for English speakers and competitive salaries. So how much can you expect to earn? Here are my findings.
New/Inexperienced TEFL teachers in Bahrain typically earn 550-950 BHD ($1,500-2,500) per month. This is the expected salary at language academies and institutions like the British Council. Working in private/international schools can earn upwards of 800 BHD ($2,100), and private classes range between 8-11 BHD ($20-30) per hour.
Unlike some countries, Bahrain isn’t world renowned for its TEFL prospects, and it’s difficult to find concrete information. Below, I’ll run you through the options to help you find your best route.
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 Bahrain
The most popular, and likely successful, choice for new and inexperienced TEFL teachers will be to get employed by a language academy. They pay well, and there’s a high demand. However, competition is high. You can supplement income with private classes, too.
Private and international schools are another option for those with more experience. Pay is better, but you’ll likely need a degree-level qualification and several years of experience.
| Earnings Source | Per Hour (BHD) | Hours Per Week | Per Month (BHD) | Annual Estimate (BHD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private/International Schools | 6-9 | 30-40 | 800-1,200 | 9,600-14,400 |
| Language Academies | 5-8 | 25-35 | 550-950 | 6,600-11,400 |
| Private Classes | 8-11 | 20 | 640-880 | 7,700-10,600 |
When compared to some countries, these earnings aren’t spectacular. However, the cost of living in Bahrain is relatively low, and many employers provide housing and pay for flights in and out of the country.
Cost of living ranges from 250 BHD ($650) at the lower end to around 600 BHD ($1,600) per month for those enjoying a more comfortable lifestyle. As a result, most TEFL jobs pay more than enough to live and allow significant savings.
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 is similar to lots of countries in the middle east. The drawback is that, for some, Bahrain might not be the ideal place to live, for a variety of reasons. That’s not to say you won’t love it. Many expats in Bahrain enjoy the lifestyle and culture, but do your research on what’s acceptable and what you’re comfortable with before making the jump.
One massive bonus to living in Bahrain: no income tax! Thanks to the Kingdom’s wealth from being an oil-rich state, they don’t need to tax their citizens on earnings at all.
And the school year shouldn’t prove a problem either. Bahrain follows most other countries, starting classes in late August and finishing up in June.
Language academies in Bahrain
These are likely your best point of entry into Bahrain. Pay ranges from 550-950 BHD ($1,500-2,500) per month.
While quite a lot of employment may only be available once you arrive in the country, really you want to get hired before you go. Employers may pay for your flights and set you up with accommodation.
When you get there, you might receive free accommodation, or a stipend to pay for housing. This isn’t guaranteed, but it’s something to consider when you’re calculating living costs.
For example, the British Council has a pay structure ranging between 517-693 BHD ($1,370-1,840) per month, which seems pretty average until you learn there’s also a monthly accommodation allowance of 280 BHD ($740).
The British Council is going to be competitive, though. It’s one of the most reputable institutions in the world and has stricter requirements for its teachers (CELTA/DELTA and 2+ years of experience).
Other companies have a similar structure, though, and will hire teachers with good TEFL qualifications.
Private/International schools in Bahrain
Finding reliable data on English teachers’ salaries for private and international schools in Bahrain is a challenge. From what I gather, pay starts at around 800 BHD ($2,100) per month. This will increase significantly with more experience and qualifications, and in the top schools, you could be looking at somewhere close to 2,000 BHD ($5,300).
However, competition is high. Unless you have some weighty qualifications (think degree/masters level teaching certificates), this type of job is out of the question.
Private classes in Bahrain
Private classes in Bahrain earn between 8 and 11 Bahraini Dinar per hour for newer/less experienced teachers. That’s $20-30. A decent rate, and similar to most countries around the world.
It’s tricky to get a work permit if you aren’t employed (as is the case in pretty much all countries), and most classes are set up while you’re in the country, rather than before you arrive. For this reason, I would avoid relying solely on private classes.
But they’re a great way to supplement your income. Just three hours of private classes a week at 8 BHD per hour will net you an extra 96 BHD ($255) per month.
In conclusion
The financial benefits of working as a TEFL teacher in Bahrain are attractive. While it may be competitive for those with no experience at all, there are opportunities which pay enough to save significant amounts of money, especially when you don’t have to pay tax.
Your decision to choose Bahrain depends on what your aims as a TEFL teacher are.
From a personal point of view, it’s not somewhere I would go, because the lifestyle and climate don’t match my preferences. However, if my intention was to spend a couple of years earning a lot of money and experiencing a different way of life, it would be one of the best places to do just that.
If you’re not convinced by Bahrain, read my articles on how much money you can earn in Spain, Singapore, and Indonesia – three totally different possibilities.
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?
