Cambodia is rarely talked about as one of the top TEFL destinations. However, it’s a viable alternative to the likes of China, Thailand and Vietnam, especially for those new to the industry who are looking to get their foot in the door. But how much can you earn teaching English there?
Typical TEFL salaries in Cambodia fall between KHR 4.2M and 6.3M ($1,000-$1,500) per month. Private schools and language academies are by far the most common employers. Private tutors typically charge KHR 34K-67K ($8-16) per hour but experienced practitioners can earn much more.
Cambodia offers many of the attractive benefits you’d expect from South East Asia: great food, wonderful culture and the opportunity to travel. But compared to other competitive countries in the region, it’s actually quite a lot easier to find a job. Keep reading to learn what your options are.
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Options and earnings for TEFL teachers in Cambodia
The vast majority of TEFL teachers in Cambodia find work in either private schools or language academies. Qualified and experienced teachers may be able to find work at international schools, but they’re few in number and pretty much non-existent outside the capital, Phnom Penh.
Whether as a side-hustle or as a full-time gig, private tutoring is another option for earning income in the country.
| Earnings Source | Per Hour ($) | Hours Per Week | Per Month ($) | Annual Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Schools | 10-15 | 25 | 1,000-1,500 | 12K-18K |
| Language Academies | 10-12 | 25 | 1,000-1,200 | 12K-14.4K |
| Private Tutoring | 8-16 | 20 | 640-1,280 | 7.7K-15.4K |
In the grand scheme of things, the salaries on offer in Cambodia aren’t amazing. But neither are they terrible. It’s always important to consider them in comparison to the cost of living.
Living expenses in Cambodia typically range from KHR 2.1M to 4.2M ($500-1,000) per month. That means on most salaries, you can break even. You may even be able to save a few hundred dollars per month.
Employers rarely cover accommodation or travel, but apart from the airfare into and out of the country, these costs are generally quite low. As you’d expect, it’s more expensive to live in Phnom Penh (by far the biggest city), but you can get higher salaries there, too.
Getting a visa in Cambodia is relatively straightforward. You can get one in advance, or once you’ve arrived and found a job.
Employers typically prefer native English speakers who have a bachelor’s degree (any subject), but you can still find work as a non-native without a degree.
School hours vary across the country. Some start as early as 7 in the morning and end at around midday, while others are much later. Language academies tend to operate in the late afternoon and evening.
How much do TEFL teachers make in language academies in Cambodia?
As one of the main employers of TEFL teachers in Cambodia, language academies offer competitive salaries.
Language academies in Cambodia typically pay KHR 42K-50K ($10-12) per hour. With around 25 hours of teaching time per week, this works out at KHR 4.2M-5M ($1,000-1,200) per month.
Note that this doesn’t include planning and preparation time.
Committing to a one-year contract is often required, as is a 120-hour TEFL certificate as a minimum. A bachelor’s degree (any subject) and being a native English speaker are both preferred, but not a necessity.
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Most language academies can be found in Phnom Penh, while there are others scattered around the various smaller cities like Siem Reap and Battambang. Check out this list on ESL Base to see what’s on offer.
How much do TEFL teachers make in private schools in Cambodia?
Unless you’re a Cambodian citizen, it’s pretty much impossible to get hired at a public school in the country. However, private schools are keen to recruit foreign TEFL teachers.
Private schools in Cambodia generally offer monthly salaries of KHR 4.2M-6.3M ($1,000-1,500). Given a typical 25-hour teaching week, that gets you an hourly rate of KHR 42K-63K ($10-15).
However, if you’re an experienced and qualified teacher, you can definitely earn more than this. Whether you get a position of higher responsibility in a private school or switch to one of the international schools in Phnom Penh, you could find yourself earning in excess of KHR 8.4M ($2,000) per month.
To get work in an international school, you’ll almost certainly need a teaching degree from your own country and a couple of years experience in a public or private school.
How much do TEFL teachers make from private tutoring in Cambodia?
Private tutoring is a great option for those wanting to make a bit of extra money on the side, and if you have permission to work as a freelancer in Cambodia (not typically an option for foreigners) you can go full time.
Most private tutors in Cambodia earn KHR 34K-67K ($8-16) per hour. Native speakers or teachers with a bit of experience or qualifications can comfortably earn the upper end of this range.
And if you’re an established practitioner with several years under your belt, there’s plenty of scope for charging higher rates, as much as KHR 126K ($30) per hour in the capital.
Starting out as a private tutor can be a daunting experience, so make sure you check out my in-depth series of guides, beginning with the big overview article: How to Get Started as an EFL/ESL Private Tutor: Full guide.
Conclusion
The low barrier to entry and decent salaries make Cambodia a great option for people who are just starting out in the TEFL industry. The country is keen to hire. The fact you can find work there without a bachelor’s degree will attract many.
At the other end of the scale, there arent many options for experienced teachers to earn a high salary. Getting rich from TEFL in Cambodia isn’t really going to happen. Still, you can earn a good wage and live comfortably.
And of course, there’s plenty about the country itself to fall in love with. The spectacular scenery, incredible history and unique culture attract many tourists and TEFLers, many of whom stay for a very long time.
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?
