One of the powerhouses of Europe, Germany’s population already boasts a strong level of English proficiency, but good quality TEFL teachers are still in high demand there. If you fit the bill, it can be a great place to live and work. But how much can you earn teaching English there?
Typically, TEFL teachers in Germany earn €1,900-3,000 ($2,000-3,100) per month with language academies being the main TEFL employers. International schools pay qualified teachers as much as €4,300 ($4,500) per month. Hourly rates for private classes range from €15-40 ($16-42).
There are employment options for almost all TEFL teachers in Germany, although if you don’t have a TEFL certificate or any experience, you may find the job market very competitive. Let’s look at the most popular options.
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Options and earnings for TEFL teachers in Germany
Privately run language academies are the most common employers of TEFL teachers in Germany, with most offering part-time contracts paid by the hour. For experienced and qualified teachers, international schools and public schools may be a more lucrative and stable choice.
Private tutoring is a viable option, too. Private classes can boost your income and, with the necessary work permits, some people can make good money doing it full time.
| Earnings Source | Per Hour ($) | Hours Per Week | Per Month ($) | Annual Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International schools | 18-32 | 30-40 | 2,500-4,500 | 30K-54K |
| Public Schools | 14-26 | 30-40 | 2,000-3,600 | 24K-43K |
| Language Academies | 14-21 | 30-40 | 2,000-3,000 | 24K-36K |
| Private Tutoring | 16-42 | 20 | 1,300-3,400 | 16K-41K |
These salaries are some of the best you can get anywhere in the world. However, it’s always worth comparing how much you get paid to how much you can expect to spend.
Typical living costs in Germany range from €1,000 to €2,000 ($1,100-2,200) per month. As you’d expect, expenses are higher in larger cities like Berlin and Munich. For most people, the earnings vs. costs ratio means you can comfortably survive and even save a bit of money.
It’s very rare for employers in Germany to pay for airfare, accommodation or any other perks. That’s all on you. You’ll also have to pay income tax, with the percentage rising the more you earn. In return, you get access to the country’s fantastic public services.
Getting a visa in Germany can be easy or hard, depending on where you’re from. If you’re an EU citizen, things are simple. You can turn up, start out as a freelancer or find a place to live before searching for a job. You’ll have to apply for residency if you’re there for longer than a few months, but that’s fairly easy.
If you’re from outside the EU, but are from Australia, USA, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand or South Korea, you can move to Germany, find a job, and get your visa within the first 90 days. Other nationalities will have to find an employer online in order to apply for a visa before you travel.
Working visas (or Youth Mobility visas) are available for young people (under 30) from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Israel, Argentina, Uruguay and Canada (in Canada the age limit is 35).
How much do TEFL teachers make in language academies in Germany?
German language academies tend to hire teachers on short-term contracts with 10-15 hours per week. They pay by the hour and offer rates of around €14-25 ($14-26).
The good thing is, you can work for two or three academies, earning a full-time salary. If you do this, you can expect to earn €1,900-2,900 ($2,000-3,000) per month.
Some language academies may hire you on a full-time contract for a year or two, in which you’ll earn a similar rate. If you’re qualified and experienced, you could land a corporate job which may pay upwards of €4,000 ($4,200) a month.
To work in a language academy, you’ll definitely need a 120-hour TEFL certificate as a minimum. A Level 5 certificate or a CELTA will allow you to compete for better jobs.
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Take a look at this huge list of language academies at ESL Base. Berlitz and Inlingua are two big companies with a branch in most cities, but there are plenty of smaller, independent academies which may offer more generous salaries.
How much do TEFL teachers make in public schools in Germany?
If you have a teaching license from your home country and a bit of experience, you may be able to find work in the state school system.
This is typically easier for EU citizens, although non-EU workers who get their qualifications recognised can also work in public positions. Full-time teacher roles are available, as are teaching assistant positions with fewer hours.
Salaries for full-time public school teachers in Germany are typically between €1,900 and €3,500 ($2,000-3,600). Working 30-40 hours a week, this gives an hourly rate of €14-25 ($14-26).
How much do TEFL teachers make in international schools in Germany?
International schools in Germany are competitive and prestigious. They require a good teaching degree and several years of experience.
This is reflected in the higher salaries they offer. For a standard English teaching role in a German international school, you can expect to earn €2,400-4,300 ($2,500-4,500) per month. Given a 30-40 hour work week, this works out at €17-31 ($18-32) per hour.
Most international schools are found in the big cities, but there’s a good spread across the country, so wherever you wish to live, there’s likely one not too far away.
How much do TEFL teachers make from private tutoring in Germany?
Private tutoring is a fantastic way of supplementing your income. It’s ideal for people who are working on a lower-hour language academy contract and want to fill in a few hours during the week to earn a bit more cash.
Also, if you’re an EU citizen, you can work as a full-time private tutor, being your own boss and earning enough to live off.
Hourly rates for private tutoring vary. Classes with young children earn the least – around €15-20 ($16-21). Realistically, if you’re going full time, you need to earn more per hour than this.
General English or conversation classes with adults or older kids will get you €25-35 ($26-37) per hour. These are the most common types of class and the hourly rate is decent.
However, the most lucrative options are business English and exam preparation classes. These can earn you well in excess of €35 ($36) per hour, and if you have experience with business English or certain exams, it’s not out of the question to charge €50 ($52) per hour.
For more on how to get started as a private EFL/ESL teacher, read my article on the topic: How to Get Started as an EFL/ESL Private Tutor: Full guide.
Conclusion
Working as a TEFL teacher in Germany is a great opportunity for those who are quite new to the industry as well as experienced practitioners. The pay is good, the country offers a very comfortable lifestyle, and there’s plenty to see and do.
One word of warning, though. It’s quite competitive. For non-EU citizens who don’t have beefy qualifications, lack experience, and aren’t native English speakers, you may find it hard to get your first job. But it’s not impossible.
Whatever your background, there’s something there for you in Germany.
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?
