Oman has never been seen as a major TEFL destination. It lacks the splendour and riches of nearby UAE and Qatar, and can’t compete with the lifestyle of places like Thailand or Colombia. But don’t rule it out just yet. The salaries there are pretty generous. How much can you make? Let’s find out.
Typical TEFL salaries in Oman range from 600 to 1,500 OMR ($1,500-3,500) per month. Language academies/training centres pay the least, but employ less qualified teachers. International schools and universities pay 800-1,500 OMR ($2,000-3,500). Private classes make 10-19 OMR ($25-50) per hour.
If you’re starting out in TEFL, be warned that Oman is pretty competitive. That’s not to say you can’t find a job there, but it won’t be as easy as many countries in Asia and Latin America. Keep reading to find out all your options.
Searching for the perfect TEFL destination with the best earnings? Compare countries around the world with my free resource: How Much Do TEFL & TESL Teachers Make? Countries compared.
Options and earnings for TEFL teachers in Oman
The main employers of TEFL teachers in Oman are language academies (also called training centres or language centres). They’re best for new and inexperienced teachers.
For those with a teaching license and a few years of under their belt, international schools and universities are a higher-paying option.
For everyone, private classes are a good idea, although, like in most places, you can’t go full time as a self-employed private tutor due to work permit laws.
| Earnings Source | Per Hour ($) | Hours Per Week | Per Month ($) | Annual Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Schools | 14-25 | 30-40 | 2,000-3,500 | 24K-42K |
| Language Academies | 8-17 | 25-35 | 1,000-2,000 | 12K-24K |
| Universities | 14-29 | 30-40 | 2,000-4,000 | 24K-48K |
| Private Classes | 25-50 | 20 | 2,000-4,000 | 24K-48K |
These earnings are pretty good. You may be thinking the pay in language academies isn’t particularly high compared to some other countries, but before you conclude anything, consider the perks of the job and how the salary relates to the cost of living.
In Oman, the cost of living for a single person, including rent, is about 400-700 OMR ($1,000-1,800) per month. That isn’t cheap, but you could get by.
However, most TEFL jobs in Oman provide accommodation either free or heavily subsidised. Take rent out of your living costs, and you’ll only be spending 200-300 OMR ($500-800) per month. That means you’ll be able to save quite a lot regardless of how much you earn.
Oh, and did I mention there’s no tax on personal income? That means, as long as you’re a tax resident in the country, you get to keep all the money you earn.
The downside of employment in Oman is that contracts are usually long term (at least a year, if not two) and it can be tricky to change job and maintain your work permit. So if you end up in a place you don’t like, it’s tough to get out.
You also have to think about the culture, and whether it’s right for you. Oman is relatively conservative compared to western countries, although it’s much less traditional than neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
The school year follows the typical western model; it begins in September and finishes in June. Classes start early in the day, around 7.30 and finish at 2.30 or 2.45 p.m. If you get a job in a language academy, expect to work evenings and weekends.
How much do TEFL teachers make in language academies (training centres) in Oman?
For new and inexperienced TEFL teachers, your best chance of getting employed in Oman is at a language academy. These institutions are sometimes called training centres or language centres, but they all operate in a similar way.
Classes are with children or adults, either with individuals or small groups. They typically take place outside of working/school hours. That means evenings and weekends.
Pay is pretty good, considering the perks. Salaries range from 400 to 800 OMR ($1,000-2,000) which, working for 25-35 hours a week, gives you an hourly wage of 3-7 OMR ($8-17).
As a minimum, you’ll need a 120-hour TEFL certificate. A CELTA or Level 5 TEFL and any prior experience will put you in a better position to apply for higher-paying jobs.
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.
British Council and Berlitz are present in Muscat, the capital city and main location for language academies. Check out this list of language academies in Oman at ESL Base.
Make sure you check the details about perks when applying for jobs in Oman. Some may pay for your flights as well as accommodation, so just going off the base salary isn’t always going to get you the best outcome.
How much do TEFL teachers make in international schools in Oman?
International schools are great for TEFL teachers who have a teaching license from their own country and a couple of years of experience. Many of the schools follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. If you can show you have experience with IB, you’re in a strong position.
Even without the perks, salaries at international schools would be good. The typical range is 800-1,400 OMR ($2,000-3,500). With a standard 30-40-hour work week, this means an hourly rate of 6-10 OMR ($14-25).
In the most prestigious schools, you can earn even more, but of course, these are extremely competitive.
How much do TEFL teachers make in universities in Oman?
Universities are an alternative to international schools for TEFL teachers in Oman. Pay is similar. You can earn 800-1,500 OMR ($2,000-4,000) a month and expect the same perks.
Not only that, but some universities might have slightly less stringent requirements, although I’d still say you need a teaching license, or at the very least a masters degree in education. A CELTA plus lots of experience could be enough, too.
How much do TEFL teachers make from private classes in Oman?
Private tutoring is a fantastic way to supplement your income in any country, and even more so in Oman.
As I mentioned earlier, it’s near enough impossible to make this your full-time job, as you need employment from an Omani company to get the necessary work permits to stay in the country legally.
However, if you’re working at a language academy and want to earn a bit more cash, with hourly rates of 10-19 OMR ($25-50), it’s a great side gig.
If you did three hours of private classes a week at $25 an hour, you’d earn an extra $300 per month. That’s not to be sniffed at! And, if you focus on exam preparation classes, you can charge higher rates!
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
On the surface, Oman doesn’t stand out as one of the top TEFL destinations. But for those looking to earn a generous wage, it beats the majority of countries, while having a slightly more progressive culture than other nations in the region.
I’m not sure it’s the perfect location for new TEFL teachers. Getting the first job is tough, but once you’ve gained some experience, the options for private classes and moving up to international schools are certainly there.
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?
