Thinking of going to Poland to become a TEFL teacher? The beautiful countryside, great culture, and affordable living make it an attractive country. But you should know how much you can earn there. I’ve done the research and here are the results…
Generally, TEFL teachers in Poland earn PLN 2,400-5,900 ($600-1,500) per month, with the primary source of employment being language academies. International school salaries range from PLN 5,000 to 7,900 ($1,250-2,000) a month. Private classes make PLN 50-100 ($13-25) per hour.
These numbers aren’t spectacular. Fortunately, there’s quite a lot of work available, as long as you know which type of job is best for you.
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Options and earnings for TEFL teachers in Poland
English is a major part of the Polish curriculum nowadays, and growing industry requires more and more employees to speak the language. This means there’s a high demand for TEFL teachers. Language academies will be the main source of employment for most.
Experienced teachers with a teaching degree can find work in international schools, while the best hourly rates are for private classes.
| Earnings Source | Per Hour ($) | Hours Per Week | Per Month ($) | Annual Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Schools | 8-13 | 40 | 1,250-2,000 | 15K-24K |
| Language Academies | 6-15 | 20-30 | 600-1,500 | 7K-18K |
| Private Classes | 13-25 | 20 | 1,040-2,000 | 12K-24K |
While these salaries are lower than many other European countries, you should also consider that the cost of living is less – anywhere between PLN 2,400 ($600) and PLN 4,000 ($1,000) a month.
Also, some language academies and international schools may cover accommodation and travel costs during your time there, massively reducing your expenditure.
Getting a work visa shouldn’t be a problem if you get yourself a job. It can be a challenge to find employment before arriving in the country – most jobs are set up when you’re there.
A potential difficulty with moving to Poland is the language. While a lot of the population speaks English, not everyone does, and learning Polish is difficult. Grammar is complex, and pronunciation is a serious challenge.
The academic year in Poland runs from early September to late June, with a break in February, and a long summer holiday through July and August. The school day is similar to most anglophone countries, starting at 8 or 9 in the morning and ending at 3 or 4 p.m.
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How much do TEFL teachers make in language academies in Poland?
Salaries at language academies in Poland vary. A new TEFL teacher living in a small town may only receive a salary of PLN 2,400 ($600) per month for 20-30 hours a week. This gives an hourly wage of just $6.
However, bear in mind the cost of living is much lower outside the cities, so you may be able to get by on this wage.
With a bit more experience and a position in somewhere like Warsaw or Krakow, monthly salaries can reach PLN 5,900 ($1,500) or more. This works out at roughly $15 an hour.
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The kind of work in these academies ranges from kindergarten lessons to business classes, all on the same day. Expect a variety of students of all levels and occupations.
How much do TEFL teachers make from international schools in Poland?
International school salaries depend on the reputation of the school and the position offered. For newer teachers entering at the lower end, PLN 5,000 ($1,250) per month is the minimum you can expect.
Teachers with more experience and responsibilities can earn PLN 7,900 ($2,000) or more.
You’ll need a teaching license in your own country as a minimum, and be sure your CV is impressive since these jobs are competitive.
How much do TEFL teachers make from private classes in Poland?
As in many countries, private classes offer the best hourly rates of any income stream for TEFL teachers.
At PLN 50-100 ($13-25) per hour, you have a better rate than international schools.
But don’t get too excited. Unless you’re an EU citizen, it’s near enough impossible to get a working visa as a self-employed foreigner. Full time freelancing isn’t an option for most people.
On the other hand, if you do a few private classes to supplement employment in a language academy, there’s money to be made.
Imagine you took 3 hours of private classes a week at PLN 60 ($15) per hour. This would get you an extra PLN 720 ($180) per month, which would allow you to live more comfortably.
Conclusion
Poland is by no means the most lucrative TEFL destination. Even compared to similar European countries, it offers low salaries.
So if your intention is to save money while working abroad, it’s not the place for you.
Instead, if you’re looking for a new culture, a fascinating experience with plenty of history, food and scenery, then it could be a great place to live. You can earn enough to survive and enjoy your life 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?
