The countries of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have some of the best statistics for English proficiency in the world. A small TEFL market, demanding requirements for teachers, and high living costs all contribute to the fact that the region is a poor choice for new and inexperienced TEFL teachers.
New/Inexperienced TEFL teachers in Scandinavia typically earn $1,000-2,500 per month. Norway provides the best earnings with a monthly salary of at least $1,400, while Denmark has the worst – as little as $800 in some cases. Those with teaching degrees and experience can earn $3,300-5,500 per month in private and public schools.
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Options and earnings for TEFL teachers in Scandinavia
Finding TEFL jobs in Scandinavia is difficult if you don’t have a degree/postgraduate level qualification in teaching and some experience. It also helps to know the local language to get public or private school jobs. If you fulfill these criteria, the salary and work conditions are great.
If you don’t have these qualifications, you have two options: find work in a language academy, or go freelance with private classes. Private classes pay better. However, getting the necessary work permits is a challenge if you don’t have a company employing you.
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Despite being in the European Union, Denmark and Sweden have not adopted the Euro as their currency, and instead use the Danish Krone and Swedish Krona, respectively. Norway isn’t part of the EU (although shares many working laws) and uses the Norwegian Krone.
The following tables show the earnings you can expect in each country. Salaries are in US$ for ease of comparison.
Sweden
| Earnings Source | Per Hour ($) | Hours Per Week | Per Month ($) | Annual Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private and Public Schools | 26-39 | 30-40 | 3,300-5,500 | 40,000-66,000 |
| Language Academies | 8-22 | 30-40 | 1,100-3,300 | 13,000-37,000 |
| Private Classes | 16-26 | 20 | 1,300-2,200 | 17,000-26,000 |
Norway
| Earnings Source | Per Hour ($) | Hours Per Week | Per Month ($) | Annual Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private and Public Schools | 23-34 | 30-40 | 3,300-4,800 | 40,000-57,000 |
| Language Academies | 20-24 | 30-40 | 2,800-3,400 | 34,000-41,000 |
| Private Classes | 17-28 | 20 | 1,400-2,300 | 16,000-27,000 |
Denmark
| Earnings Source | Per Hour ($) | Hours Per Week | Per Month ($) | Annual Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private and Public Schools | 27-36 | 30-40 | 3,800-5,000 | 46,000-61,000 |
| Language Academies | 5-11 | 30-40 | 800-1,500 | 9,000-18,000 |
| Private Classes | 21-38 | 20 | 1,700-3,100 | 20,000-37,000 |
Compared to some countries around the world, these salaries might seem reasonable, however when you consider the living costs, you see how difficult it would be to survive with just a job in a language academy.
In Sweden, the cost of living will be at a minimum of $1,000 per month, but more likely reaching up to $2,000. In Norway and Denmark, costs are even higher: between $2,000 and $3,000.
Tax is something else to look out for – it’s quite high in all three countries – around 20-30% (and even more for higher earners in Denmark).
Private and public schools in Scandinavia
In all three Scandinavian nations, you can earn between $3,300-5,500 per month in private and public schools. Sweden pays slightly more than the others, while Norway pays the lowest.
To be honest, the difference isn’t much. In order to land one of these jobs, you’ll have to meet some pretty stringent requirements, but once you’ve found a position, you’re set.
Language academies in Scandinavia
These are usually the best option for new and inexperienced TEFL teachers, but in Scandinavia there aren’t many companies like this, since the state schools do such a good job. You’ll likely only find them in major cities where cost of living is very high.
Combine that with the fact the pay isn’t great (lower end at around $1,000 a month), and things look bleak. In the figures from the table above, Norway looks like the best option in terms of pay, however, finding jobs there is a challenge.
The Folkeuniversitetet (people’s university) in all three countries is a good place to look, and companies like Berlitz and Education First may have vacancies.
Private classes in Scandinavia
Unless you have EU citizenship, setting up as a freelancer doing private classes is going to be tricky due to work permit laws (as is the case in most places). Even if you do have the required paperwork, earnings aren’t all that special.
You can earn enough to survive (at least $2,000) in all three Scandinavian countries if you manage to get enough classes to fill a schedule, but it’ll be difficult to make a comfortable living, especially once you’ve paid tax.
However, private classes can supplement your income from another job. Working just three classes a week at an hourly rate of $20 will net you about $240 a month, which can help your wallet breathe a little easier.
In conclusion
If you ask me, starting out as a TEFL teacher in Scandinavia is something to avoid. The simple fact is, Denmark, Norway and Sweden teach English so well in their school system, they don’t need lots of foreign speakers to come in.
However, if you have more qualifications and experience, and you can’t resist the appeal of the strong culture and epic landscapes, it’s definitely a viable opportunity.
Whatever you decide, it’s important to know your options. There are dozens of countries around the world calling out for English teachers, and if Scandinavia doesn’t seem like a good plan, check out other European countries, such as Spain and Switzerland.
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?
