Switzerland, famous for its chocolate, incredible scenery and sophisticated lifestyle, will always prove an attractive proposition for TEFL teachers. But how much can you earn there? I’ve done some research and come up with the definitive guide to TEFL teacher earnings in Switzerland.
Generally, TEFL teachers in Switzerland earn between 2,000 and 5,000 CHF ($2,150-5,350) per month from the most common sources of income – language academies and hotel schools. International schools pay 4,300 – 5,600 CHF ($4,700-6,000) monthly. Private classes earn 30-125 CHF ($32-127) per hour.
These figures make Switzerland one of the most well-paid TEFL destinations in the world. Even with little experience, you can earn double what you’d expect in many other European countries like Spain and Italy.
But don’t jump straight on the plane yet. First, you need to know which job is right for you and if you meet the requirements to work there.
Searching for the perfect TEFL destination with the best earnings? Compare countries around the world with my free resource: How Much Do TEFL & TESL Teachers Make? Countries compared.
Options and earnings for TEFL teachers in Switzerland
The biggest employers of new and inexperienced TEFL teachers are language academies and hotel schools. Another great way to make money is through private classes.
International schools are an option for those boasting a teaching license and a few years of experience. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to get public school positions. You’d need to go through the regional teacher training system since your teaching license from home won’t be accepted.
| Earnings Source | Per Hour ($) | Hours Per Week | Per Month ($) | Annual Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Schools | 29-38 | 40 | 4,700-6,000 | 56K-72K |
| Language Academies | 15-60 | 25 | 1,500-6,000 | 18K-72K |
| Hotel Schools | 22-32 | 25 | 2,250-3,200 | 27K-38K |
| Private Classes | 32-127 | 20 | 2,560-10,160 | 31K-122K |
The pay in Switzerland is huge. But so are the living costs – Switzerland is consistently ranked as one of the top 3 most expensive countries in the world, and often tops the charts ahead of European rivals like Norway, and tax havens like Bermuda. Expect to spend 1,850-2,800 CHF ($2,000-3,000) per month.
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In terms of tax, the situation in Switzerland relating to income tax is a little complicated, as each canton sets its own rate. On the whole, it’s lower than other countries in Europe.
Work permits work similarly to other European countries, too. Despite not being in the EU, Switzerland allows the free movement of EU citizens as if it were a member. Non-EU nationals will have to go through the usual visa process.
How much do TEFL teachers make in language academies in Switzerland?
Swiss language academies function a little differently than most other places. Instead of hiring you for a fixed number of hours with a regular monthly pay, lessons are often paid by the hour with a more flexible contract.
You can expect to work around 25 hours a week. Hourly rates vary massively, depending on the academy you work for and the location, with cities like Zurich offering much higher pay.
In general, new and inexperienced TEFL teachers in Swiss language academies earn 1,400-3,000 CHF ($1,500-3,200) per month. This means an hourly wage of 14-30 CHF ($15-32). Experienced teachers can make up to 5,600 CHF ($6,000) which is 56 CHF ($60) per hour.
Note, the lower end of this range is not enough to cover living costs, so some TEFL teachers will seek extra hours in multiple language academies to make ends meet.
Fortunately, the requirements aren’t too high. A TEFL certificate (120 hours or more) and a bachelor’s degree will be enough for most places.
How much do TEFL teachers make in hotel schools in Switzerland?
Hotel schools are common in Switzerland. Tourists visiting the alps and taking advantage of financial services make up a huge portion of the country’s income, so hospitality is always in demand.
2,100-3,000 CHF ($2,250-3,200) per month is the expected salary for a TEFL teacher in a hotel school. This gives 21-30 CHF ($22-32) per hour, assuming a typical work week of 25 hours.
Like language academies, most TEFL teachers in their early career can get one of these jobs, and the pay is enough to pay the bills.
However, contracts are usually short term and seasonal. Full-time positions are rare, so don’t count on hotel schools for long-term, stable income.
On the other hand, they’re a wonderful option for those seeking a few months abroad, or an interesting summer job.
How much do TEFL teachers make from private classes in Switzerland?
Prepare for some outrageously high numbers.
TEFL teachers in Switzerland earn between 30 and 125 CHF ($32-127) per hour for private classes. New and inexperienced teachers can expect to charge 30-50 CHF ($32-54) per hour, while the rates of 125 CHF ($127) are only for those with plenty of experience and are restricted to wealthy cities like Zurich.
Frankly, I find it hard to believe many people would pay over $100 for an hour-long English class.
Those kinds of classes are going to be hard to find. Set your sights lower for most lessons you teach and be content that the hourly rate is better than language academies and hotel schools.
The downside is, without employment, non-EU citizens can’t get the right permits to work entirely as a freelancing private tutor. Instead, you can use private classes to supplement your salary.
Imagine you took 3 private classes a week at $35 per hour. Over the course of a month, that would earn you an extra $420 – enough for a holiday to neighbouring France or Italy!
How much do TEFL teachers make in international schools in Switzerland?
First of all, if you aren’t a licensed teacher with a few years of experience, getting a job as a class teacher in an international school is pretty much impossible. However, if you meet the requirements, the wages are good.
TEFL teachers in Swiss international schools earn 4,300-5,600 CHF ($4,700-6,000) per month. This gives an annual income of 52K-67K CHF ($56K-72K).
This is a great salary and more than enough to pay the bills. Hours will be longer than the other jobs listed in this article, but even with a 40-hour work week, the hourly rate works out at $30 or above. This is higher than most language academy and hotel school positions. Plus, you get the security of a fixed contract.
Conclusion
Switzerland is a multilingual country. Most of the population speaks at least two languages, if not more, and English is always in demand.
As a result, it’s a great option for TEFL teachers. If you’re starting out your TEFL journey, you’ll have to work quite hard to keep up with the high living costs, and jobs tend to be short term, but once you’ve got yourself established, the salaries are great.
If after reading this article you’re not sure about Switzerland, why not check out how much you can make in nearby countries? Read my posts on earnings in Spain and Italy.
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?
