Turkey doesn’t always spring to mind when you think of the best TEFL destinations, and there are good reasons for that, including political unrest. However, English is growing in importance, and education is a priority for the nation. There are opportunities waiting. But how much can you earn there?
In general, TEFL teachers in Turkey earn ₺7.5K-24K ($500-1,600) per month, mostly in language academies, which are the main source of employment. International schools pay ₺11K-25K ($750-1,700) or more with experience. Private classes typically earn ₺150-300 ($10-20) an hour.
For this part of the world, the money isn’t bad. There are chances for new TEFL teachers as well as more experienced practitioners, and the pay generally reflects the strength of your CV. In this article, we’ll look at the best options for all levels.
Searching for the perfect TEFL destination with the best earnings? Compare countries around the world with my free resource: How Much Do TEFL & TESL Teachers Make? Countries compared.
Options and earnings for TEFL teachers in Turkey
Most new and inexperienced TEFL teachers will find language academies the easiest jobs to get. For those with teaching degrees, international schools are also good. Everyone can supplement their income with private classes.
In the table below, I’ll be using US dollars to show earnings. At the time of writing (March 2022), Turkey is going through major economic issues, so the value of the Turkish Lira is all over the place and may be significantly different when you’re reading this.
| Earnings Source | Per Hour ($) | Hours Per Week | Per Month ($) | Annual Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Schools | 5-12 | 30-40 | 750-1,700 | 9K-20K |
| Language Academies | 5-16 | 20-30 | 500-1,600 | 6K-19.2K |
| Private Classes | 10-20 | 20 | 800-1,600 | 9.6K-19.2K |
By no means is Turkey a country where you can get rich from TEFL teaching. In fact, compared to Europe, these earnings are low, and there are several nearby Middle Eastern countries which pay much more (e.g. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia).
However, Turkey has a low cost of living. With monthly expenses in the $500-1,000 region, a frugal TEFL teacher can make ends meet and even save a few hundred dollars a month.
Getting a visa in Turkey shouldn’t prove too much of an issue if you get employed and have a bachelor’s degree.
The Turkish school year begins in September and ends in June. There are two terms, and a break in February. School hours run from 8-9 a.m. to 4-5 p.m.
A word of warning
Okay, let’s get to the tricky and potentially contentious part of the article. Turkey is not a stable country. At least this is true at the time of writing (March 2022). The economy is in freefall, conflict is frequent in the east of the country, and the nation is struggling with its government’s attitude to democracy.
I’m not going to get into the details. If I were you, I’d do some research and come to my own conclusions, and, if in doubt, look to another country instead. Check out my big comparison article to see how much you can earn elsewhere.
There’s also the business of shady language academies exploiting teachers. This has been a long-standing problem in Turkey, but it seems things have been getting better recently. Either way, take extra care when committing to any jobs.
How much do TEFL teachers make in language academies in Turkey?
Language academies are the best route for most TEFL teachers to go down. Rates of pay start quite low – ₺7.5K ($500) a month, but can rise to a much better level at ₺24K ($1,600).
20-30 hours a week is typical, so you’ll have time to enjoy the lifestyle and meet some friends.
You’ll need a 120-hour TEFL certificate as a minimum, and a higher level qualification (Level 5 TEFL or CELTA) will go a long way towards getting you higher paid positions. The same is true for more experience.
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.
Istanbul hosts the most language academies, while Ankara, Izmir, Bursa and Antalya all have quite a few.
Berlitz and Wall Street English are present in Turkey. There are also dozens of local companies in the major cities and dotted around smaller towns. To see them all, click here for ESL Base’s list.
How much do TEFL teachers make in international schools in Turkey?
Turkey is a rare country in which international and private schools pay little better than language academies. ₺11K-25K ($750-1,700) is the standard monthly pay range. The very best schools pay their teachers significantly more.
These schools are competitive. You’ll need a teaching license and degree plus a few years of experience to even get a look in. The benefits of this kind of job are a fixed income and longer-term contracts.
How much do TEFL teachers make from private classes in Turkey?
Private tutoring is always something to consider when you’re teaching English abroad. In Turkey, you can charge ₺150-300 ($10-20) an hour.
Going full time as a freelance tutor is a big challenge (unless you’re giving online classes), because you can’t usually get a long-term work permit without being employed by a Turkish company.
As a result, most private classes will be on the side. If you supplement your language academy income with 3 private classes a week at $10 an hour, you can earn an extra $120 a month. In Turkey, that kind of money goes a long way.
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
Due to political and economic instability, I wouldn’t recommend Turkey as a good TEFL destination. However, if that kind of thing doesn’t bother you, there are plenty of opportunities to make decent money while spending very little on living costs.
Perhaps if things settle down, it’ll become more attractive. Because there’s no doubt Turkey’s incredible history, pristine beaches and diverse culture make it an exciting place to work and live.
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?
