 Teaching English in China, the Salary and Budget Guide This guide will help you answer the question, How much can I earn and save teaching English in China? You'll also find information on the local cost of living in order to figure out how much to budget for when making the move to China. The typical salary for English teachers in China. Throughout the country, there are a large variety of jobs available, but the salary depends on which schools and institutions you work for as well as your own qualifications and experience. English teachers in China can expect to make between 6,000-16,000 RMB, currently $890, $2,400 USD. Those teaching at an international school, however, can make up to 30,000 RMB, $4,400 USD. If you are a first-time teacher, you can expect to earn between 6,000 RMB and 12,000 RMB per month which equates to around $890 to $1,800 USD. The salary also depends on where you are based. The Big Three, Beijing, 107,000 Dexpits, Shanghai, 209,000 Dexpits, and Guangzhou, over 200,000 Dexpits, pay the highest salaries but also have a higher cost of living compared to other cities around China. Other benefits to expect when teaching English in China. Besides this salary, most teachers receive free housing or a housing allowance from their employer. On top of that, most schools also pay for the round-trip airfare for their teachers. How to earn extra cash while teaching English in China? Many teachers in the country take advantage of the high demand for private language tutors. The growing middle class in particular routinely hire tutors for extra English study for their children outside of school hours. In doing so, it's not uncommon for teachers to double their income by taking on a couple of students in their free time. Most of these private tutoring lessons are paid by the hour with prices ranging from 180 to 250 RMB per hour, $26.36. The cost of living in China. While prices are on the rise, the cost of living in China is still favorable compared to most industrialized nations. So much so that in some parts of the country the cost of living is half of that in the USA. That's why teachers in China can live very comfortably and have a strong purchasing power. Many teachers can afford a lifestyle they wouldn't be able to enjoy back home. This includes luxuries like hiring a housekeeper, travel every month, regularly eating out at restaurants, relaxing spa sessions and enjoying nights out with friends and colleagues. Let's break down the cost of living in China for individual areas below. Cost of living in China, food. Eating out at local restaurants and purchasing produce and ingredients at Chinese supermarkets, not only gives you an amazing insight into the Chinese way of life, but also leaves you with money in your pockets for fun and adventure. Milk, 1-0 7 RMB Eggs, 12 7 RMB Carrots, 1 kg 5 RMB Chicken breast, 1 kg 15 RMB Rice, 1 kg 8 RMB Bottle of water, 1.5L 3 RMB Bottle of Chinese beer, 0.5L 4 RMB Cost of living in China Leisure activities Leisure activities in China are very affordable and Chinese people love spending time out. This starts with frequent meals out with colleagues, friends and family. Try your way through the wide range of regional dishes China has to offer. Then, you can hang out with friends at clubs and karaoke bars, work out at the gym or get a massage and relax. Chinese leisure activities have something for everyone. 3-course mid-range restaurant dinner 80 RMB Quick restaurant meal of rice or noodles 25 RMB Large dumplings, a common street food 3 RMB Housekeeper, 2 hours 30 RMB Massage, 30 RMB 40 RMB One-month fitness club membership 150 RMB Movie ticket International release 65 RMB Cost of living in China Transportation The public transit network in China has gotten a lot of attention from the government in recent years who have constantly expanded and improved it. Today, it's one of the most advanced and vast in the world. Taxi prices are very affordable and pimes and subway rides are also inexpensive. Metro ride 3 RMB Taxi rate per km 2.2 RMB Start fare 10 RMB 20-min taxi ride across town 25 RMB City bus point to RMB 3 hour bicycle rental 8 RMB, plus 100 RMB deposit, returned Fairy crossing point to RMB Cost of living in China Travel in China and beyond Travelers on a budget love China The trains are fast and numerous and ticket prices are very affordable. Domestic flights are usually inexpensive except for price rises during national holidays like Chinese New Year or the Mid-Autumn Festival. One night in a mid-range hotel, 350 RMB High-speed train, Shenzhen to Wuhan, 3 hours 490 RMB Slow train, Guangzhou to Wuhan, 10 hours 120 RMB Flight, Shenzhen to Beijing, 2 hours 800 RMB Flight, Shenzhen to Bangkok, 3 hours 1300 RMB Sample monthly teacher budget To give you an example of how an English teacher in China spends their salary, here is a sample monthly budget. Gross income, salary Up to 13,500 RMB Rent, 3000 RMB Utilities, electricity, gas, water 200 RMB Phone and Internet, 300 RMB Food, 1500 RMB Insurance, 295 RMB Remaining disposable income, 8,205 RMB How much you can save when teaching English in China? As you can see from the sample budget above, the added benefits and high salaries in China allow you to save substantial sums of money during the length of your contract. Depending on lifestyle, an ESL teacher in China is able to save anything from $500 to $1,500 per month. Are you ready to teach English in China? Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months. Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad. Send us an email or call us toll-free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today.