Teach English in Cambodia

TEFL jobs in Cambodia are mostly at private language schools, international and bilingual schools and with private students, above all in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Schools hire year round, a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours is the usual requirement, and a degree is preferred but not always required. Pay is in US dollars, Cambodia’s everyday currency, and commonly runs from about US$800 to US$1,500 a month at language schools.

TEFL jobs in Cambodia at a glance

What kinds of TEFL jobs are there in Cambodia?

Private language schools. The largest employer, teaching children, teenagers and adults, often with split shifts across the morning, late afternoon and evening.

International and bilingual schools. Better paid and more structured, usually expecting a degree and, at the top schools, a teaching licence.

Universities and business English. Smaller markets, mainly in Phnom Penh, often wanting a degree and experience.

Private and online students. Commonly added on top of a school job to increase income.

NGOs and volunteer programmes. Many exist, but choose carefully: reputable organisations are transparent about fees, child protection and what volunteers actually do.

How much do TEFL teachers earn in Cambodia?

Language schools commonly pay about US$800 to US$1,500 a month for a full timetable, often calculated by the hour. International and bilingual schools pay more, from around US$1,500 to several thousand dollars a month for licensed, experienced teachers. Private lessons typically bring US$10 to US$20 an hour. Living costs are low outside central Phnom Penh, so a teaching salary covers a comfortable lifestyle and some savings. Compare pay across countries on the TEFL Salary Index.

What do you need to get a TEFL job in Cambodia?

A TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours and native or near native English are the usual minimum. A degree is not always required by language schools, but it opens better paid jobs and is often expected by international schools. Employers also commonly ask for a criminal record check, which is important given Cambodia’s focus on child protection. Our 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course meets the standard requirement, and the Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course can be verified on the Ofqual register.

Which visa and work permit do you need?

Most teachers enter Cambodia on an ordinary visa, known as the E visa, rather than a tourist visa, because the ordinary visa can be extended as an employment visa once you have a job. Your employer then registers you through Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour system for a work permit and employment card, which are renewed each year. A tourist visa cannot be converted for work, so arrive on the right one. Check current rules with the Cambodian embassy and our Visa Desk before you travel.

Where are the TEFL jobs in Cambodia?

Phnom Penh, the capital, has by far the most schools and the best paid positions. Siem Reap, gateway to Angkor, has a smaller but steady market with a relaxed pace. Battambang and Kampot offer smaller markets, lower costs and a quieter lifestyle. Many teachers arrive in Phnom Penh, interview in person and then decide where to settle.

What is it like teaching in Cambodia?

Cambodian students are typically friendly, motivated and appreciative, and English is seen as a route to better jobs. Classes can be mixed in level and sometimes large. Respect, modest dress and a calm manner matter, as does an understanding of the country’s recent history. Daily life is affordable and easygoing, with a welcoming community of teachers in the main cities.

Where to find English teaching jobs in Cambodia now

Last updated: 4 October 2026. Pay figures are approximate typical ranges, not quotes. Visa and work permit rules change, so confirm current requirements with the Cambodian embassy and your employer before you travel.