Teach English Online

Online English teaching jobs fall into six main types: tutoring marketplaces, kids’ platforms, online schools, business English, exam preparation and your own private clients. Most platforms ask for a TEFL certificate of around 120 hours, native or advanced English, a modern computer and a stable connection. Pay ranges from fixed rates of around US$10 an hour on some platforms to US$25 an hour and more for specialist and independent teachers.

Online English teaching jobs at a glance

How much do online English teaching jobs pay?

It depends far more on the type of job than on the platform name. As a general pattern, fixed rate marketplaces and large kids’ platforms sit at the lower end, while business English, exam preparation and independent teachers with a niche and good reviews earn the most. Our online teaching earnings planner tracks published platform rates, from around US$10.20 an hour fixed on Cambly to US$25 an hour and beyond for specialist and independent work, and shows what different weekly timetables add up to.

Three things change what you take home. Many platforms do not pay for preparation, cancellations or gaps between bookings. Peak demand depends on your students’ time zones, so your best hours may be early morning or late evening. And almost all online teachers are self employed, so you are responsible for your own tax and social security in the country where you live.

What do online English teaching jobs require?

Qualifications. Most reputable platforms and online schools ask for a TEFL certificate, commonly of 120 hours, and many ask for teaching experience or a degree, particularly kids’ platforms and online schools. Some marketplaces accept tutors without a certificate, but certified teachers are usually accepted faster, can charge more and stand out in search results. If you do not have a degree, read our guide to teaching English online without a degree.

English level. Native speakers or teachers with advanced C1 to C2 English are the norm. Some platforms recruit only from specific countries, while others welcome strong non native teachers.

Equipment. A reasonably modern laptop or desktop, an HD webcam, a headset with a noise cancelling microphone, a quiet, well lit space and a stable broadband connection, ideally wired rather than wifi. Platforms usually publish their own minimum speed and equipment checks during application.

How do you get hired for an online English teaching job?

1. Get qualified. A recognised TEFL certificate is the single biggest factor in being accepted and booked. Our 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course meets the standard requirement, and the Level 5 Teaching Online and One to One credential covers online classroom skills specifically.
2. Choose a niche. Business English, exam preparation, young learners or a particular nationality of learner all make you easier to find and justify higher rates.
3. Build a strong profile. A clear, friendly photo, a short introduction video and a profile that says exactly who you help and how.
4. Prepare a demo lesson. Most online schools and kids’ platforms ask for one. Keep it interactive, show correction and praise, and stay within time.
5. Apply to more than one platform. Combining a marketplace with an online school or a few private clients smooths out quiet weeks.
6. Collect reviews and rebook students. Repeat students are the foundation of a stable online income and the route to raising your rates.

For step by step platform guides, see becoming a Preply tutor, how to apply to Novakid and how to teach kids English online.

Can you teach English online while living abroad?

Yes, and many teachers combine online lessons with a teaching job abroad, especially in countries where local pay is modest or volatile, such as Argentina, Colombia or Peru. Online income paid in foreign currency can protect your earnings. Remember that living in another country while working online raises its own visa and tax questions: some countries offer digital nomad visas for remote workers, but visitor status does not usually cover long term remote work. Read our country guides and the Visa Desk before you plan a move.

What changed in online English teaching?

The market looks very different from a few years ago. China’s 2021 rules ended much of the online tutoring of Chinese school age children by overseas teachers, which removed a large share of the old high volume kids’ jobs. Demand has shifted towards adult learners, business English, exam preparation and global marketplaces. Read more in teaching English online to Chinese students: the rules now. AI tools are also changing lessons, with teachers who use them well for preparation and feedback gaining an edge.

Last updated: 1 October 2026. Platform requirements and rates change often, so check each platform’s current terms before you apply. Pay figures are from our online teaching earnings planner and are not guarantees.