What Cities Pay the Most in China for TEFL Teachers | TEFL Institute

Updated 8 October 2026: pay figures replaced with verified ranges; unsourced city salaries and premiums removed.

Foreign English teachers in China typically earn around ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 a month (about €1,280 to €2,570) in public schools, kindergartens and training centres, often with housing or a housing allowance. International schools pay more. China has no national pay scale for foreign teachers, so each employer sets pay in your contract. The big first tier cities, Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen, tend to sit at the top of that range, but they also cost the most to live in.

Much of what is written about teacher pay in China quotes precise city by city salaries. In reality those figures come from job adverts, not any official source, and they move with every hiring season. This guide gives you the verified range, explains why pay differs between cities and school types, and shows you how to judge an offer for yourself.

Key takeaways

• Typical pay is around ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 a month in public schools, kindergartens and training centres; international schools pay more.
• There is no national salary scale for foreign teachers. Your contract sets your pay, so compare packages, not headlines.
• First tier cities usually pay more but cost more; second tier cities often leave you with similar or better savings.
• The Z work visa needs a bachelor’s degree, a clean criminal record check and, typically, a 120-hour TEFL certificate or two years’ teaching experience, depending on local rules.
• Since the 2021 “Double Reduction” policy, for-profit tutoring of core school subjects for school-age children is restricted, which reshaped the training centre market.

How much do English teachers earn in China?

English teachers in China commonly earn around ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 a month, which is roughly €1,280 to €2,570 at the ECB reference rate of 1 September 2026. Where you land in that range depends on the type of school, the city, your qualifications and your experience.

Because there is no national scale, two offers in the same city can differ widely. Always compare the full package: housing, flights, insurance, teaching hours and any end of contract bonus.

Which cities in China pay English teachers the most?

The highest salaries are usually offered in the first tier cities: Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Strong economies, many international schools and high living costs push pay towards the top of the range and beyond for international roles.

Shanghai

China’s largest city has the deepest market for international schools and premium training centres, so the top end of pay is most common here. Rent is the main cost to plan for, which is why housing support in your contract matters so much.

Beijing

The capital has a large public school and university sector alongside international schools. Pay is comparable to Shanghai for similar roles, with similarly high housing costs.

Shenzhen and Guangzhou

The southern economic hubs have fast growing international and bilingual schools. Shenzhen in particular draws teachers looking for a modern city close to Hong Kong.

Are second tier cities better for saving money?

Often, yes. Cities such as Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu, Xi’an and Wuhan generally pay somewhat less than the first tier, but living costs, especially rent, are noticeably lower. Many teachers save as much or more, and find a gentler pace of life.

• Hangzhou and Nanjing: prosperous eastern cities with strong education sectors and easy rail links to Shanghai.
• Chengdu: a large western city known for its relaxed lifestyle and growing international community.
• Xi’an and Wuhan: major historic and transport hubs with lower costs and steady demand.

A simple way to compare: subtract a realistic monthly budget for each city from the offer, after housing support. The best offer is the one that leaves you most at the end of the month in the life you actually want.

What do you need to teach English in China legally?

To work legally you need a Z work visa, which is converted to a residence permit after arrival. That depends on the Foreigner’s Work Permit system, and the core requirements are a bachelor’s degree, a clean criminal record check and a teaching qualification or experience.

• Degree: a bachelor’s degree in any subject.
• TEFL or experience: typically a TEFL of at least 120 hours or two years of teaching experience; local authorities apply the rules, so check with your employer.
• Background check: a criminal record check, legalised for China.
• Age: upper limits are set locally and are often around 55 to 60.

Never start work on a tourist or business visa. Our China country guide lists the official sources behind these rules, and the Visa Desk tracks changes. For document steps, see TEFL certificate legalisation explained.

What affects your salary in China?

Your employer type matters most, followed by your qualifications, your experience and the city. Within the typical range, schools usually pay more for teachers who are better qualified, experienced with the relevant age group and willing to commit for a full contract.

• School type: international schools pay the most but usually want a teaching licence and classroom experience.
• Qualifications: a regulated Level 5 TEFL Diploma (Ofqual 610/1571/4) helps you compete for better roles, though no fixed premium is guaranteed.
• Experience: two or more years often opens better schools and stronger negotiating positions.
• Market changes: since the 2021 Double Reduction policy, after-school tutoring of core subjects for school-age children is restricted, so many training centres now focus on adults or very young learners.

How should you judge a job offer in China?

Judge the whole package and the employer’s paperwork, not the headline salary. A slightly lower salary with housing, flights and a proper work permit is usually worth more than a higher figure without them.

Our guide to getting your first TEFL job explains how to spot a risky offer, and the TEFL Salary Index compares pay across countries.

Ready to teach English in China?

The TEFL Institute Group is Europe’s largest TEFL trainer by teachers certified, with 161,000 teachers certified since 2017 and graduates in 80 countries. We are a Highfield Approved Centre (number 21335).

Start with the 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course to meet the usual work permit requirement, or choose the 180 Hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma to stand out for better roles.

Ian O’Sullivan, Founder

Founded The TEFL Institute Group in 2017 to bring honesty to TEFL training; more than 20 years in the field, now Europe’s largest TEFL trainer by teachers certified, with 161,000 graduates in 80 countries.