What Are the Typical Salary and Benefits for Foreign Teachers in China?

Foreign Teacher
Jul 5
4 min read

China continues to be a leading destination for teachers looking to live and work abroad. From ancient history and vibrant cities to a growing demand for English education, the country offers plenty of opportunity—and compensation. But what are the typical salary and benefits for foreign teachers in China today?

In this article, we’ll explore salary expectations, benefits packages, and what influences your earning potential as a teacher in China. Whether you're just starting out or considering a move from another country, this guide provides the up-to-date information you need.

Typical Salary and Benefits for Foreign Teachers in China: A 2025 Breakdown

Teaching salaries in China vary depending on your location, type of institution, and professional background. The cost of living can also differ dramatically between a first-tier city like Shanghai and a smaller inland town—so it’s important to consider the full package.

Public Schools

For teachers working in public primary, middle, or high schools, salary levels are generally:

¥8,000–10,000 RMB/month in smaller or Tier 3 cities (e.g. Xi’an, Guilin, or Harbin)
¥12,000–15,000 RMB/month in larger cities (e.g. Beijing, Guangzhou, or Chengdu)

These roles often come with shorter working hours, Monday-to-Friday schedules, and generous holidays. While base pay might seem modest compared to private institutions, the benefits—such as free housing and paid leave—can make them excellent value overall.

For a sense of how far your money might go, use a cost of living comparison tool like Numbeo.

Private Language Institutions

Private English training centres and academies—especially in Tier 1 cities—tend to offer higher salaries:

¥18,000–30,000 RMB/month, depending on your experience, qualifications, and the institution

These jobs often include evening and weekend work, as they cater to students outside of school hours. However, they usually come with full benefits and are willing to pay a premium for skilled foreign teachers.

If you’re teaching in a competitive city like Shenzhen or Shanghai and hold a recognised TEFL or teaching licence, your pay could reach the upper end of that range. For more about the impact of qualifications, see this guide to TEFL levels.

International Schools and Universities

Though not covered in many recruitment ads, international schools and universities are increasingly hiring foreign teachers. They typically offer:

International schools: ¥25,000–40,000 RMB/month plus full benefits
Universities: ¥9,000–16,000 RMB/month, with a lighter workload and extended holidays

These roles may require a teaching licence, postgraduate degree, or previous experience in a school setting. International schools, in particular, provide structured curricula and excellent support.

Standard Benefits for Foreign Teachers in China

Salary isn’t everything. Most foreign teacher contracts in China include generous benefits that add substantial value to the overall package.

1. Free Housing or Housing Allowance

Many institutions offer free, fully furnished apartments located near the school. In major cities where housing is expensive, schools might instead provide a monthly housing allowance of ¥2,000–5,000 RMB.

In some cases, you may also receive a relocation bonus or help with utilities. For a full overview of housing norms and other expat essentials, this InterNations guide is helpful.

2. Health Insurance

Legal teaching positions almost always come with basic health insurance, often covering treatment in local hospitals. Some top-tier schools also provide international health plans or reimburse visits to private clinics.

Many teachers choose to upgrade to international health insurance providers for broader coverage and access to English-speaking doctors.

3. Flight Reimbursement

It’s common for schools to reimburse your flight after contract completion, typically up to ¥10,000 RMB. Some offer round-trip reimbursement annually, especially for teachers on longer-term contracts.

Always check whether this benefit is paid upfront, in instalments, or as a lump sum at the end of your term.

4. Paid Holidays

Teachers are generally entitled to all official Chinese public holidays, including Chinese New Year, National Day, and others. Most public schools also provide winter and summer holidays, which can total up to two months of paid or partially paid time off.

International schools may follow Western academic calendars, offering Christmas breaks and full summers off.

5. Legal Support and Onboarding

Quality institutions help with Z visa sponsorship, residency permits, and onboarding processes. Reputable schools may also provide orientation, airport pickup, or a local support officer to assist with settling in.

What Affects Your Salary and Benefits?

A few key factors determine your compensation as a foreign teacher in China:

City Tier: Salaries are higher in major cities but so are living costs
Experience and Qualifications: A TEFL certificate, bachelor’s degree, and classroom experience make a big difference
School Type: International and private schools typically offer the most competitive packages
Language Skills: Mandarin isn’t required, but some schools may offer bonuses for bilingual candidates

To get real-world insights and updates, check out active discussion threads on r/ChinaTEFL on Reddit, where teachers share current offers and honest reviews of schools.

Final Thoughts

So, what are the typical salary and benefits for foreign teachers in China in 2025? In short:

Public schools: ¥8,000–15,000/month
Private institutions: ¥18,000–30,000/month
International schools: Up to ¥40,000/month
Plus housing, health insurance, flights, and holidays are often included

It’s a strong overall package—and with rising demand and an improving job market, now’s a great time to explore opportunities. Just remember to look beyond salary alone and consider the full benefits and support structure being offered.