 THE HARD FACTS ABOUT $ALARIES
from TEACHING ESL IN CHINA
As with Chinese Nationals travelling to your country for employment, they expect to paid local
salaries; however, the Chinese Government recognises that most foreign [overseas] applicants
for teaching positions in China receive salaries in their home countries considerably higher than those paid to local
Chinese teachers, and also enjoy a higher standard of living.
An average Chinese teacher salary in 2003 was [universities & colleges] 1,950 RMB per month and for Middle Schools
1,100 RMB per month (China Bureau of Statistics). On these salaries most teachers support their families in a reasonable
manner and enjoy a comfortable [local] lifestyle. However, for foreign teachers, the Government of China, through SAFEA
Approved schools, guarantees a minimum standard of western accommodation and salaries that bear some semblance
[buying power parity] to those received in their home countries. In order to arrive at a salary package that would satisfy
most applicants, the government considered the following factors:
- Comparative costs of living
- Provision of high standard accommodation
- Salary free from taxation
- Basic health care
- Reimbursement of airfares
Therefore, Government Approved schools and universities provide foreign teachers [many of whom do not have any real
teaching experience] tax free salaries, free accommodation, airfares, free basic health care and the salaries that are
three to five times higher than that paid to local teachers performing similar tasks, and who often have many years teaching experience.
Teacher applicants who wish to be rewarded relative to their own domestic salary rates, especially those wanting home
country salaries equivalent to 35 to 40 hours per week work, but for which they will only work for 12-16 hours per week teaching in China, should seriously consider the following.
China Provides |
Australian Dollars
$ Value |
United States
$ Value |
A tax-free salary of 5,000 RMB per month |
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Add to that tax that would be paid in home country |
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Salary Package for 20x45minute
classes per week: |
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Accommodation [Free in China] at $150 pw |
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Total China employment package, per annum |
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When one considers that the cost of living in China is between 1/10th to ¼ that of Australia, North America and Europe
and the fact that no overtime payments have been included in the above figures, the salary package offered is not
unattractive and often not that much less than one would receive at home, but without the opportunity to experience the
unique culture and traditions of the world's fastest growing economy.
Realistic salaries
[depending on province and city] for China |
RMB Month |
1st Degree, without bona fide teaching experience: |
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3,500 to 4,500 |
1st Degree with ESL, TESOL or other qualifications |
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4,000 to 5,500 |
Post Graduate, Masters [Education], MBA etc. |
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4,500 to 6,500 |
Experienced, Qualified Teachers of European ethnic origin |
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4,500 to 7,500 |
PhD, Experienced IT Post Graduates, etc. |
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5,500 to 10,000 |
Miss Li's Handy Tip about your salary.
 There is a lot written about salaries, most of it outrageously ill-informed, and propagated via forums.
However, the truth of the matter is that payroll records have the last say. There are also a lot false and
misleading statements made in some Internet advertising. The truth of the matter is salaries in China are
not comparable with Western salaries, but certainly allow you to live in reasonable comfort. Teachers
are rarely paid a salary of less than 4,000 RMB; conversely, rarely more than 10,000 RMB. Most times
higher salaries mean longer working hours, lower standard of accommodation or loss of some benefits.
Martin Wolff, who has written many articles on salaries, admits that for his 16,000 RMB per month, he works 65 hours per week.
If you have any questions, please use the form below and I will do my best to answer quickly.
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