Salary
You can expect to earn 10,000 to 20,000 RMB per month (approx. USD $1,490–$2,984), plus a housing allowance (*) and flight reimbursement with every placement. See below for further details.
(*) Shanghai Placements: Accommodation & Benefits
For Shanghai placements, schools offer a higher salary instead of free accommodation. Expect to pay around 2,500–3,500 RMB per month for shared accommodation or 4,000–5,000 RMB for a private place.
Your school will provide a hotel for your first week, giving you time to find accommodation with support from a local coordinator.
Shanghai placements also include additional benefits such as a semester bonus, health insurance and transport allowances.
Cost of living
All teaching contracts are for 10 months and include flight reimbursement and accommodation or a housing allowance (*). The cost of living in China is relatively affordable, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your experience while saving part of your salary.
- Average living costs: around 4,000 RMB per month
- Accommodation: provided or covered by a housing allowance*
- Potential savings: from around 4,000 RMB per month
With competitive salaries, great benefits and manageable living costs, teaching in China is an opportunity to gain international experience, discover a new culture and save money along the way.
Pre-Departure Budget
Before travelling to China, plan for initial costs such as your work visa, criminal record check, document authentication, flights, insurance and rental deposits. Budget approximately £3,000–£3,500 for Shanghai placements and £2,500–£3,000 for other locations.
The good news is that all placements include flight reimbursement, and some schools may also cover visa and document costs.
With a 4–6 month pre-departure process, you’ll have time to plan, save and spread out these expenses.