How to Make the Most of Your English Teacher Salary in Taiwan

If you’re looking for a satisfying experience, both personally and financially, teaching English in Taiwan can be a good choice. However, it's important to use prudent financial planning and seize local prospects to truly make the most of your English teacher salary in Taiwan.

Whether teaching in a city or the countryside, understanding how to budget properly, optimizing your perks, and seeking other income streams can dramatically help support your English teacher in Taiwan salary. We’ll guide you toward practical suggestions for controlling your expenses; anything from housing and transportation techniques to saving and investing effectively.

In addition, we'll look at how embracing local culture and possibilities might result in a more enjoyable and financially stable experience. You'll be well on your way to enjoying your stay in Taiwan and ensuring a comfortable future by optimizing your English teacher salary in Taiwan. By earning a competitive salary of an English teacher in Taiwan you’re able to immerse yourself in a lively society!

What is the average English teacher's salary in Taiwan?

Making the most of your English teacher salary and experience in Taiwan can be simple!

While they vary, on average English teacher salaries in Taiwan can fall somewhere between $2,000 USD to $3,000 USD per month. Compensation will vary based on things like experience, responsibilities, school type, etc. However, the majority of schools will offer benefits like health insurance and possibly a housing stipend, which also contributes to your English teacher in Taiwan salary!

How much can I earn teaching English in Taiwan?

You can make increasingly more depending on your credentials as an English teacher in Taiwan, with experience almost certainly more. However, several factors affect potential earnings, including:

• Teaching Experience: In most cases, a more generous salary is granted to teachers with more experience. Educational institutions place a high value on teachers who have a background in education and demonstrated proficiency in the classroom, which can greatly increase your salary.
• Type of Degree: Even though a bachelor's degree is typically the bare minimum required, having a higher degree can improve your chances of getting paid more. For example, university professors, who must hold a master’s or doctoral degree to teach at Taiwanese universities, make the highest salaries upwards of 3,000 USD per month. That said, you will be a more appealing prospect to potential employers if you possess specialized qualifications.
• TEFL Certification: Possessing a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate demonstrates your commitment to the profession and your readiness to teach. This certification can enhance your earning potential by showcasing your specialized training. With a TEFL certificate, your pay will likely be capped off at roughly 2000 USD per month. Moreover, a credential in TESOL or CELTA is typically accepted to work in language centers and schools.
• Language Proficiency: Although fluency in Mandarin is not mandatory, having some proficiency in the local language can open up additional job opportunities and potentially lead to higher pay. It shows your willingness to immerse yourself in the culture and communicate effectively with students and colleagues.
• Location: As a teacher in Taiwan, the location of where you teach can have a substantial impact on your compensation. The higher cost of living in urban locations, particularly in cities such as Taipei, typically results in higher pay in these geographic areas. Conversely, rural areas might offer lower salaries but can come with a lower cost of living and other non-monetary benefits.

How much do English teachers make in Taiwan?

Depending on what type of teaching position you pursue, it can factor into pay.

Private schools

The average monthly salary for teachers working in private language schools ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 USD. Often, these schools offer a structured environment in addition to more prospects for increased hours and bonuses.

Public Schools

The monthly salary range for public school teachers is between $2,000 and $2,400 USD. Positions at public schools may come with additional perks, such as paid vacations and incentives, depending on the circumstances.

Private Tutoring

Private tutors can make between $20 and $30 USD per hour, making it a viable choice for individuals who are trying to supplement their income.

How to make a living teaching English in Taiwan

It’s definitely a fair question coming from anyone who intends on making the salary of an English teacher in Taiwan. The good news is that not only can you make a living, but you can also live comfortably on a budget in Taiwan and save while at it!

However, just like anywhere else, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the local currency and how much you can get for your New Taiwan dollar (TWD). Make the most of your time teaching English in this fascinating island nation by following these simple budgeting and saving suggestions!

1. Get familiar with the structure of your salary.

Knowing the Taiwanese education system is important in advocating for a fair salary.

Though it's important to negotiate a reasonable salary; teaching English in Taiwan provides a combination of professional development and financial stability. It's important to know the subtleties of an English teacher's salary in Taiwan.

English instructors in Taiwan usually get a base salary plus incentives, housing allowances, and other perks. Investigating the pay scales in Taiwan guarantees that you're receiving just compensation for your knowledge and experience.

2. Be wise with budgeting your finances.

To effectively manage your finances, it is essential to create a budget that is well thought out. Through the creation of a monthly budget, you will be able to keep track of your expenditures and prioritize spending on necessities such as lodging, food, transportation, and utilities.

Utilizing budgeting tools such as spreadsheets or apps is a helpful way to maintain organization and transparency in your financial situation.

3. Minimize expenses for housing.

The costs associated with housing typically form a sizeable portion of an expatriate's overall expenses. Utilizing the many different housing options available, such as shared apartments or housing provided by schools for teachers, can significantly reduce the cost of renting.

The process of negotiating rental contracts or requesting assistance from local organizations can help locate housing options that are relatively inexpensive and located in attractive areas.

4. Opt for cost-effective transportation options.

Opting for transportation alternatives can help you extend your budget in Taiwan.

Costs associated with transportation can quickly build up, particularly in large urban areas. It’s possible to reduce the amount of money spent on commuting by selecting modes of transportation that are more economical, such as public buses, trains, or bicycles.

Taipei, in particular, has very affordable and efficient public transportation, where you can purchase an EasyCard and spend less than NT$1,000 (~$30 USD) every month by utilizing public transport without any hassle. When it comes to properly managing transportation expenses, taking advantage of transportation discounts or passes that are available for long-term residents is a helpful addition.

5. Embrace the local cuisine.

The variety and accessibility of Taiwanese food have earned it a well-deserved reputation. Exploring the local street food markets and restaurants can provide you with options for meals that are not only good but also affordable.

As a single person living in Taiwan, going out to eat not only affords one the chance to personally experience the pleasures of the cuisine, but it works out to be about the same price as eating at home since Taiwanese meals are inexpensive. However, if you're interested in learning more about the local food scene and traditional dishes, enrolling in a cooking class could be a good option.

Here are 4 things to know before teaching English in Taiwan

6. Take advantage of healthcare benefits.

Take advantage and know the healthcare benefits that come along with teaching abroad.

The vast majority of businesses offer healthcare benefits, however, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the scope of coverage. The importance of knowing what your healthcare coverage is for your overall health cannot be overstated. It’s good to contemplate acquiring supplementary health insurance in order to obtain comprehensive protection.

Taiwan's healthcare services and pharmacies are reasonably priced, which ensures that residents have access to high-quality medical care for their normal needs. If you have certain healthcare requirements or a history of health issues, you may want to supplement your primary health insurance with additional policies.

7. Adopt a frugal lifestyle.

Adopting a frugal lifestyle is always a great lesson to learn while abroad. By adopting minimalist habits and refraining from spending money on things that aren't necessary you can extend your budget. Participating in free or low-cost leisure activities, such as going on a hike, visiting a temple, or attending cultural events, are great ways to take advantage of Taiwan's abundant cultural offerings without going over your budget.

You should prioritize spending your money on things that make you happy and fulfilled rather than on things that aren't important. Making wise decisions and putting your financial security first can allow you to earn a comfortable living as an English teacher in Taiwan—letting you fully experience the lively culture and way of life there.

8. Make a plan for your investments and savings.

By being proactive about money, you can make the most out of your teaching experience in Taiwan.

In order to achieve long-term financial security, it is important to plan for savings and investments. To develop financial stability, first establish savings objectives that are attainable. For example, you could set aside a percentage of your salary to establish an emergency fund or invest in long-term plans.

By promoting the building of wealth over time, it is beneficial for expatriates in Taiwan to investigate the various investment alternatives available to them, such as retirement savings plans and mutual funds.

Travel while making money as an English teacher in Taiwan!

You can make a comfortable living as an English teacher in Taiwan by implementing these ideas into your approach to money management. This will allow you to immerse yourself in the dynamic culture and lifestyle of Taiwan while fulfilling your desire to teach English.

Congratulations! You are now ready to enjoy your time and also have a pleasant and abundant future while making the most of your teaching English in Taiwan salary!