How much do American teachers make in China?

Aspiring educators who contemplate an international teaching career may ponder the wage potential of American teachers in China. For experienced instructors, the surging job market and presence of many foreign expatriates make the nation an alluring destination for employment. Through this piece, we will discover the remuneration, advantages and other aspects of what it’s like to teach in China as a United States citizen.

The attractive wages of teaching in China can be tempting to consider, with significations varying from salary bands in the middle-range to those of a particularly opulent stature, complemented further oftentimes with additional benefits. This remuneration however, can be observed to be greater than that of similar jobs in other nations, which should be taken in light of past testimonies of those with prior knowledge, since wages can be a result of the qualification possessed and preceding experience.

Typical Salaries

In 2016, Xinhua, a Chinese news source, reported that the average remuneration of expatriate teachers in China had appreciated by 10% compared to the preceding year; amounting to around 5,000 RMB, which, at the then-existing exchange rate in the market, was approximately equivalent to $750.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the salary range for American teachers can vary widely, depending on the experience level, type of job and city where the job is located. Many teachers report that wages increase significantly for those with advanced degrees and specialized experiences.

In Beijing and Shanghai, for instance, foreign teachers with advanced qualifications and several years of experience can expect to receive significantly higher wages. At many universities, the positions paying the highest salaries require a master’s and/or doctorate degree. For example, in Beijing, experienced teachers with advanced degrees may make as much as 30,000 RMB (around $4,500 USD) per month, according to PayScale.

Non-salary Benefits

In addition to wages, some Chinese schools are known to provide monetary aid such as complimentary housing arrangements, or a monetary supplement to cater to the needs of rent and various utility payments. Furthermore, certain establishments may even supply complimentary airfare, health insurance, as well as a one-off bonus post completion of the contract.

Additionally, some teachers report that they are able to negotiate their pay and terms. If a school offers a lower wage than expected, a teacher may negotiating for additional benefits or a signing bonus as a counter offer, depending on the school and the type of job.

Additional Considerations

Typically, foreign teaching contracts come with a commitment to at least one academic year, with some schools offering a one-year renewal option. As with any job, the ease of this renewal process may vary from school to school - it’s best to research carefully and speak directly to teachers at the school of interest in order to get a clear picture of the renewal prospects before signing a contract.

In addition, it’s important to factor in cost of living when considering a foreign teaching job. There are large disparities between the cost of living in China’s rural areas and in its larger cities. While living in smaller towns and cities might mean a lower salary, it might also mean lower costs of products and services, allowing the teacher to get more out of their earning potential.

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that teachers typically have little to no control over their work visa. Schools are responsible for acquiring visas for foreign employees, but it’s important for teachers to be aware of the work visa process and the documents and requirements needed before signing a contract.

Overall, the wages for American teachers in China can vary widely, depending on the job position and city of employment. Those seeking out teaching positions in China should conduct their own research into the school, wages and other benefits and factor in their own personal qualifications. With a bit of preparation and research, American educators can find attractive teaching positions and salary levels while pursuing a long-term career in China.