Teaching English in Spain - The Salary and Budget Guide
This guide will help you answer the question: How much can I earn (and save) teaching English in Spain? You'll also find information on the local cost of living in order to figure out how much to budget for when making the move to Spain.
Table of Contents
The Typical Salary for English Teachers in Spain
How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching English in Spain
Cost of Living in Spain: Leisure Activities
Cost of Living in Spain: Transportation
Cost of Living in Spain: Travel around Spain and Beyond
How Much You Can Save When Teaching English in Spain
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The Typical Salary for English Teachers in Spain
Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world and has a large tourism industry. Because of this, the demand for TEFL qualified English language teachers is very high all across the nation. Most teachers find jobs in private language schools but positions can also be found in public schools through government-sponsored programs. You will find most available positions in large cities, such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, but opportunities can be found all over the country. The typical salary for English teachers in Spain starts at around 700 EUR per month, rising to 1,800 EUR for higher-end positions.
Here is more information on the average salaries in Spain per school type:
How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching English in Spain
Since teacher salaries in Spain aren't among the highest in the world, many teachers supplement their income by taking on private students in their free time. Rates for private tutoring range between 18 and 22 EUR per hour.
Getting a Work Visa in Spain
While it can often be a challenge for teachers from outside the EU to obtain a long-term work visa to teach legally in the country, there is a relatively easy way to teach legally in Spain. For more information on how to get a work visa for Spain, read our guide.
The Cost of Living in Spain
Spain is an incredibly popular destination for teaching English abroad and there is a strong demand for TEFL certified teachers. However, salaries aren't high, which often deters teachers from moving there. On the plus side, living expenses are usually lower than in some other European destinations, such as Italy or France. Therefore, you can still live comfortably when teaching English in Spain.
Also read: 9 Stunning Cities in Spain For Teaching English Abroad
Cost of Living in Spain: Food
If you avoid eating in areas catered to foreigners and tourists, you will be able to save a lot of money on food while living in Spain. Shopping at local markets will also help your budget.
- Milk (1L) : 0.80 €
- Eggs (12) : 1.60 €
- Apples (1kg) : 1.60 €
- Chicken breast (1kg) : 5.70 €
- Rice (1kg) : 1 €
- Bottle of water (1.5L) : 0.60 €
- Bottle of domestic beer (.5L) : 2.20 €
Cost of Living in Spain: Leisure Activities
Spain is a country rich in natural scenery. You can go skiing, hiking, swimming in the ocean, surfing or sampling your way through the country's rich wine culture! There is so much to see and do and people love to enjoy life to the fullest.
- Three-course mid-range restaurant dinner: 35 €
- Quick restaurant meal: 10 €
- 1-month fitness club membership: 35 €
- Movie ticket, international release: 8 €
Cost of Living in Spain: Transportation
Most large cities in Spain are equipped with a well-connected subway system. Trains and buses also connect the country's large and smaller towns with one another.
- Metro ride: 1.40 €
- Monthly pass (regular price): 45 €
- Taxi rate per km: 1.05 € (start fare ~ 3 €)
- City bus: 1.40 €
Cost of Living in Spain: Travel around Spain and Beyond
Every region in Spain is unique and offers its own cultural heritage. From food, architecture, and art, you will never run out of things to see and do while teaching English in Spain.
- 1 night in a mid-range hotel: 50 €
- Train from Madrid to Barcelona (3 hours): 65 €
- Flight from Madrid to Paris, roundtrip (2 hours): 55 €
Sample Monthly Teacher Budget
To give you an example of how an English teacher in Spain spends their salary, here is a sample monthly budget:
- Gross income (salary) : 1,300 € (average)
- Rent (shared or one-bedroom): 500 €
- Utilities (electricity, gas, water): 115 €
- Phone & Internet: 40 €
- Food: 150 €
- Insurance: 20 €
- Remaining disposable income: 475 € (currently $540 USD)
How Much You Can Save When Teaching English in Spain
As you can see from the sample budget above, you will be left with approximately $540 USD after the average expenses when teaching English in Spain. Of course, this amount varies depending on your salary, location and personal lifestyle. While it's true that you won't be able to save as much compared to places in Asia, for example, where the salaries are generally higher and the cost of living considerably lower, you will still have the time of your life when teaching English in Spain!
Take Your TEFL/TESOL In-Class Course in Spain
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