In Saudi Arabia, English teachers can expect to earn at least $2,500 to $4,000 monthly, depending on your level of qualifications and previous classroom experience. Demand for qualified and experienced teachers is strong in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, where universities, colleges, international schools, and private language academies offer a variety of teaching positions.
Table of Contents
Is Saudi Arabia the right TEFL destination for you?
What are TEFL salaries in Saudi Arabia?
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Saudi Arabia?
Who else employs English language teachers in Saudi Arabia?
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Saudi Arabia?
Is Saudi Arabia the right TEFL destination for you?
While Saudi Arabia is one of the most attractive teaching destinations in terms of income, it is important to be aware of the cultural situation before you decide to head there. The country's conservative laws and traditions mean it is not an ideal destination for some teachers. Alcohol is forbidden and interaction between unmarried couples is not permitted. Female teachers can find it particularly challenging as they are further restricted by issues such as clothing customs.
What are TEFL salaries in Saudi Arabia?
Potential earnings for English language teachers in Saudi Arabia are amongst the highest to be found anywhere in the world. Salaries start at around $2,500 US per month and can rise to $4,000 and beyond depending on qualifications and experience. In addition to a generous salary, most positions will also include an equally generous benefit package that includes paid airfares, paid accommodation, and a bonus on completion of the contract. If all that is not enough, it is also worth mentioning that salaries are typically tax free.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Saudi Arabia?
In Saudi Arabia there are a large number of private and public run language academies throughout the country. An average week would include 25 to 30 classroom hours, with extensive lesson planning on top. Although not essential, a good understanding of Arabic is a real advantage in this area.
Privately run international schools are another potential employer for teachers who can meet the relatively stringent criteria. Most positions will require a teaching qualification from your home country, as well as a minimum of two years classroom experience. Working hours are generally 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday to Wednesday. Contracts can be for one or two years.
Who else employs English language teachers in Saudi Arabia?
As virtually all university students in Saudi Arabia are required to sit an English language exam, there are plenty of great opportunities within the country's extensive network of colleges and universities. Positions generally pay in excess of $4,000 per month so competition for each job is usually very strong. Plenty of previous experience will almost certainly be required to secure a position in this area.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Saudi Arabia?
In Saudi Arabia, one of the wealthiest countries in the Middle East, English teachers can anticipate monthly living expenses ranging from $1,000 to $1,500. However, the region's generous teacher salaries, coupled with often-covered costs like housing and airfares, ensure that teachers not only live comfortably but also amass significant savings from their monthly earnings.
