English teachers in China typically earn ¥12,000–¥22,000 RMB per month (£1,300–£2,400) in 2026, with housing or a housing allowance commonly included. Kindergartens and private training centres in tier-1 cities pay the most; public schools pay less but demand fewer hours; universities pay modest salaries with very light timetables. Add free housing and low living costs, and China remains one of the strongest save-money markets in TEFL.
Pay by employer type
| Employer | Typical monthly pay (RMB) | Typical extras |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten / bilingual school (tier 1) | ¥18,000–¥28,000 | Housing allowance, flights, bonus |
| Private training centre | ¥14,000–¥20,000 | Evenings/weekends; accommodation help |
| Public school | ¥10,000–¥16,000 | Housing, school hours, long holidays |
| University | ¥8,000–¥14,000 | Free on-campus housing, ~14 teaching hours |
| International school | ¥25,000–¥40,000 | Licence required; full expat package |
Tier matters: the same job pays 20–40% more in Shanghai or Shenzhen than in a tier-3 city - but rent can be three times higher, so tier-2 cities (Chengdu, Hangzhou, Qingdao) are often the best save-rate choice.
Requirements in 2026
The legal Z-visa requires: a bachelor's degree, a clean criminal record check (apostilled), two years' post-graduation work experience or a 120-hour TEFL certificate, and passing a health check. In practice the TEFL route is how most new graduates qualify - which is why an accredited, verifiable certificate matters at visa processing, not just interview. Note the online-tutoring sector inside China remains heavily restricted since 2021; the in-person market is where the jobs are.
How much can you save?
With housing provided, teachers routinely bank ¥4,000–¥8,000 (£430–£860) per month while living comfortably - the reason China anchors so many pay-off-your-loans TEFL plans. Our accredited 120-hour TESOL Certificate satisfies the Z-visa training route and is verifiable online by employers and agencies.
Do I need a degree to teach English in China?
Yes - for the legal Z work visa a bachelor's is mandatory. Offers to work on other visa types are a serious legal risk to you, not the school; decline them.
Which Chinese cities pay English teachers the most?
Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen top nominal pay, but after rent, tier-2 cities frequently leave more in your pocket. Ask every employer the same question: what's the salary after housing is accounted for?
Is teaching English in China safe and reliable in 2026?
The regulated in-person sector (licensed schools and kindergartens) is stable and contracts are formal. The red flags are the same as anywhere: employers who won't process the correct visa, vague contracts, or salary paid partly "off book".
Planning the move itself? Our Teach English in China guide covers requirements, visas and how to get started.