China
Teaching English in China Review
Why Teach English in China?
China is one of the best countries to teach English abroad in 2026 because it offers high-paying TEFL teaching jobs and an incredible travel experience. There are thousands of jobs available for native English speakers who hold an undergraduate degree and an accredited 120-hour TESOL/TEFL certification.
Apply for TEFL jobs in China directly with schools or find free recruitment agencies that offer job placement with a work (Z) visa. Common teaching placements include K-12 and TEFL teaching jobs in public schools, language schools, and international schools.
Most teaching jobs in China include airfare and accommodation or an allowance to cover your living expenses. This means that teachers in China can easily travel, save money, or pay their loans!
Salary & Benefits
Most teaching jobs in China include airfare and accommodation or an allowance to cover your living expenses. This means that teachers in China can easily travel, save money, or pay their loans!
| School Type | Monthly Salary (USD) | Monthly Salary (RMB) |
|---|---|---|
| Language Schools | $2,500–$4,500 | Up to 25,000 RMB |
| Public Schools | $2,500–$4,500 | Up to 30,000 RMB |
| Universities | $2,000–$4,500 | Up to 25,000 RMB |
| International Schools | $4,500–$6,000 | Up to 40,000 RMB |
Salaries vary by city, qualifications, and experience. Tier 1 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) offer higher salaries but also have a higher cost of living.
English & K-12 Teaching Jobs in China
Choose from thousands of K-12 and English teaching jobs for entry-level and experienced teachers. OnTESOL offers lifetime job assistance in China, including access to job board, a list of schools and recruiters, and resume support.
Private Language Schools
Private English language schools are becoming more popular in China as the standard of living continues to improve. International and Chinese national chains of language schools play an important role in raising the English language proficiency in China.
Most language schools in China focus on teaching after-school English classes for young learners, but there are many schools that teach adult lessons, including IELTS and business English. With classes of 10 to 18 students, a well-defined curriculum for each level, and the availability of technologies and varied resources, ESL teachers can use Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) methods to their full potential.
An accredited TESOL / TEFL certification with additional young learners or Business English specialization is recommended for language schools in China.
Salary: $2,500–$4,500/month (up to 25,000 RMB)
Public Schools
China achieved universal education in 2011 when primary school enrollment reached 99%. English teaching jobs are available throughout China and there is a great demand for ESL and K-12 teachers in smaller Tier 2 and 3 cities.
Public schools in China offer well-paid opportunities for entry-level ESL and K-12 teachers. Many public schools in China will hire you without a degree in Education or previous teaching experience. The minimum requirement is an undergraduate degree in any area and an accredited 120-hour TESOL / TEFL certification.
The challenge of teaching in Chinese public schools is that teachers must manage large classes with more than 50 students.
Salary: $2,500–$4,500/month (up to 30,000 RMB)
International K-12 Schools
Private international schools in China are the best option for licensed K-12 teachers with a degree in Education and an accredited TESOL / TEFL certification. They pay better than public schools and offer better work conditions with structured curriculum and smaller classes.
Salary: $4,500–$6,000/month (up to 40,000 RMB)
Universities
Universities are a great option for experienced ESL teachers looking to teach English to adults with a high level of English language proficiency. University jobs require advanced lesson planning and curriculum development skills.
The 250-hour TESOL Diploma is recommended for university ESL teaching jobs in China.
Salary: $2,000–$4,500/month (up to 25,000 RMB)
Top Cities to Teach English in China
One of the main reasons that China has become a popular destination is that it has thousands of well-paid TEFL jobs readily available in different regions. However, the main reason people choose China is because it is a great country to travel!
China is home to large and ever-expanding cities the likes of Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. You must take a long weekend to visit all of them! The main attraction of China, however, is not the intimidating skyscrapers. If China becomes your TEFL destination, you cannot miss the astonishing natural wonders and historical sites of the Guilin, Sichuan, Fujian, or Chengdu provinces!
Capital · History & culture
ESL teachers in Beijing can experience a rich history that dates back to the Mongol Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) and has shaped the city’s various architectural sites. The most visited tourist destinations are the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, and the Mao Zedong Mausoleum.
Beijing guide →
Cosmopolitan · Nightlife
Shanghai is the place for young ESL teachers who are interested in living in a city that never sleeps. This is a city that offers great diversity and contrast; alleys of the tallest and most modern buildings sprout almost on a weekly basis around 10th century temples and classical Chinese gardens.
Shanghai guide →
Modern · Fast-paced
Overwhelming with energy, colour, size and lights, Guangzhou is favoured by young ESL teachers who are starting their English teaching careers abroad. Deeply influenced by Hong Kong, Guangzhou has turned into a modern, fast-paced cosmopolitan center.
Guangzhou guide →
Nature · Giant pandas
In the rapidly growing city of Chengdu, glassy skylines mingle with wooden architecture and tree-lined streets. ESL teachers in Chengdu are close to some of China’s most beautiful natural treasures. Take a weekend trip to visit the Huanglong Valley, or go to the research base for giant panda breeding.
Chengdu guide →