How Much Can You Earn Teaching English Online?

24Nov 2024 by ESL Expat

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Have you ever wondered how much you can earn teaching English online? With the rise of online language learning platforms, teaching English as a second language (ESL) has become a thriving career option for many. Its flexibility, growing demand, and accessibility have attracted teachers from all around the world. But how much you can actually earn depends on several factors—including your qualifications, experience, and the platform you choose to teach on.

Here’s an in-depth look at online ESL teacher salaries and actionable tips to help you maximize your earnings.

1. Factors That Influence Online ESL Teacher Salaries

Understanding the various factors that influence online ESL teacher salaries can help you determine your earning potential. These factors include your level of education, certification, teaching experience, and the specific online platform you utilize.

Qualifications

One of the biggest game-changers for online ESL salaries is your qualifications. Certifications such as CELTA, TEFL, or TESOL can significantly enhance your earning potential by demonstrating your teaching skills and commitment. For instance, obtaining a CELTA certification is viewed as a gold standard for English teachers globally.

Experience

It’s no surprise that teaching experience impacts your rates. The more experience you have, the more you can charge. Teaching ESL isn’t just about speaking English fluently—honing your grammar, lesson planning, and classroom management skills is essential for success. Resources like the Best English Grammar Books for Teachers are great for refining your craft and building confidence as an educator.

Platform Policies

Your earnings can also vary depending on the teaching platform you choose. Platforms such as VIPKid, Cambly, and Preply have different structures for rates and fees. Some platforms may prioritize live 1-on-1 classes, while others emphasize group sessions. If you’re exploring potential opportunities, finding TEFL jobs for Non-Native English Speakers in Thailand can help broaden your horizons.

2. Average Earnings for Online ESL Teachers

Curious about numbers? Here’s a breakdown of what teachers typically earn:

Beginner Teachers: $10–$15/hour. These roles typically require minimal experience but may involve more basic courses.
Intermediate Teachers: $15–$25/hour. With a TEFL certification or a few years of experience, you can enter this range.
Advanced/Certified Teachers: $25–$40/hour (or more). Teachers with CELTA certifications or those specializing in business English or test prep can command higher rates.

Some teachers further increase their income by hosting group classes or offering private tutoring to students.

3. Top 4 Platforms for Teaching English Online

aTeaching English online has become easier thanks to platforms that connect students with skilled educators.

Here are a few of the most popular:

VIPKid – Average Pay: $14–$22/hour, Key Feature: Focused on teaching Chinese students, with pre-made lesson plans
Preply – Average Pay: $15–$25/hour, Key Feature: Flexibility and the ability to set your own rates
Cambly – Average Pay: $10–$12/hour, Key Feature: Perfect for casual conversation classes and beginners
iTalki – Average Pay: $10–$30/hour, Key Feature: Ideal for private tutoring with a global base of students

Other Online Platforms to Consider

Lingoda – Key Feature: Offers structured courses and flexible learning options
SkimaTalk – Key Feature: Offers one-on-one lessons with native speakers
Learnlight – Key Feature: Focuses on business English and intercultural skills
Open English – Key Feature: Focuses on Latin American students with immersive experiences
Magic Ears – Key Feature: Group lessons with interactive teaching tools
Qkids – Key Feature: Interactive game-based platform for young learners
EF Education First – Key Feature: Global company offering various types of English lessons
Verbling – Key Feature: Connects students with qualified teachers worldwide
Cafetalk – Key Feature: Offers a wide array of lessons including language and culture
PalFish – Key Feature: App-based teaching platform with flexible schedule
Fluentbe – Key Feature: Focused on European students with virtual classroom options
English2Go – Key Feature: Provides tailored lessons for individuals and corporations
Tutlo – Key Feature: Offers on-demand lessons with immediate availability
Whales English – Key Feature: Specializes in immersive English teaching for children
Englishhunt – Key Feature: Provides phone-based English lessons
Engoo – Key Feature: Offers 24/7 lessons with a wide range of resources
LatinHire – Key Feature: Connects teachers with educational companies across Latin America
Twenix – Key Feature: Focuses on speaking skills in short, engaging sessions
Gogokid – Key Feature: Offers personalized curriculum for young Chinese learners

For a more interactive teaching experience, tools like to make ESL Teaching fun and interactive can enhance your online lessons.

4. Maximizing Your Earnings as an Online ESL Teacher

As an online ESL teacher, one of the biggest advantages is the flexibility and potential for earning a higher income compared to traditional teaching methods. While each platform may have different payment structures and rates, there are some general tips you can follow to maximize your earnings.

Upskilling and Specialization

Invest time in growing your expertise to stand out. Focus on niches like business English, test prep (IELTS, TOEFL), or working with students who have speech disorders. Specialized skills often justify higher rates. Discover how to enhance classroom participation for students with speech disorders.

Obtaining additional certifications like TEFL Advanced or a diploma in education can also boost your credibility.

Marketing Yourself

Start by building a standout profile on teaching platforms. Include a professional photo, a clear bio about your teaching style, and showcase certifications. Personal touches—like sharing your favorite lesson topics—help attract more students. Need help polishing your profile? Use tips to improve your summary writing skills.

Social media and word-of-mouth referrals are also fantastic ways to find private clients. A personal website showcasing your accolades and testimonials can solidify your reputation further.

5. Comparing Online and In-Person Teaching Earnings

If you’re torn between teaching online or taking the leap to teach abroad, consider the trade-offs. While online teaching offers flexibility and no relocation concerns, in-person roles—like in the UAE—often come with benefits like housing and tax-free salaries. For those looking to make this decision, using an English CV template can help clearly present your qualifications and experiences.

For example:

Online Teaching	Teaching Abroad
Average Hourly Rate: $10–$25/hour. Bonus Perks: Work from anywhere, flexible schedule, global student base.	Average Salary: $2,500–$4,000/month. Bonus Perks: Cultural immersion, in-person interaction, and housing benefits.

Ultimately, choosing between online and in-person teaching depends on your personal goals and lifestyle preferences.

Which Countries Are Best For Teaching English Abroad?

Teaching English abroad offers the opportunity to not only earn a living, but also to immerse yourself in a new culture and gain valuable teaching experience. While there are many countries that offer opportunities for teaching English, some stand out as top destinations for teachers.

These include:

China: High demand for English teachers; salaries $1,200-$2,500/month with benefits like free housing and airfare.
South Korea: Competitive salaries $2,000-$3,000/month, includes housing and airfare.
Spain: Popular in Europe for its low cost of living; salaries $1,000-$2,500/month with health insurance and paid vacation.
UAE: High salaries $3,000-$5,000/month tax-free, with free housing.
Thailand: Attractive for its beaches; salaries $1,000-$2,000/month, low living costs.
Japan: High demand; salaries $2,000-$5,000/month, with housing and transport allowances.
Costa Rica: Popular in Latin America; salaries $500-$1,000/month, lower living costs.
Czech Republic: Attractive for its history; salaries $800-$1,800/month, with health insurance and paid vacation.
Colombia: Salaries $700-$1,500/month, lower living costs.
France: Immerse in French culture; salaries $1,500-$3,000/month with health insurance and paid vacation.

Teaching English abroad can not only be a fulfilling and rewarding experience, but it can also provide financial stability and growth in your career.

Wrapping It Up

Teaching English online offers incredible earning potential, but it all depends on your qualifications, experience, and the effort you put into marketing yourself. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced teacher, opportunities abound in this rapidly growing field.

Remember, the more you invest in developing your skills—whether through certifications, resources, or specialized training—the more you can maximize your income. Explore online ESL job openings or upskill with some of the resources mentioned above to start or elevate your teaching career.