Blogs on Teaching and Living in Thailand

English teachers in Thailand can earn a range of salaries depending on their qualifications and experience. Generally, salaries for English teachers in Thailand are lower than in other countries.

In Thailand, most English teachers with a bachelor's degree and a TEFL or TESOL will earn around 35,000 to 45,000 Baht per month (approximately $1,000 to $1,300 USD). However, salaries can vary widely depending on the location of the school, the type of school (government or private), and the teacher's experience, qualifications and mother tongue/nationality. Let’s take a look at some examples:

- Private language schools: Salaries range from 30,000 to 50,000 Baht per month (approximately $950 to $1,600 USD) depending on experience and qualifications.

- International schools: Salaries are higher, ranging from 50,000 to 190,000 Baht per month (approximately $1,600 to $5,500 USD) or more, depending on your experience and especially your qualifications.

- Government schools/universities: Salaries are typically lower, ranging from 25,000 to 35,000 baht per month ($800 to $1,100 USD), but often include other benefits such as accommodation, health insurance, and paid vacations.

My first teaching gig was at a language school in Krabi in southern Thailand. I was only making between 25k and 30k a month, but I didn’t care even though I had a college degree, a TESOL and teaching experience.

When I first set foot in this beautiful country, I didn’t care much on what I would be making. I graduated from college in my hometown New York and after teaching in Spain for a year, I was just looking to extend my holiday in Thailand. I didn’t want to work hard. I wasn’t a big spender, 30k was more than I needed.

I was staying in Ao Nang, a 5 to 10-minute walk from the beach making between 25k and 30k a month. I was happy, living the dream in paradise. I would have probably made a lot more money had I taught more hours at the language school I was with or online, but hey, I was a backpacker, I had my priorities!

I was renting an apartment with attached bathroom for 4,200 Baht a month paying the same as locals did. Utilities such as water, electric, internet included my total would amount to approximately 7,000 Baht. I was living the dream living not too far from Phi Phi Le, Phi Phi Don and numerous other gorgeous little islands.

I am an avid snorkeler; needless to say, I traveled on those same snorkeling tour boats tourists use and indulged as much as I could on what I loved. In fact, I had become so much of a regular on those tourist boats that I would often get a small discount.

I didn’t have a Thai girlfriend who would nag me for her daily allowance, nor was there much entertainment of any kind available to entice me to splurge. I’d have the occasional beer with backpackers I had befriended earlier on my island trips and spend a little on toiletries, food stuff and miscellaneous items and of course my hobby. This would cost me 15 to maximum 20k a month.

And since my blog is all about how much one can save as a teacher in Thailand, yep, you’ve guessed it, I’d still save 5k on average on my meager English teacher salary!

After completing my one-year contract at my Krabi language center I was a free agent again desperate to check out the temples of the Thai capital city, Bangkok. I carefully planned my exit from beautiful Krabi.

In June of 2019, I got myself a plane ticket with my savings and traveled to Bangkok, a city I heard so much about, but had actually never visited. I had 50,000 Baht in my pocket. The money I had saved with very little effort.

I had a good idea where I wanted to live. From Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport I headed straight to my new apartment near BTS station Wongwian Yai and moved into a good quality apartment with a pool and a gym at just 6,000 Baht a month. Considering I was now living in Bangkok, I thought the price was excellent.

The next day, I went job hunting. Surprisingly, the same week, I managed to get myself an interview and a job at a language center in central Bangkok. However, I didn’t get the hours I wanted.

After 3 weeks I managed to get myself a job at a private all-girls’ school near my place and left the language center. Not only was I now making 45k a month but I was also picking up privates to teach, increasing my salary to 60k a month.

3 years on and I’m still at the same bilingual school in Thonburi Bangkok saving decent amounts of money. Now and then, I go for a few drinks in bars in the city center, but I am certainly no alcoholic, I don’t spend very much. I am also good with money, always keeping track on how much I spend a day. Because I live near my school, I hardly spend much during the week. Lunch, albeit not great, is free at my school. I know lunch at some roadside stall doesn’t cost much, but every bit adds up.

True, some international schools in Thailand offer higher salaries and benefits, but they usually require more experience and much higher qualifications. In general, it's possible to live comfortably on an English teacher's salary in Thailand, but it may not be a highly lucrative profession. I certainly haven’t come to Thailand for the money.

It's also worth noting that the cost of living in Thailand is relatively low compared to many Western countries, which means you may be able to save a significant portion of your salary. However, the amount you are able to save will depend on your lifestyle and spending habits. Some teachers are able to save up to 50% of their salary, while others may find that their expenses eat up most of their income.

Here's a breakdown of what I spend per month. you can work it out for yourselves as to how much I save with a salary of 60k a month:

- Rent, utilities, laundry: 10k

- Entertainment (bars/movies): 8k

- Gym membership (included in my rent): 0.0k

- Transportation (the BTS and the occasional taxi on weekends only): 4k

- Food: 10k

- Miscellaneous items: 5k

The rest of the money I spend on trips around Thailand and my yearly roundtrip ticket to visit family in the states.

Would 60k be enough for someone with a family? I personally think so. However, it is important to note that making adjustments to your lifestyle, such as cooking at home instead of eating out or finding more affordable housing options, can help stretch your budget.

Let’s be realistic. Sending your kids to a top international school like Harrow or Pattana, or back to the states for a nice foreign vacation with the grandparents once or twice a year, or buying the best car and health insurance ain’t going to happen on a 60,000 Baht paycheck I’m afraid. 

Ultimately, whether or not a salary of 60k is enough for someone with a family depends on a variety of factors and requires careful budgeting and planning.