English-related jobs and workers in China is in high demand. Be enlightened on the Top English Teaching Jobs in China for Foreigners in 2025.
It’s likely that you have considered teaching English overseas if you’re reading this, and China may have come up on your radar more than once. Why wouldn’t it, too? The nation provides a distinctive fusion of contemporary cities, a rich history, a significant demand for instructors of English, and competitive pay.
China is still one of the most popular places for foreigners to teach English in 2025, despite changes in the world.
The problem is that this isn’t a marketing gimmick. I’m speaking from actual discussions, truthful research, and the firsthand accounts of other educators who have made the move.
This guide is for anyone looking for a new beginning, regardless of whether they are an experienced ESL instructor, a recent graduate, or someone else entirely.
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Top English Teaching Jobs in China for Foreigners in 2025
Let’s examine the best English teaching positions in China for foreigners in 2025, their actual requirements, and how to apply for them.
High Standards, High Salary in International Schools
Ideal for: Teachers with teaching licenses or experience.
English teachers can find some of the top paying jobs at international schools in places like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing, and Shanghai. We’re talking about a monthly income of $3,500 to $6,000 USD, along with paid time off, health insurance, airline reimbursement, and housing allowance.
Don’t expect to go in casually, though. These are selective schools. Most need:
- An education bachelor’s or master’s degree
- A teaching license, such as a state certification or PGCE
- Many years of expertise
You will be instructing high-achieving pupils in English at the native level. Anticipate state-of-the-art facilities, elevated standards, and robust backing from the administration.
Public Schools: Finding a Work-Life Balance
Ideal for: Teachers seeking less work hours and stability.
Local education bureaus oversee public school employment, which range from kindergarten to high school, and usually provide:
- Between $1,800 and $2,500 per month
- Housing or stipend free
- Standard schedule, Monday through Friday
- Paid summer/winter vacations and public holidays
One significant benefit? You’ll have more free time in the evenings and on the weekends and work fewer hours—typically 16 to 20 classes each week. You’ll have more time to work on side projects, learn Mandarin, or explore your city.
These positions typically call for:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A certificate in TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA (at least 120 hours)
- An unblemished criminal record
Public educational institutions in second-tier cities (like as Chengdu, Nanjing, or Xi’an) can provide an even higher standard of living if you’re not picky about where you go.
Private Language Training Facilities: Quick but Fruitful
Ideal for: Novice educators and those at ease working on the weekends.
All year round, language centers such as EF (Education First), Wall Street English, and other regional brands hire. They serve after-school pupils as well as people who want to get better at business English.
What you receive:
- $2–$3,200 USD per month
- Performance-based bonuses
- Comprehensive instruction and training
- frequently sponsored work visas and relocation assistance
You will probably have two weekdays off in addition to working weekends and evenings. This arrangement isn’t for everyone, but if you like high-energy settings and don’t mind irregular hours, it works well.
Pro tip: This is a fantastic way to quickly obtain experience if you’re new to teaching.
Universities: Easygoing Lifestyle, Low Salary
Ideal for: Teachers who like flexibility and shorter class periods.
Among the most laid-back employment in the ESL industry are those at universities. With only 10 to 14 hours of teaching per week, you may have plenty of time for writing, traveling, or even taking on side jobs (if permitted).
What to anticipate is as follows:
- Monthly income: $1,200 to $2,000 USD
- On-campus housing that is free
- extended summer and winter vacations
- minimal workload and driven pupils
The drawback? Although the pay isn’t as good as other possibilities, this is ideal if you want a quiet teaching experience with time to travel throughout China.
A degree, TEFL certification, and occasionally – though not always – a master’s degree are prerequisites.
Kindergartens: Invigorating and Lucrative
Ideal for: Teachers who enjoy working with young children and don’t mind dancing or singing.
Kindergartens, particularly bilingual ones, continue to pay well and are in high demand in 2025. Numerous private or foreign kindergartens in places like Dalian, Suzhou, and Hangzhou provide:
- USD $2,500 to USD $4,000 each month
- Accommodations or a stipend
- School-provided meals
- Insurance and work visas
It will require a great deal of effort, perseverance, and imagination. The curriculum is frequently play-based, and your primary responsibility is to establish an enjoyable, English-speaking atmosphere.
A major benefit for many teachers is that kindergarten employment typically include a Monday through Friday schedule.
The New Normal for Online and In-Person Hybrid Jobs
Ideal for: Instructors seeking flexibility or those making the switch from online instruction.
In China, hybrid learning has grown in popularity since COVID-19. These days, some private institutions combine classroom and online learning. Others let professors take online pupils to augment their pay.
Teaching foreign students via the internet from China is still possible through sites outside the nation (such as Cambly, Preply, and AmazingTalker), even though China has clamped down on private virtual tutoring for domestic students.
In a hybrid configuration, you could:
- Educate students in the morning or the afternoon.
- Organize nighttime online classes.
- Make between $2,000 and $4,000 USD a month.
This concept allows you to be flexible and creates opportunities for remote work or side gigs.
What Is Required to Be Eligible?
In 2025, the majority of legal teaching positions in China will need:
- A bachelor’s degree, regardless of the discipline
- A 120-hour certificate in TEFL/TESOL (many are now completed online)
- Two years of professional experience, not necessarily in education
- An unblemished criminal history check
- The legal approach to pursue employment in China is with a Z work visa.
Even though native English proficiency is favored, some non-native speakers manage to get employment, particularly if they are certified, fluent, and self-assured in the classroom.
How to Begin
- Polish Emphasize your teaching background, credentials, and flexibility on your resume.
- Use Reputable Recruiters to Apply: Make use of reputable organizations such as Work and Live in China, TeachAway, or Gold Star.
- Get Ready for Interviews: Be prepared for recorded or live demo classes.
- Examine the contract carefully: Seek for accommodations, health insurance, payment for flights, and assistance with valid work visas.
- Know the Law: It is against the law and dangerous to work on tourist or student visas; make sure your employer offers a Z visa.
Concluding remarks
In 2025, teaching English in China is a way of life rather than merely a job. It is intended for those who are inquisitive, daring, and growth-oriented. It won’t be simple all the time. Language hurdles, culture shock, and sporadic misunderstandings are all possible. However, the benefits? They are authentic.
This adventure can change your life, whether you’re traveling across Asia, learning Mandarin from the locals, or sharing your culture with eager pupils.
China has a wealth of chances outside of the classroom, whether you choose to remain for a year or make it your career. Therefore, update your resume, obtain certification, and begin applying if you’re prepared to make that change.
On the reverse side of an airline ticket lies your journey.
