Top 10 Countries With the Highest Salary for Teachers 2024
Teachers influence the lives and future careers of their students. They have the potential to inspire their students to be diligent inside and outside of the classroom, and they help guide what career goals are the best fit for them. If you want to pursue a career in education, there are plenty of options to choose from to help inspire both children and young adults in your community.
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Teachers are fairly underappreciated in the United States and most African countries. The average teacher only earns about $47,000 per year, which is far less than many of them deserve. Considering how much they have to put up with, in their primary, and high school classrooms, they should be earning more money than most tycoons, rock stars and political officeholders.
But not all countries under-appreciate their teachers. There are a few countries that offer excellent salaries for teaching. Here are the countries with the highest salaries:
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Countries With the Highest Salary for Teachers
1. Switzerland
The educational system in Switzerland is not run by the federal government, but by the governments of each canton. Most students start primary school at 6, and the average student attends 12 years of school. The country ranks highly in the quality of education, particularly in advanced mathematics.Â
After 15 years of experience, the average Swiss teacher earns around $69,000 per year. Even in their first year of teaching, a primary school teacher can earn around $47,500. With an average salary of Ksh 11,800,800 ($110,000) annually under the Swiss 13-month salary system, a teacher working in the Zurich area can expect to earn Ksh 11,800,800 (CHF 110,000). Those outside Zurich, such as at St. Gallen, can make up to Ksh 10,191,600 (CHF 95,000) annually.
2. Luxembourg
Luxembourg is one of the countries with the highest salary for teachers. It is known for having an amazing quality of education. The majority of the schools in the country are state-run, with no tuition for the students. Everyone between the ages of 4 and 16 must attend school, where they learn to speak three languages (Luxembourgish, German, and French). With such emphasis placed on education, it’s no surprise that teachers make a decent wage. A primary school teacher with no experience earns around $64,000 per year, while the average teacher makes around $98,000 after 15 years of teaching. Talk about a good salary!
3. Canada
The public education system in Canada is quite good, with roughly 80% of students attaining a secondary diploma–and 53% of students attaining a post-secondary diploma. Roughly 5.4% of the country’s GDP is spent on education, with the Canadian government investing around $20,000 in each student’s tertiary education (high school, college, and beyond). Teachers are paid well in Canada, with the average teacher salary rising to around $56,500 after 15 years of experience.
4. Germany
Germany is one of the countries with the highest salary for teachers. In Germany, each state is responsible for the quality of education. Children must attend school from the age of six, and they graduate after 12 or 13 years. There is little or no tuition charged in the majority of the schools, but students must take tests to prove their qualifications. It is a highly competitive educational system. Teachers in Germany can earn a little over $64,000 after 15 years of experience, though their starting salary is around $47,500. Experienced lower-secondary school teachers can earn closer to $65,000 per year.
5. Netherlands
The Dutch educational system is much more student-oriented, with individuals attending different schools depending on their needs, backgrounds, and career choices. The educational system was ranked 9 in the world back in 2008. The Dutch pay their teachers a good salary, with primary school teachers earning around $36,000 as a starting salary. However, after 15 years of experience, the average teacher can earn close to $60,000 per year.
6. Australia
Australia is one of the countries with the highest salary for teachers. The average annual salary of an experienced Australian teacher is AU$98,000, whereas the starting salary of an inexperienced teacher stands at around AU$60,000. Teachers in Australia make upwards of $62,000 AUD and have plenty of time to spend surfing and snorkeling over the six-week Christmas holidays.
7. United States
An American teacher’s average salary is around $60,000. Teachers located in New York earn more with a salary of $80,000 annually, whereas those located in South Dakota earn less with a salary of $42,450.
8. Ireland
Generally, in this country, the profession has an average salary of $53,000, an experienced Irish teacher can make up to 48,000 euros annually with an average starting salary of 30,000 euros.
9. Austria
Approximately, a teacher in Austria has an average salary of $50,000 per year. An experienced Austrian working teacher can make an average income of 45,000 euros.
10. Denmark
Denmark is one of the countries with the highest salary for teachers. With an average salary of $52,500, after a number of years of experience, a Danish teacher can annually earn an income of 47,000 euros, with a starting salary ranging between 35,000 Euros and 38,000 Euro
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The highest-paid Teaching Jobs This Year
1. Teach English in Chile with Premier TEFL
Latin America often gets dissed when going head-to-head in a teaching English abroad salary comparison, as many schools expect teachers to volunteer their services for free or for a meager monthly stipend. However, teachers hired by Premier TEFL can expect to make a minimum of $985 a month, on par with the average monthly salary of a local Chilean teacher, earning its spot as one of the highest paying English teaching jobs abroad. Teachers can also make more if they work more hours. This salary is more than enough to meet basic living costs in Chile and participants are free to supplement this income with private tutoring and other side jobs.
- Perks: Highly reputable program internationally, free orientation accommodations
- Salary range: ~$1000+ monthly
- Popular cities: ValparaÃso, Santiago
2. Get TEFL Certified & Teach English in South Korea with International TEFL Academy
South Korea is one of the countries with the highest salary for teachers. It is a popular choice for thousands of international English teachers. Once you get your TEFL certificate from International TEFL Academy, they will assist you in finding work around South Korea. Typical placements are in Hagwons (private schools) or public schools. Applicants must have citizenship in an English-speaking country, bachelor’s degree, and pass a background check and health screening.
- Perks: Job assistance, high demand
- Salary range: $1150–$2650 monthly
- Popular cities: Seoul, Busan
3. Teach ESL in Taiwan with GeoVisions
Taiwan no longer flies under the radar when it comes to profitable teaching gigs. GeoVisions welcomes native English speakers who have just graduated from university and are looking for a non-traditional career abroad that pays between $1,500 and $2,500 a month.
- Perks: Accommodation support, ongoing guidance, health insurance, paid holidays
- Salary range: $1500+ monthly
- Popular cities: Kaohsiung, Taipei
4. Teach in Saudi Arabia with Teach Away
Teaching English in Saudi Arabia is also another great way to break more than even. Teach Away seeks qualified ESL instructors and teachers of all levels for institutions in Riyadh and Jeddah. Earn $3,400 to $4,000 each month. Perks include accommodation, health insurance, and round trip airfare for the teacher, spouse, and up to two dependents.
- Perks: Accommodation, insurance, airfare for yourself & dependents
- Salary range: $4000+ monthly
5. Teach Abroad in China with Teaching Nomad
Teaching English abroad in China continues to attract teachers because the country is so vast and offers so many different teaching experiences. Teaching Nomad offers positions for subject teachers, ESL teachers, college counsellors, principals, and other education professionals. ESL teachers can expect to earn up to $2,800, while subject teachers can earn a whopping $5,000 a month!
- Perks: Accommodation help, placement support
- Salary range: $2,800+ monthly
- Popular cities: Beijing, Shanghai
6. Teach English with Travelbud in South Korea
Teaching English abroad in South Korea is definitely one of the most popular choices in Asia because of the generous salaries and benefits. Travelbud recruits year-round and offers teachers the chance to earn up to $2,300 a month, free accommodation, free flights, end-of-contract severance pay, and more!
You don’t need teaching experience but you should have at least a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification (which the company will provide if you don’t already have it). Travelbud also offers round-the-clock support, perfect for folks who’ve never worked or travelled in Korea before.
- Perks: 24/7 support, free accommodation, free flights, end-of-contract bonus
- Salary range: $2000+ monthly
- Popular cities: Busan, Seoul
7. Special education teacher
National average salary: $17.00 per hour
Primary duties: Special education teachers work with children with varying special needs. They help these students with coursework such as reading, writing and math, as well as life and communication skills. Disabilities can range from mild to severe, so professionals work with students on a case-by-case basis to fulfil their educational requirements and needs.
8. Elementary school teacher
National average salary: $19.08 per hour
Primary duties: Elementary school teachers are responsible for teaching young children to expand their skills in areas such as math and reading while working on projects and together in groups. Teachers meet with parents to discuss their students’ progress in the classroom and growth related to their personal development. They also keep records of students’ academic performance and work with them accordingly to help them excel in their assignments.
9. High school teacher
National average salary: $47,291 per year
Primary duties: A high school teachers works with students from grades 9–12 to prepare them for their education after high school. They specialize in subjects like math, English or history. Also, high school teachers give students valuable lessons and skills that can help determine the direction they want to take in their professional lives.
10. Guidance counselor
National average salary: $49,103 per year
Primary duties: A guidance counsellor advises students through their educational and professional search. They can help outline areas of academic success, explore potential career options and evaluate areas of social development. These professionals work with students in all areas of schooling, but they commonly guide high school or college students.
These are the top 10 countries with the highest salaries for teachers and the highest-paying teaching jobs. If you are studying to be a teacher, these are definitely the countries where you want to get a job!
