Your ESL teacher salary is dependent upon a few things, for example where you are working and for how long. It can actually be a very profitable salary, and in some cases teachers make two to three times as much as they would make teaching in the USA or Canada - this even without major post-secondary teacher qualifications. But before anyone can earn a top salary, they have to have at least some teaching qualifications speficif to ESL education.

Teacher Qualification:

Getting qualified to teach ESL is important. The type of education differs extensively based on the level of credentials you are looking to get. Years ago, simply being fluent in English was enough, but times have changed and so are the requirements. Now most new teachers need to have at the minimum TESOL or CELTA certification, especially to get an ESL teacher salary that can pay the bills. These certificates can easily be acquired online through various institutions offering these specially designed courses. The time required is really not that long; you can complete a very good program in 120 hours or less depending on your employment requirements.

Just as you can obtain a diploma in TESOL/TEFL/CELTA you can also opt for your Masters Degree (you must already have an undergraduate degree like a Bachelor’s Degree), or you can even go for a Doctorate of TESOL if you are wanting to get hired for a University departmental position. Basically the higher the education the higher ESL teacher salary you can earn annually.

Location-location:

Besides your level of training, your potential ESL teacher salary also depends on the location you are working in. Some countries in Asia and the Middle-East (like Saudi Arabia) will pay a lot as compared to others such as India and some South America countries. Depending on where you go for work, you may be offered a signing bonus. These are typically given if you sign a more long-term contract. However, due to the huge demand for hiring qualified ESL teacher you may even be offered incentive to start a job right away based on your own terms and travel plans.

Type of Employment:

An ESL teacher salary is also dependent upon the style of teaching you provide. If you work in a public school you may not earn as much, but you will have a lot of holiday time to fit in some great travel adventures. If you are hired privately in a school you may make more. Some ESL teachers get hired privately as tutors within a family home. Separate living quarters are provided for free and you are often treated like one of the family. In many Asian cultures teachers are put on a pedestal and very highly respected. These reasons and more will determine an ESL teacher salary.

How to Get Started in ESL:

If you've been considering upgrading your ESL teaching qualifications then you may want to consider what an online certification program can offer you. There a numerous programs available, but make sure you choose one that is reputable, internationally recognized, accredited and affordable. The reps will also help you find out what an ESL teacher salary might be if you're thinking about a particular country to work in. With over 20,000 job openings you are definitely in a desirable situation if teaching English is your calling.