You may have heard stories about the great salaries and benefit packages teachers receive across China and might have an idea as to what you are after when beginning the negotiation process with your employer to-be. But what is the reality of the education market? Are your expectations in line with your qualifications?

Let’s start by an overview of the average salaries across China. Unsurprisingly the earnings taken home vary depending on qualifications, experience and the type of school you work for.

International Curriculum Classroom Teachers

According to a recent China wide survey by Top Schools it was estimated that the average salary for a qualified GCSE teacher comes in at 22,879 yuan per month before tax. If you teach A-Levels you are expecting to take home around 25,920 yuan. The average take home salary will likely be higher in tier one cities and lower in tier two cities due to the cost of living.

If you are a US curriculum teacher, you are going to average around 28,000 yuan per month, and if you teach IB curriculum, you are in luck as qualified IB teachers come in at the highest average salary of 31,631 yuan!

The standard benefits package typically includes visa costs, return flights, medical insurance, housing allowance (usually enough to cover the cost of suitable apartment near the school), hotel upon arrival, excess baggage allowance and tuition fees for up to two dependent children. Must be noted, however, that not all international schools will be able to accommodate international students, so if you plan to bring any school age children, it is important to research what type of schooling is available beforehand.

English Second Language Teachers

It is estimated that English teachers earn between 18,000 and 24,000 yuan, with the average take home pay at 20,590 yuan per month. This reflects the average pay in first and second tier cities quite well, however, a third-tier city school will offer may sit a lot lower at 8,000 – 10,000 yuan. There are a number of variables to take into account when deciding what is right for you and you should check the offer details carefully. There can be hidden deductions behind the high salary package and the 10,000-yuan job may come with 20 working hours per week rather than 40 and free housing.

Typically, the benefits package includes flights allowance, medical insurance, some reimbursement towards visa costs, accommodation allowance and paid holidays. In most cases teachers won’t receive any reimbursement before arriving in the country, so it is important to factor in the costs of visa documentation and flights before committing to the process. Many bilingual schools hiring ESL teachers will not be able to offer free schooling, therefore, this should be the most vital consideration for any teachers with children.