The Average Salary for Teaching English in Vietnam: 2026 Comprehensive Guide

English teachers in Vietnam earn $1,100-$2,200 monthly (27-51 million VND), with income varying by institution type, qualifications, and location. The post-pandemic recovery has strengthened the English education sector, creating abundant opportunities while enabling teachers to save $500-$1,000 monthly with Vietnam’s low cost of living.

What is the average salary for teaching English in Vietnam in 2026?

The average monthly salary is $1,200-$2,000 (28-47 million VND) for full-time English teachers.

According to Glassdoor’s January 2026 data, teachers in Ho Chi Minh City earn ₫41,083,333 annually (approximately $1,700 monthly), with most positions offering 20-25 teaching hours weekly at $18-$28 per hour.

Salary Component	Range
Monthly Salary	$1,200 – $2,000
Annual Salary (HCMC)	₫30,958,333 – ₫60,302,083
Hourly Rate	$18 – $28
Teaching Hours/Week	20 – 25 hours
Total Weekly Commitment	40 hours (including planning)
Post-Pandemic Increase	10-15% since 2024

Full-time contracts require 40-hour weekly commitments including preparation time. Language center teachers often work evenings and weekends when students attend classes, while public school positions follow standard Monday-Friday daytime schedules.

How much do English teachers earn by institution type in Vietnam?

Salary levels vary significantly across five main teaching sectors.

Industry data from Vietnam Teaching Jobs, TEAST, and recruitment agencies shows clear compensation tiers based on institution type and qualification requirements.

Institution Type	Monthly Salary	Teaching Hours/Week	Key Benefits
Public Schools	$1,200 – $2,000	20-25	Paid holidays, daytime schedule, stable contracts
Language Centers	$1,200 – $2,000	20-30	Performance bonuses, flexible hours
International Schools	$2,000 – $4,000	25-30	Housing allowance, flights, health insurance
Universities	$850 – $2,100	10-15	Academic environment, flexible schedule
Private Tutoring	$15 – $60/hour	Variable	High earning potential, complete flexibility

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What is the salary range at public schools?

Public school teachers earn $1,200-$2,000 monthly working Monday-Friday daytime schedules.

According to 2026 recruitment data from EMG Vietnam and Compass Education, most positions are arranged through agencies that handle visa processing while deducting 5-10% from salaries.

Aspect	Details
Monthly Salary	$1,200-$2,000 (28-48M VND)
Teaching Hours	20-25/week
Total Commitment	40 hours/week
Work Schedule	Monday-Friday, finish by 4 PM
Class Size	40-50 students
Academic Year	September – May
Hiring Peaks	July-Aug (fall), Dec-Jan (spring)
Agency Fee	5-10% salary deduction
Contract Bonus	1 month salary after 12 months

Positions require bachelor’s degrees and TEFL certification, with teachers managing large classes needing strong classroom control. The academic calendar provides paid holidays aligned with Vietnamese school terms, with completion bonuses equivalent to one month’s salary after fulfilling 12-month agreements.

How much do language centers pay?

Language centers pay $1,200-$2,000 monthly with hourly rates of $18-$28.

Data from major chains including ILA, VUS, Apax, and Apollo shows compensation varies by teaching hours and performance metrics, with teachers working 25-30 hours weekly earning toward the higher range.

Component	Details
Base Salary	$1,200-$2,000/month
Hourly Rate	$18-$28
Teaching Hours	25-30/week
Class Size	8-15 students
Performance Bonus	$100-$300/month
Location Bonus (provincial)	$200-$500/month
Apax Provincial Package	Up to 55M VND ($2,300)/month
Work Schedule	5-9 PM weekdays, full weekends

Evening and weekend schedules accommodate students attending after school or work. Some centers in smaller cities offer location bonuses of $200-$500 monthly to attract teachers to less competitive markets. Most centers provide structured curricula and prepared materials, reducing preparation time compared to public schools.

What can international school teachers expect to earn?

International school teachers earn $2,000-$4,000 monthly plus comprehensive benefits packages.

Glassdoor’s January 2026 data for Ho Chi Minh City shows Vietnam Australia International School averaging ₫52 million and Vinschool averaging ₫68 million monthly for licensed teachers with 2-3 years experience.

Aspect	Details
Base Salary	$2,000-$4,000 (47-70M VND)
Teaching Hours	25-30/week
Class Size	15-25 students
Housing Allowance	$400-$700/month
Flight Reimbursement	Annual roundtrip
Health Insurance	Comprehensive coverage
Professional Development	Funded workshops
Required Qualifications	Teaching license + Education degree + 2-3 years experience

These elite positions require teaching licenses from home countries and education degrees, with schools following IB, British, American, or Australian curricula. Working conditions mirror Western educational environments with modern facilities, extensive resources, and collaborative teaching teams.

What is the university teaching salary range?

University lecturers earn $850-$2,100 monthly with flexible teaching schedules of 10-15 hours weekly.

According to Vietnam Teaching Jobs data, compensation varies significantly between public universities (₫21-30 million) and private institutions (₫35-51 million monthly).

Institution Type	Monthly Salary	Teaching Hours	Key Features
Public Universities	$850-$1,250 (21-30M VND)	10-15/week	Lower pay, academic prestige
Private Universities	$1,450-$2,100 (35-51M VND)	10-15/week	Higher pay, modern facilities
Class Size	25-40 students	–	Lecture-based format
Office Hours	Paid	5-10/week	Additional paid time
Academic Calendar	Sept-Dec, Feb-May	–	Long vacation periods

Positions require master’s degrees or substantial teaching experience, with academic environments suiting teachers prioritizing research, professional development, or lighter teaching loads. The September-December and February-May semester structure provides extended vacation periods, with many teachers supplementing income through private tutoring during breaks.

What factors affect English teaching salaries in Vietnam?

Five primary factors determine teaching compensation.

Research from CIEE, TEFL.org, and XploreTEFL identifies qualification level, teaching experience, native speaker status, employment location, and institution type as the dominant salary determinants.

Factor	Salary Impact	Details
Qualifications	Baseline to +150%	Bachelor’s only: $1,100-$1,400 + TEFL: $1,200-$1,800 + CELTA/DELTA: $1,500-$2,200 + Master’s: $1,800-$2,500 + Teaching License: $2,000-$4,000
Experience	+$600/month (0 to 5+ years)	Entry: $1,200-$1,500 3-5 years: $1,600-$2,000 5+ years: $1,800-$2,200
Native Speaker Status	+10-15%	Native speakers earn more, but fluent non-natives increasingly accepted
Location	±30%	Major cities: highest pay Provincial: lower pay but location bonuses
Institution Type	$850-$4,000 range	Universities lowest, international schools highest

How do qualifications impact teaching salaries?

Qualifications create distinct salary tiers from $1,100 baseline to $4,000 for licensed teachers.

Industry data shows bachelor’s degree holders earning baseline rates, with TEFL certification commanding 15-20% premiums and master’s degrees or teaching licenses accessing international school positions.

Qualification Level	Salary Range	Premium	Access
Bachelor’s only	$1,100-$1,400	Baseline	Limited language centers, some public schools
+ TEFL (120h)	$1,200-$1,800	+15-20%	Most language centers, public schools
+ CELTA/DELTA	$1,500-$2,200	+30-40%	Premium centers, corporate training
+ Master’s in Education	$1,800-$2,500	+50-60%	Universities, senior positions
+ Teaching License	$2,000-$4,000	+80-150%	International schools, leadership

Teachers with specialized certifications (CELTA, DELTA, IB training) negotiate $200-$500 higher monthly salaries compared to general TEFL certification holders. Master’s degrees become essential for university positions, while teaching licenses are mandatory for international schools.

Does teaching experience affect salary levels?

Experience directly correlates with earning potential, adding $600+ monthly between entry-level and senior positions.

Data from international schools and universities shows 2-5 years documented experience required for senior positions, with entry-level teachers starting at $1,200-$1,500 and experienced educators negotiating $1,800-$2,200.

Experience Level	Language Centers	Public Schools	International Schools	Private Tutoring
0-1 year	$1,200-$1,500	$1,200-$1,500	Not hired	$15-$25/hour
1-3 years	$1,400-$1,800	$1,400-$1,700	$2,000-$2,500	$20-$35/hour
3-5 years	$1,600-$2,000	$1,600-$2,000	$2,500-$3,500	$30-$45/hour
5+ years	$1,800-$2,200	$1,800-$2,000	$3,000-$4,000	$40-$60/hour
Senior/Admin	$2,000-$2,500	$2,000-$2,300	$4,000-$5,000+	$50-$80/hour

International schools rarely hire entry-level teachers, focusing recruitment on educators with 2-3 years minimum experience. Language centers and public schools accept first-time teachers with proper qualifications, though starting salaries remain at the lower range until experience accumulates.

Do native speakers earn more than non-native speakers?

Native English speakers typically earn 10-15% more than non-native speakers with equivalent qualifications.

According to recruitment data from Vietnam Teaching Jobs and TEAST, schools prioritize clear pronunciation and cultural knowledge, though this gap narrows for highly qualified non-native teachers with near-native fluency.

Speaker Category	Typical Salary	Market Advantage
Native Speaker (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, NZ, SA)	$1,200-$2,200	Preferred for most positions
Non-Native (IELTS 7.5+, clear accent)	$1,100-$2,000	Growing acceptance at language centers
Non-Native (excellent qualifications + experience)	$1,500-$2,200	Competitive at premium centers

Passport country matters less at language centers focusing on teaching ability over nationality, with fluent non-native speakers increasingly accessing well-paid positions. International schools maintain stricter native speaker preferences due to parent expectations and curriculum requirements for cultural authenticity.

How does location affect teaching salaries?

Geographic location impacts salaries through 20-30% cost-of-living adjustments and market demand differences.

Data comparing Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang shows major cities paying highest absolute salaries, though lower living costs in provincial areas often result in equivalent or superior saving potential.

City	Salary Range	Monthly Living Cost	Potential Monthly Savings
Ho Chi Minh City	$1,400-$2,200	$600-$1,040 (budget) $850-$1,590 (comfortable)	$500-$1,000
Hanoi	$1,400-$2,200	$520-$890 (budget) $730-$1,440 (comfortable)	$500-$1,000
Da Nang	$1,100-$1,800	$410-$700 (budget) $590-$1,070 (comfortable)	$700-$1,200
Provincial Cities	$1,000-$1,600	$350-$600	$600-$1,000

Ho Chi Minh City leads in absolute salary potential with 200+ language centers and the highest international school concentration, offering salaries up to $2,000-$4,000 monthly at international schools and private tutoring rates reaching $60 hourly.

Hanoi provides comparable salaries while offering deeper cultural immersion, with the capital’s government presence creating unique opportunities at diplomatic schools and international organizations.

Da Nang balances teaching opportunities with beach lifestyle and lower costs, with monthly expenses averaging $370 enabling $700-$1,200 monthly savings despite lower salaries.

Smaller cities like Nha Trang, Ha Long Bay, and Can Tho increasingly offer location bonuses of $200-$500 monthly plus free housing to attract teachers to underserved markets.

Before applying to positions, having a polished CV improves chances of securing higher-paying positions. International schools and premium language centers seek candidates presenting strong credentials professionally. Enhance your applications with our comprehensive resource: create a winning CV for teachers in 2026 (templates & examples).

What are the most common questions about teaching salaries in Vietnam?

Can I save money teaching English in Vietnam?

Teachers typically save $500-$1,000 monthly after expenses.

The low cost of living (averaging $500-$1,000 monthly) combined with salaries of $1,200-$2,000 enables significant savings while maintaining comfortable lifestyles. Teachers sharing accommodation, eating local food, and using public transportation maximize savings, while those preferring Western amenities still typically bank $300-$500 monthly.

Do I need a teaching license to earn high salaries?

Teaching licenses are required only for international schools paying $2,000-$4,000 monthly.

Language centers and public schools paying $1,200-$2,000 accept TEFL certification and bachelor’s degrees without teaching licenses. Licenses become essential only when targeting international school positions or seeking long-term career progression in international education.

How much can I earn from private tutoring?

Private tutors charge $15-$60 hourly depending on qualifications and specialization.

Tutor Type	Hourly Rate	Monthly Income (25-30h/week)
Entry-level	$15-$25	$1,500-$2,500
Experienced General English	$25-$40	$2,500-$4,000
IELTS/Business English Specialist	$40-$60	$4,000-$6,000
Supplement to Full-Time Job (5-10h/week)	–	+$300-$600

Full-time private tutors teaching 25-30 hours weekly earn $2,000-$3,000 monthly, though income stability varies with seasonal demand. Most teachers supplement full-time positions with 5-10 private tutoring hours weekly, adding $300-$600 monthly.

Are salaries higher for native English speakers?

Native speakers typically earn 10-15% more than non-native speakers with equivalent qualifications.

Schools prioritize clear pronunciation and cultural knowledge over passport country, with fluent non-native speakers increasingly accessing well-paid positions at language centers and public schools. The gap narrows for highly qualified non-native teachers demonstrating near-native fluency and strong teaching credentials.

What benefits come with teaching salaries?

Benefits vary significantly by institution type.

Benefit	International Schools	Language Centers	Public Schools	Universities
Housing allowance	$400-$700/month	Rare	No	Rare
Flight reimbursement	Annual roundtrip	Rare	No	No
Health insurance	Comprehensive	Basic (some)	No	Varies
Visa sponsorship	Yes	Yes	Yes (through agency)	Yes
Paid holidays	All Vietnamese holidays	Limited	School calendar	University calendar
Professional development	Funded workshops	Some training	Limited	Academic conferences
Contract completion bonus	Sometimes	Common	Common	Rare

International schools offer comprehensive packages including housing allowances, health insurance, flight reimbursement, and professional development funding. Language centers typically provide visa sponsorship and work permit processing. Public schools offer paid holidays aligned with academic calendars. Private tutors receive no benefits but maintain complete schedule control.

How do Vietnam’s salaries compare to other Asian countries?

Vietnam offers middle-tier salaries in Southeast Asia but superior saving potential due to low living costs.

Country	Monthly Salary	Cost of Living	Saving Potential
South Korea	$1,800-$2,700	High	Moderate-High
China	$1,500-$3,000	Moderate-High	Moderate
Vietnam	$1,200-$2,000	Low	High
Thailand	$1,000-$1,800	Low-Moderate	Moderate-High
Cambodia	$800-$1,500	Low	Moderate

Vietnam pays less than South Korea or China but significantly more than Cambodia or Myanmar. However, Vietnam’s lower cost of living often results in equivalent or superior saving potential compared to higher-paying countries with expensive living costs. The combination of competitive salaries, affordable lifestyle, and strong expat community makes Vietnam attractive for both first-time teachers and experienced educators.

Understanding Vietnam’s teaching salary landscape represents just the first step in your teaching journey. The country’s combination of competitive compensation, low living costs, and rich cultural experiences creates ideal conditions for English teachers at all career stages.

Beyond salary considerations, successful teaching careers require understanding employment contracts, labor rights, visa regulations, and workplace expectations. Navigate these complexities confidently by exploring our comprehensive resources in the Employment Rights & Contracts category, where you’ll find detailed guides on work permits, contract negotiation, employee benefits, and legal protections for foreign teachers in Vietnam.

Start your teaching adventure with complete knowledge of your rights, fair compensation standards, and professional development opportunities available throughout Vietnam’s dynamic English education sector.