Teaching English in Vietnam: Salary Breakdown (2025 Guide)

Vietnam has become Southeast Asia’s most attractive destination for foreign teachers. With its low cost of living, friendly culture, and growing demand for English education, teaching in Vietnam offers a unique lifestyle and professional opportunity—especially for expats already living here.

But how much do English teachers really earn in Vietnam? With an average salary of $1,500–$2,000, you can comfortably save $500–$1,000/month, depending on your spending habits and location. 

Whether you're a new arrival or a seasoned expat teacher, this comprehensive salary breakdown will give you up-to-date insights into earning potential, job types, benefits, and what to expect in 2025.

 

Factors That Affect Your Salary

Several key factors determine how much you’ll earn as an English teacher in Vietnam:

1. Type of institution: Language centers, public schools, international schools, and universities all pay differently.
    
2. Experience and qualifications: Having a TEFL certificate, teaching experience, or a degree in education significantly increases your earning potential.
    
3. Location: Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi Salaries are generally higher than in smaller cities like Da Nang or Can Tho.
    
4. Full-time vs. part-time: Commitment level and contract type affect both pay and benefits.
    
5. Native vs. non-native English speakers: Native English speakers are often prioritized, though fluent non-native speakers with credentials can still land great jobs.

 

Salary Breakdown by Type of School

Let’s dive into how much you can earn based on the type of institution.

1. Language Centers

Monthly Salary: $1,200 – $2,000 USD
Hourly Rate: $18 – $28 USD/hour

Language centers are the most common employers of foreign teachers in Vietnam. Classes usually happen in the evenings and on weekends, catering to kids and young adults.

Pros:

• Flexible hours
• Great for part-time or side income
• Minimal lesson planning in some centers
   

Cons:

• Unstable schedules during holidays
• Evening/weekend workload
   

Tip: In big cities, experienced teachers can negotiate higher hourly rates, especially for IELTS or business English courses.

 

2. Public Schools

Monthly Salary: $1,200 – $1,800 USD
Working Hours: ~20–25 teaching hours/week

Public schools offer more structured daytime schedules. You’ll typically work Monday to Friday, with weekends off. Most contracts are for one academic year.

Pros:

• Set schedule
• Weekends off
• Fewer working hours
   

Cons:

• Larger class sizes (up to 50 students)
• Limited teaching resources
   

Contracts are often handled through agencies, which can slightly cut into your salary. Always read the fine print!

 

3. International Schools

Monthly Salary: $2,000 – $3,000+ USD

International schools offer the highest salaries and benefits if you’re a certified teacher with experience. These schools follow international curriculums (e.g., IB, British, American) and often have modern facilities.

Pros:

• High salary and benefits (housing, airfare, bonuses)
• Professional environment
• Small class sizes
   

Cons:

• Highly competitive
• Requires teaching credentials and classroom experience

These positions are ideal for long-term teachers who want to build a career in international education.

 

4. Universities

Monthly Salary: $1,000 – $2,000 USD
Teaching Load: 10–15 hours/week

University positions are less common but desirable due to light teaching loads and academic freedom. Most require a Master’s degree in TESOL, Education, or a related field.

Pros:

• Low teaching hours
• Professional development opportunities
   

Cons:

• Lower salaries than international schools
• Limited openings
   

5. Private Tutoring

Hourly Rate: $18-$20 USD/hour

Private tutoring is a lucrative side hustle for many teachers. Parents and adult learners are often willing to pay premium rates for native speakers with experience.

Pros:

• High hourly rates
• Flexible scheduling
   

Cons:

• No guaranteed income
• Can be time-consuming to build a client base
   

Tip: Word of mouth is powerful. Satisfied students = referrals. Many expats fill their schedules with 1:1 tutoring or small groups.

 

Additional Benefits and Perks

Besides salary, consider what benefits are offered:

Benefit	Common in	Notes
Housing allowance	International schools, some public schools	Free or ranges from $200–$600/month
Work visa support	Most full-time employers	Language centers may delay paperwork
Airfare reimbursement	International schools	Often provided after a full year
Health insurance	Public and international schools	Check coverage carefully
Paid holidays	Varies	International schools offer more leave

 

Cost of Living vs. Salary: Can You Save?

Absolutely! Here’s a sample monthly budget in Ho Chi Minh City for a mid-range lifestyle:

Expense	Estimated Cost (USD)
Rent (1BR apartment)	$400 – $600
Food	$200 – $350
Transport	$30 – $50
Entertainment	$100 – $200
Miscellaneous	$50 – $100
Total	$700 – $1,300

With an average salary of $1,500–$2,000, you can comfortably save $500–$1,000/month, depending on your spending habits and location.

 

Salary Tips for Foreign Teachers

• Negotiate smartly: Many schools have wiggle room. Highlight your experience and flexibility.
   
• Track hours: Make sure you’re paid for every hour, especially at language centers.
   
• Beware of vague contracts: An explicit, written agreement is key—especially around hours, holidays, and payment terms.
   
• Teach IELTS or Business English: These specializations can significantly boost your hourly rate.
   
• Work with reputable recruiters: Ask for referrals from other teachers or expat Facebook groups in Vietnam.

 

Conclusion

Teaching English in Vietnam remains a rewarding career path with solid earning potential and a wealthy lifestyle. Whether you're already living in Vietnam or thinking of making the leap, understanding the salary breakdown helps you make smarter decisions.

From bustling language centers to prestigious international schools, opportunities abound. And with a bit of hustle—like private tutoring or specialized courses—you can take your income to the next level.

So, if you're ready to live, teach, and thrive in one of Asia’s most exciting countries, Vietnam is calling.