Salary Expectations - Teaching English in Japan

Japan is considered one of the best places to earn money teaching English in Asia because of its beautiful country and countless benefits offered to English teachers.

Despite the cost of living, English teachers in Japan can enjoy their teaching tenure in Japan because of the other great advantages.

Table of Contents

• How much does an English teacher in Japan earn?
• What are the common job types for English teachers in Japan?
• What is the cost of living in Japan?

How much does an English teacher in Japan earn?

It depends on which type of teacher and which school you’re employed in. For ESL teachers, you can earn at least ¥ 200,000 to ¥ 600,000, which is approximately $1,700 to $5,000 a month.

Most teachers also opt for private tuition where they are paid hourly at $25 USD. English Teachers in Japan are also offered flights, accommodation, and training, on top of their basic salary.

What are the common job types for English teachers in Japan?

JET Programme
Salary: ¥ 280,000
Contract: 1 Year, can be renewed every year for 5 years
Other Benefits: Flight, visa, insurance, housing

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET) is a program for teachers who wish to land a teaching job in Japanese public schools.

Eikaiwas
Salary: ¥ 250,000
Contract: 1 Year
Other Benefits: Flight, visa, insurance, housing

An eikaiwa is an independent English school or private academy. Most eikaiwas have children to adult students and require teachers at least five to eight teaching hours per day.

Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)
Salary: ¥ 200,000 – ¥ 250,000
Contract: 1 Year
Other Benefits: Flight, visa, insurance, housing

Teachers become an ALT through direct hire by a school or a recruiter. ALTs have 10 to 20 days off each year and additional days on public holidays. However, you can deal with large classes from 35-40 students.

Universities
Salary: ¥ 300,000 – ¥ 600,000
Contract: 1 Year
Other Benefits: Flight, visa, insurance, housing, vacation time

The average working hours for university teachers are 10 to 15 hours per week. If you have a master’s degree, your chances of getting hired are better.

International Schools
Salary: ¥ 250,000 to ¥ 600,000
Contract: 1 Year
Other Benefits: Flight, visa, insurance, housing, relocation bonus

Most students at international schools come from a wide range of background. You can expect to earn relocation bonus, as this job is highly-competitive.

Private Tutoring
Salary: ¥3,000 per hour
Contract: No contract
Other Benefits: Time flexibility

Note that private tutoring requires you to get your own students. However, the greatest advantage is that you have full control of your time.

What is the cost of living in Japan?

Here’s a rough estimate of the common expenses in Japan in one month:

1. Rent: City ¥95,000, Rural: ¥57,500
2. Internet bill: ¥4,000
3. Lunch: ¥800
4. Taxi: ¥300 per km
5. Public transport: ¥185 each way