Teach English in China
The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Salaries, Z-Visas, and Life in the Middle Kingdom.
Teaching English in China remains the gold standard for TEFL professionals. While other markets offer charm, China offers a combination of high salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a cultural experience that is truly massive in scale.
In 2026, the market is highly professionalized. To secure the best positions, your credentials must be impeccable. This is why thousands of teachers choose myTEFL; our certifications are globally recognized and fully accepted by the Chinese government for the Z-Visa legalization process.
This guide covers everything you need to navigate this high-reward landscape. We'll detail the Z-Visa maze, the salary structures across different city tiers, and how our exclusive placement service helps myTEFL grads land premium roles with ease.
Quick Facts
What’s in this guide?
Jump to any section below. This is a full, start-to-finish guide — jobs, requirements, visas, salary, and the realities of living in China.
The TEFL jobs market in China
China is the largest TEFL market on the planet. Even with recent regulatory shifts, the sheer volume of students ensures that demand continues to outstrip supply. In 2026, the market has pivoted toward Kindergartens, Public Schools, and high-end International Schools.
The barrier to entry in China is higher than in Southeast Asia. You must have a degree and a clean record to secure a legal Z-Visa. Furthermore, as the market matures, schools are increasingly looking for commitment and experience. While newly qualified teachers are welcome, those with 2+ years of experience or home-country teaching licenses (PGCE/SACE) will find themselves in a powerful position for negotiation.
Crucially, the Chinese government is very specific about TEFL certification. To be legalized for your work visa, your TEFL must be from a recognized, accredited provider. myTEFL certificates have a long-standing history of being accepted and authenticated for use in China, ensuring your visa process is as smooth as possible.
- Population: 1.4 billion
- Language(s): Mandarin (English in major hubs)
- Currency: Chinese Yuan / Renminbi (RMB)
- Capital city: Beijing
- Estimated salary: 18,000 - 32,000+ RMB
- Public Holidays: 11 days (inc. Golden Weeks)
- Climate: Varied (Sub-arctic to Tropical)
- Main Transport: High-speed rail & DiDi
- Internet: Fast (VPN required for some sites)
Types of English teaching jobs in China
From immersive Kindergartens to elite High Schools, China offers diverse teaching environments for various qualification levels.
Public Schools & K-12
Stable and prestigious. You'll work a standard M-F schedule with large classes. While open to new teachers, some prior experience with young learners is highly valued.
International Schools
The peak of the market. These elite institutions almost exclusively hire licensed teachers (PGCE, SACE, State License) with 2+ years of classroom experience.
University Positions
The most relaxed schedule in China. These roles typically require a Master's degree and some university-level lecturing or tutoring experience.
Kindergarten (Bilingual)
High energy and fun. Bilingual kindergartens focus on oral development. Schools prefer candidates with early childhood backgrounds or musical skills.
TEFL teacher salary in China
Salaries in China are among the highest in the world for TEFL. In 2026, a typical starting package for a qualified teacher is between 18,000 and 25,000 RMB ($2,500 - $3,500 USD). However, those with advanced credentials like a PGCE or multiple years of verified experience can easily command 30,000+ RMB.
Most schools provide a free apartment or a housing allowance that covers most of your rent. When you factor in the low cost of local food and transport, your "disposable" income is remarkably high. It is standard for teachers to save 50-60% of their paycheck every single month.
For career-track educators, the benefits often include full health insurance for dependents and annual flight allowances. China isn't just a place to travel; for many, it's the place to build a significant financial "nest egg."
Monthly Salary Range (RMB)
| Entry Level / No Exp | 18,000 - 22,000 |
| Experienced (2+ Years) | 24,000 - 28,000 |
| Licensed (PGCE/SACE) | 30,000 - 45,000 |
| Housing Allowance | 3,500 - 8,500 |
| Flight Reimbursement | Paid Annually |
The Z-Visa & Legalization
China is strict about legal employment. To teach English legally, you must obtain a Z-Visa before entering the country. Never accept a job that asks you to work on a Tourist (L) or Business (M) visa; this is illegal and can lead to immediate deportation.
The process in 2026 is technical. You will need to have your Degree and Background Check notarized, authenticated, and legalized. Your TEFL certificate must also undergo this process. Because myTEFL is an industry leader, our documents are accepted by Chinese consulates worldwide, making the legalization roadmap much easier for our graduates.
Essential: The Z-Visa Process
1. Secure a job offer. 2. School applies for your Work Notification Letter. 3. You apply for the Z-Visa at your local Chinese Consulate. 4. Enter China and convert the visa into a Residence Permit within 30 days.
Once you have your Residence Permit, you are a legal resident of China. This allows you to open a bank account, use WeChat Pay/Alipay (essential for life in China), and travel freely within the country. Your school will handle the bulk of this process for you once you arrive.
Requirements to teach English in China
To qualify for the Z-Visa in 2026, you must meet the following federal requirements. There are no shortcuts in the Chinese market.
- A Bachelor’s Degree This is mandatory for the Z-Visa. Your degree must be authenticated by the Chinese embassy in your home country.
- Recognized TEFL Certificate A China-recognized 120-hour myTEFL certificate is required. Our certification is globally accredited and meets all legalization standards for the Chinese Work Visa.
- Clean Criminal Background Check You must provide a recent (less than 6 months old) national-level background check from your home country.
- Experience & Licenses (Recommended) While a 120-hour TEFL can often waive the requirement for 2 years of experience, licensed teachers receive priority for the highest-paying tiers.
Term times and working hours in China
The academic year in China is very structured. Most schools operate on two terms: Term 1 starts in September, and Term 2 starts in March. Peak hiring happens in the months leading up to these dates, though some schools recruit year-round to fill positions.
The Golden Weeks
China has two 7-day national holidays: National Day (October) and Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb). These are "Golden Weeks" where the whole country travels, giving you ample time to explore Asia.
In a Public School or Kindergarten, your hours will be a standard 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. You will have your evenings and weekends completely free. International schools follow a similar schedule but may require more prep time and parent-teacher meetings. Summer and Winter breaks are often partially or fully paid, giving you 2-3 months of holiday per year.
Cost of living & Savings in China
The cost of living in China depends entirely on your lifestyle. If you eat local food (which is delicious) and shop at local markets, your expenses will be incredibly low. A bowl of noodles costs $2, and a subway ride is less than $1.
Because housing is usually provided by the school, your main expenses are food, utilities, and fun. Even in expensive Tier 1 cities like Shanghai, a single teacher can live a very high-end lifestyle while still saving over $1,500 USD per month.
In 2026, China is almost entirely cashless. You will use Alipay or WeChat Pay for everything from luxury malls to street food vendors. This makes budgeting via apps incredibly easy and helps you track your savings in real-time.
Monthly Budget (Single Teacher)
| Rent | $0 (School Provided) |
| Utilities | $60 - $90 |
| Food & Drink | $350 - $550 |
| Transport | $40 - $80 |
| Entertainment | $200 - $350 |
Where to teach English in China?
China is a subcontinent of experiences. You can choose the high-octane energy of a global financial hub or the spicy, relaxed culture of the southwestern provinces.
Tier 1 Megacities
Global hubs with massive expat communities, endless nightlife, and the highest salaries. Perfect for those who love city life.
Culture & Food
Slower pace, incredible historical sites, and world-famous cuisine. Your money goes much further here than in the coastal hubs.
Tropical South
Warm weather year-round, lush mountains, and a blend of modern tech hubs and coastal beauty. Great for nature lovers.
The Frontiers
For the true adventurer. Diverse ethnic cultures, stunning mountain ranges, and "Eternal Spring" weather in the highlands.
How to get a job in China
Because the visa process is so technical, almost all China hiring is done well in advance from your home country. You have two ways to start your journey with myTEFL:
The Independent Route
For the DIY-minded teacher. Once you complete your 120-hour myTEFL course, you seek out employers and positions yourself using your new credentials.
- Flexibility: Source your own perfect city and school.
- Recognition: Your myTEFL cert is accepted for legalization.
- Logistics: You manage the application and Z-Visa steps.
myTEFL Job Placement
Exclusive to myTEFL graduates. We leverage our vetted network to place you in a high-salary role and guide you through every Z-Visa hurdle.
- Vetted Schools: Guaranteed reputable employers.
- Visa Roadmap: Expert help with TEFL legalization.
- High-Salary: Access to premium packages and perks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Verified 2026 guidance for teaching English in China.