Meet David De’ Ath, co-founder, editor, and writer at Wonderful World English. With his extensive background as an English teacher, David provides valuable insights and practical tips on ESL for students and teachers alike.
Teaching is one of the most noble, impactful, and rewarding professions in the world.
One field of teaching that continues to grow in demand around the world is English as a Second Language (ESL).
One popular destination for English teachers is the incredible country of Japan!
Japan is famed for its rich history, technological advancement, and fascinating culture.
One commonly asked question regarding English teachers in Japan is, how much do they earn exactly?
English teachers in Japan can generally expect to make between 200,000 and 600,000 Japanese yen per month, which is around $1,420 to $4,250. The salaries of ESL teachers in Japan can vary greatly and depend on factors such as the location, type of institution, teaching experience, and qualifications.
If you are interested in moving to Japan as an English teacher or are simply curious about the salaries in Japan, this post is for you.
We’ve reviewed teachers’ salaries in Japan for various institutions.
Let’s explore!
Salaries of English Teachers in Japan
As mentioned above, the salary of an English teacher in Japan will be determined by several factors.
Below are some of the most common teaching positions for English teachers in Japan, along with their respective average salaries:
1. Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs)
One of the ways to teach English in Japan is via the JET program, also known as the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program.
This program involves the government of Japan hiring Assistant Language Teachers, or ALTs, on yearly contracts to teach at public elementary, junior, or high schools.
ALTs can earn up to ¥280,000 ($1,985) per month in their first year, which can rise to ¥330,000 ($2,340) yen per month in their fourth and fifth years.
Apart from a good salary, English teachers working in Japan via the JET program also get benefits such as insurance coverage, transportation in and out of the country, access to training, and an alumni network.
However, if you are someone looking to work in big cities such as Tokyo, this program might not be for you since you’ll be primarily teaching in the inaka (rural areas or the countryside).
2. Public Schools
The salaries of English teachers in public schools in Japan are relatively low compared to those of teachers in some other institutions.
English Teacher at a public school in Japan can expect to earn between ¥200,000 ($1,420) to ¥250,000 ($1,770) per month via recruiters and up to ¥280,000 ($1,985) per month if he/she gets hired directly via the Board of Education.
To teach at a public school in Japan, you don’t have to rely on the JET program because many recruiters or dispatch companies hire teachers for these schools.
You also don’t have to have good Japanese language skills, teaching experience, or even a TEFL certificate.
Still, if you do have them, it will benefit you in the hiring process.
However, one disadvantage of being hired by recruiters is that during the holiday season, your salary will be prorated (meaning that you will be paid according to your workload), which is not the case with the JET program.
Japan is one of many Asian countries emphasizing English learning within its education system.
Check out the guide below to see the list of the most English-speaking countries in Asia.
Related Article: What Asian Countries Speak English? – Full Guide
3. Private Schools (Eikaiwas)
Eikaiwas stands for Ei (English), Kai (Conversation), and Wa (School).
Eikaiwas are English conversion schools that are mostly run privately in Japan.
Since these schools are privately owned, they tend to offer higher salaries to English teachers.
At Eikaiwas, English teachers can expect to earn ¥250,000 ($1,770) per month.
These schools are for the general public who want to improve their English conversation skills, so you will see students from beginner learners to those who want to learn professional English for business purposes.
4. International Schools
Teaching English at international schools in Japan is one of the best opportunities for teachers since they offer some lucrative perks.
English teachers at Japanese International schools can make between ¥250,000 ($1,770) to ¥600,000 ($4,250) per month, depending on their experience and qualifications.
In addition to a good salary, you may also get benefits such as a home allowance and free education for your kids.
The majority of the international schools are located in Tokyo, so your choice of location is limited.
International schools usually demand at least a couple of years of experience and good communication skills for anyone who wants to get hired.
5. Universities
Teaching English at universities in Japan is an excellent opportunity for English teachers.
Salaries usually range between ¥270,000 ($1,914) to ¥600,000 ($4,250) per month for university teachers in Japan.
Along with a good salary, working hours at universities in Japan are pretty comfortable as teachers primarily work only 12 to 15 hours weekly plus administrative tasks.
However, applicants will face tough competition for an English teaching position at a university in Japan.
Employers usually demand substantial experience for such positions, and teachers with Master’s degrees, a Ph.D., and published research are preferred.
6. Business Classes
Since most Japanese cannot properly speak English, many companies in Japan hire English teachers to teach English to their staff.
These companies have good resources and pay teachers well, usually about ¥3,800 ($27) per hour.
Although full-time positions exist, they can be challenging to manage since these business classes usually occur after work hours.
Part-time business classes are usually the best option, and they’re an excellent way to earn extra money to complement a teacher’s main salary.
7. Private Tutoring
Private tutoring is an excellent way to earn handsome money as an English teacher in Japan.
Teachers can make ¥3,000 ($21) per hour teaching English in Japan as a private tutor.
You also don’t need plenty of experience for this particular job.
English teachers need to research and find out the local rates so they don’t earn less than their competitors.
Factors Affecting Salary
Following are some of the factors that affect the salary of an English teacher in Japan:
1. Qualifications and Experience
Experienced English teachers and those who have completed a Master’s or a Ph.D. will have access to higher-paying positions in Japan.
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate holders also typically have higher salaries than teachers who are less experienced or lack the qualifications mentioned.
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificates are widely regarded in the world of teaching English.
Holders of a TEFL will have access to many positions in different countries.
Check out the article below to find out where to teach with a TEFL.
Related Article: What Countries Can You Teach in With a TEFL? – Answered
2. Institution Type
Different institutions offer different salary packages to English teachers in Japan.
As mentioned above, universities and private schools tend to offer English teachers the highest salaries and excellent benefits.
3. Location
The salaries of English teachers are higher in bigger cities in Japan, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
It’s worth noting that the cost of living is often higher in larger cities too.
4. Contract Type
Teachers hired directly by the government or the institution tend to have good salaries, whereas teachers hired by employers or job agencies tend to earn lower salary packages.
Researching positions, reaching out to potential employers, and inquiring about what packages are available before making big decisions are crucial.
5. Language Proficiency
English teachers with outstanding English proficiency or those native to countries where English is the national language have an advantage over other non-native speakers.
Also, those who can speak Japanese will often have access to higher-paying positions.
Although it is a great benefit to be bilingual when teaching ESL, it is not required.
Click the article below to find out more!
Related Article: Do You Need to Be Bilingual to Teach ESL? – Teacher’s Answer
6. Additional Skills and Responsibilities
In addition to good English teaching skills and qualifications, individuals who can perform extra tasks such as administrative duties are preferred.
Some schools may seek a specific subject teacher, such as music or history.
If an applicant holds the necessary skills, they may be able to demand a higher salary.
7. Supply and Demand
Supply and demand chains significantly impact the salaries of English teachers in Japan.
If there are a lot of applicants, it may be tougher to negotiate higher salaries.
On the flip side, applicants can often demand higher-paying packages if there aren’t many teachers available.
Demand for English teachers can fluctuate, especially at privately owned institutions.
Conclusion
Japan is a beautiful country with much to offer for English teachers looking to live in a new and exciting land.
Several options are available for English teachers, and the quality of access to positions will increase with experience and qualifications.
Beginner teachers in Japan can expect to earn at least ¥200,000 ($1,420) per month.
More experienced teachers can earn up to ¥600,000 ($4,250) a month!
Anyone wanting to teach English in Japan should determine what they want from their experience and work towards the necessary qualifications to achieve their goals.
We hope this helps you better understand the salaries and types of schools in Japan.
Have a wonderful day!
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