Mexico is a hugely popular destination for teaching English abroad due to its booming job market, vibrant culture, diverse and beautiful landscapes, and the worldwide popularity of its cuisine. The country’s close ties to its neighbour the USA, also ensures Mexico has a very strong demand for the English language in every town and city, no matter how big or small.
What are TEFL salaries in Mexico?
Although a teacher’s salary is much less than you would earn in the US, the low cost of living means that what you earn goes a whole lot further. Your income will vary depending on the type of job you secure and the location in which you choose to live and work. On average, you can expect to earn between $500 and $1,000 USD per month. When looking for a job, it is best to shop around to find the best deal as hourly rates can be very different in different schools in the same area. Some employers will also offer some assistance with housing, transport and teaching materials. Most employers in Mexico will insist that you have a TEFL or TESOL certification.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Mexico?
The best salaries for teaching English in Mexico are generally found with local businesses. Many companies hire teachers to deliver lessons to their staff who are usually highly professional and motivated. On the downside, lessons are normally scheduled for before or after normal working hours and you will often have to commute between different companies.
Private language centers offer the largest number of teaching jobs in Mexico, although the hourly rate is likely to be less than working with private companies. These positions also often involve unsocial hours both in the early morning and evening and also at weekends. Your classes could be young learners or adults, depending on the center.
Public schools offer the most stable work hours, however, the pay is often less than other teaching jobs. Teaching hours are generally from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many of these jobs actually require you to teach specific subjects in English rather than just English, so previous classroom experience would be a real help. Whichever type of job you have, many teachers also take on a few private students to teach in their free time. This is a common way of topping up your main salary for just a few extra hours each week.
What is the recruitment process for English teachers in Mexico?
The best approach to finding a suitable job in Mexico is to first identify the area where you want to live. You can then compile a list of potential employers to contact. Ideally you should apply in person looking smart and with your CV/resume ready to be handed over. It is also a good idea to take along your TEFL/TESOL certificate to prove you have completed a training course.
Although jobs can be found all over the country, the largest number and the best salaries are mostly found in big cities, particularly Mexico City. Jobs can become available at anytime of the year; however, the best time to look for jobs in language centers is August and early September. Public schools often start their recruitment process in July for the first semester and again in December/January for the second semester.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Mexico?
While salaries in Mexico are not large by American standards, the cost of living is much lower so your hard earned cash will go much further. On average, a teacher’s cost of living is around $300 USD per month. This means that most people should be able to live comfortably on their income, particularly if their contract includes free housing or a housing subsidy. Teachers who take on private tutoring should also have plenty of spare cash to make the most of their free time. Just remember to avoid expensive imported luxuries and to enjoy the cheap local food.
