Job Discussion Forums

Angel.Ro · Joined: 09 May 2015 Posts: 59

I was just doing some research on what an average ESL salary is in HK, as well as cost of living, and I was just wondering if ESL jobs in HK typically provide a housing allowance? Because from what I've seen, the average cost of rent seems to be about 80% of what the typical ESL salary is.

Jmbf · Joined: 29 Jun 2014 Posts: 663

I think it would help to break down the teaching market into a couple of categories. I would say the majority of salaries fall into the following ranges (assuming you are a native English teacher).

Language Centre / Local Schools : 15-25K / month
EDB NET Scheme : 40-75K / month (assuming you get the accom allowance)
International Schools : 30 - 70K / month

What you can earn in each category depends largely on your qualifications and experience.

In addition to this, many teachers take on private students on the side which can greatly boost their incomes. For example I know several teachers who split their time between a language centre and private tutoring on the side. Several of them earn very decent money by doing this - e.g. more than 50K / month. The legality of this depends on your visa status.

Angel.Ro · Joined: 09 May 2015 Posts: 59

Thanks for the reply, that breakdown is helpful.

Would any of those numbers include a housing allowance similar to the packages available on the mainland? Or in HK do they not typically provide housing?

Jmbf · Joined: 29 Jun 2014 Posts: 663

The EDB NET scheme includes a housing allowance of around 16K / month. Most other positions don't include a housing allowance although in some rare cases I've seen some of the larger language centres offer accommodation.