Job Discussion Forums

NorthofAmerica · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 187 Location: Recovering Expat

I had a job offer that was for 540-600 per hour, guaranteed 80 hours a month. Doing the math that's 43-48k, little cheap no?

I am still in mainland China so I am not sure what sounds right. Are jobs in Taichung typically that much lower paying than Taipei (where 50-60k seems normal)

Also, anyone interested in hiring a sweet teacher with 3 years exp? Very Happy

Dr_Zoidberg · Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 2:31 pm Post subject:

That's pretty standard in Taichung now. Of course, the laobans will try to offer you as little as they can get away with. Try negotiating for the higher end of the scale, especially if you're an experienced teacher. However, make sure you can show them value for their money during your interview / demo lesson

Taipei pays more, but the cost of living is substantially more too.

Rooster_2006 · Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 984

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

People were having this same discussion on this very forum 10 years ago and the rates were exactly the same, or perhaps even a little higher then.

yamahuh · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Karaoke Hell

43 - 48K a month is low no matter where in Taiwan you are, but look at the details. The job is hourly pay, not salary, so theoretically this means you won't be doing office hours, also 20 hours a week is below average for Taiwan. I think most schools try to get their white monkeys - I mean teachers - to work around 25 hours a week don't they? (correct me if I'm wrong).

So, again theoretically, if you were working no office hours and only working 4 hours a day you could find another school to do a few hours at (or private students) and supplement that 43 - 48K up to a better monthly wage.

Just an idea.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

And don't forget that you will be taxed 20 percent the fist six months that you are in Taiwan.

creztor · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 476

NoA, it is low but it seems that's the way things are going. You'll pay 18% on the first six months (was 20% last year and changed to 18% this year), which is why I say you should seriously ask yourself why you are thinking about Taiwan. Someone mentioned that the pay is higher in Taipei but so is the cost of living. It is much higher, much more than the difference in pay. I was actually paid more by HESS working in Kaohsiung than what they were paying in Taipei. Most jobs I see in Kaohsiung are around the 600 - 650 mark and that's the limit.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh