Job Discussion Forums

laineylam · Joined: 11 May 2010 Posts: 7

I live an hour outside of Chengdu in Shuangliu, I believe I'm the only foreign teacher in my area.
There are some Brazilian's who work in a nearby shoe factory, who want lessons in their lunch hour.
How much do foreign teachers usually charge in Chengdu/Sichuan?
Any info greatly appreciated.

vikeologist · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 600

The common consensus seems to be that foreign teachers should charge between 150-200 kuai per hour for private classes across the country.

If you're teaching a class, there's the opportunity to ask for 200, but my personal feeling is that you should be more than content with 150. Small classes are a way for students without much money to be able to afford you.

I don't really think there are that many regional variations. By charging this much you'll be excluding a large number of people anywhere who can't afford that much, and there will always be supply and demand fluctuations.

However, you'll be able to get plenty of work at 150, and if you charge less, frankly you'll be undercharging.

If you were not a native speaker of English, this might reduce the amount that you could charge.

MisterButtkins · Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Posts: 1221

I agree with 150 being a normal rate. No less. If someone asks you for a rate tho you should say 200, since they might try to haggle with you.

Mr. English · Joined: 25 Nov 2009 Posts: 298 Location: Nakuru, Kenya

I am skeptical about rates being common across all of China. I private tutor in Guangzhou and at the moment my rates, almost all for one-to-one classes, vary from 170 to 250 per hour. I understand rates are a bit higher in Shenzhen, and perhaps in Shanghai and Beijing as well. But 200 a ways outside of Chengdu? Maybe, but I am skeptical. Even 150 could be difficult to get in smaller places. No competition, no doubt, but where is the money? People there don't make enough. This being said, if you are teaching a group then certainly 200 could be doable.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

It's 150 in Panjin (Liaoning) now. Just throwing that out.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

I was getting RMB100 p/h for privates back in 2004 in Dalian, so must be 150 or more now.

GeminiTiger · Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 5:34 am Post subject:

150-200 rmb per hour? that's (about) double what most FT's make per hour teaching a class of 30 to 60. i know it's possible, especially in the biggest cities, but people do tutor for as low as 75-100 per hour, i have. the work is easy and enjoyable.

just my 2 cents