Korean Job Discussion Forums

chaz47 · Joined: 11 Sep 2003

I am just past 6.5 years of experience here in the ROK. I have a BA, extensive coursework equaling a 2nd BA and a 120 hour TEFL cert. My experience includes roughly 2 years of university, 2 years of adult hagwon, 1 year of public school and a year of TOEFL prep hagwon.

The TOEFL prep hagwon is my current employer and they are asking me to sign on for another year. Please help me with some constructive numbers so I don't get low-balled.

zombiedog · Joined: 03 Oct 2011

I wouldn't go lower than 2.3.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 4:02 pm Post subject: Re: How much am I worth?

Carbon · Joined: 28 Jan 2011

How good are you at your job? 7 years, a BA (the "extensive coursework equaling a 2nd BA" doesn't mean much if there isn't an actual degree or certificate) and a TOEFL cert are useful, but not as much as being really good at what you do.

fustiancorduroy · Joined: 12 Jan 2007

First of all, do you work at a large chain or a small academy? Large chains usually have limits on how much they are willing to pay, whereas smaller academies can potentially pay more.

Second, which part of the TOEFL do you teach? Have your students' TOEFL scores in the section you teach improved after taking your class? If so, by how much?

Third, what is your degree in? Is it English? Another humanities? Which university did you work at? If it's a good university with a good reputation, the hagwon can emphasize that you worked there in their advertising (if they aren't doing so already).

To answer your question more specifically, a decent TOEFL hagwon should pay at least 3.0 million a month for 30 hours a teaching a week. This may or may not include benefits. If you're working in a smaller academy, have a good record of improving student scores, and have a relevant degree and/or job experience at prestigious employers, you could conceivably ask for 3.5 or 4.0 million a month, if not more.

chaz47 · Joined: 11 Sep 2003

bobbybigfoot · Joined: 05 May 2007 Location: Seoul

Are you a great teacher? Do you have video evidence? Can you teach a class on the spot and impress?

Are you applying for a job with a company that values quality education, or one that values appearance?

Are you charming? What do you look like?

Without knowing more details, your low end should be 2.5. Your average about 2.7. And the upper range at 2.9 to 3.1.

If you were worth more than that, you wouldn't be asking the question.

fustiancorduroy · Joined: 12 Jan 2007

You're making a decent amount of money, it seems, but I contend you should still be making more. If you resign, ask for a pay raise of 30K won a hour, if not a bit more. Also, apply for other academies in Daechi-dong, if you're in Seoul. They are generally willing to pay more -- in some cases a lot more -- than you are making now.