Teacher Salary In Denmark
Teachers in Denmark enjoy a high quality of life and make a good salary. But teachers in Denmark are paid on a national pay scale with set salaries, regardless of their experience or the size of the town. Because salaries in Denmark are consistent country-wide, teachers earn less money when they move to smaller towns.
Denmark is a northern European country that is known for its natural beauty and high standard of living. It’s also one of the most expensive places to live, with an average annual salary of $60,000.

Teachers in Denmark make around $55,000 per year. This is a decent salary by Danish standards, but it’s still only around half the national average income.
If you’re planning on moving to Denmark as an English teacher, you’ll need to be aware that the cost of living is much higher than in your home country.
Options for teaching in Denmark
In Denmark, the public education system is strictly regulated. Teachers with non-Danish teaching credentials looking for teaching jobs in the primary and secondary school systems will need to first apply to the Danish Agency for Higher Education and request that their international qualifications be formally recognized. If necessary, expat teachers may be required to undergo further training.
Alternatively, Denmark offers a number of English teaching job opportunities for expat teachers outside of the mainstream public school system, either in bilingual international schools or private language schools. These schools are, for the most part, concentrated in the main urban cities Denmark like Copenhagen, Fredericia, Glostrup, and Hellerup.

Language schools
There are a large number of English language schools in Denmark offering opportunities for qualified teachers to teach subjects like Advanced English and Business English. Business English teaching jobs are in huge demand and previous business experience is often considered an advantage for these positions, along with relevant qualifications and previous experience teaching.
International schools
Denmark has more than 24 international schools across the country, primarily for children of expats, that regularly employ native English-speaking teaching staff. In Danish international schools, teachers are often in high demand and, consequently, the requirements for teachers looking for jobs at these schools are often more advanced.
Salary and benefits while teaching in Denmark
Salary and benefits for teaching jobs in international schools and language schools in Denmark vary greatly across schools. Having, at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree as well as a relevant English teaching qualification such as a TEFL certificate offers teachers the best chance to maximize their salary and benefit packages.
Teaching Benefit Type | Teaching Benefit Details |
---|---|
Yearly Salary | $43,000 – $58,000 USD, depending on the school. |
Working Hours | 40 hours per week, with roughly 19 hours per week of lessons. |
Relocation Allowance | Not typically provided. |
Vacation | June to August, in addition to national holidays in fall, winter, Easter and Christmas. |
Health Insurance | Not typically provided. |
Contract Duration | One year. |