Teacher Salary In Mexico

A great deal of Teachers in Mexico receive a monthly salary calculated based on the complexity of their area and other factors, so that they are able to provide an income for their families. If the person is hired by a private school, then this calculation may be different. This amount differs for each state but teachers who have studied longer tend to make more than those who have studied for less.

Mexico is one of the most attractive EFL destinations in Latin America. This is mostly because of the country’s close relationship with the United States and the professional opportunities for English teachers resulting from that. While a TEFL certification is not an official requirement, it increases your chances of landing a teaching position at a reputable school and gets you a higher salary. English teachers in Mexico mostly work at private language schools or universities but some also find positions at primary or secondary schools or in a business setting. It’s also worth noting that Mexico makes it quite easy for people to obtain a work visa to teach English.

The salary for English teachers in Mexico varies greatly depending on the size of the school, the location and the experience of the teacher. The highest paying positions, however, can be found at Mexican post-secondary schools. University jobs in Mexico not only pay higher salaries, they also offer better job security compared to private language schools.

Teaching business English is another popular part of the English education scene in Mexico. Many Mexican companies hire English teachers to improve their employees’ language skills. The pay rate is often better than at language schools but the working hours can be unpredictable and holidays often aren’t paid.

Here is more information on the average salary per school type:

Salaries for Teaching English in Mexico

There are several different teaching opportunities available for TEFL-certified teachers in Mexico and, unlike a majority of Latin America, Mexico offers a wide range of student groups from children and university students to adults and business professionals. ESL (English as a second language) teachers who ultimately spend time teaching English in Mexico do so via one of the following avenues:

• Teaching English at a language school or university while on a work or tourist visa;
• Teaching Business English to adults while on a work or tourist visa; 
• Teaching English online or via private in-person tutoring while on a tourist visa;
• A combination of any of the above options.

Your salary will fluctuate depending on which teaching route you choose to pursue. On average, English teachers in Mexico can expect to make anywhere between $500 – $800 USD per month from working at a language school with the option to earn additional income through private tutoring ($7-15 USD per hour depending on your location) and teaching English online ($5-$20 USD per hour).

Let’s explore each option and what you can expect to earn from them:

1. Mexico Language School Salaries

Teaching at private language schools and universities are amongst the most popular job types available for ESL teachers in Mexico. Pay will fluctuate depending on where you are located, with teachers in larger cities like Mexico City, León, and Guadalajara earning more than those teaching in smaller cities and towns like Oaxaca and Puerto Vallarta. English teachers working at a language school or university in Mexico can expect to make anywhere between $500 – $800 USD per month.

Work Visa for Teaching English in Mexico

While some teachers choose to teach on a tourist visa, it is common and routine for those teaching English in Mexico to be able to process a work visa, known as an FM3, that not only enables English teachers to work, but also provides other benefits like access to the national health care system. 

The FM3 can be processed both from your home country (for those that secure employment remotely) or once in Mexico. If you plan to look for work on the ground while in-country, you will enter Mexico on a tourist visa and once you have secured a job, your employer will sponsor your FM3. 

Additional Reading: How Can I Get a Work Visa to Teach English in Mexico?

2. Mexico Private English Tutoring Salaries

Private tutoring ESL students is one of the most common job types amongst English teachers in Mexico. Teachers that choose this route are often:

• Teaching English in Mexico at a language school or university and taking on some private tutoring students to help supplement their income; 
• Teaching English online and seeking supplemental income by privately tutoring students in addition to their online teaching job. 

Getting clients for private lessons is a marketing exercise, and all the avenues that seem appropriate to your circumstances have to be explored. Here are some ways you can market yourself:

• Post notices in schools and universities, coffee shops, supermarkets, or corner shops;
• Run an advertisement in the local paper;
• Send notices to local public schools, announcing your willingness to work with local students on their English;
• Compile a list of addresses of professionals (lawyers, architects, etc.) who may need English for their work and have the resources to pay for it and then contact them;
• Call on export businesses, distribution companies, perhaps even travel agencies;
• Get ESL business cards made before you leave your home country that has your name, email address, and phone number on them.

How much money can I make private tutoring ESL students in Mexico?

As a private ESL tutor in Mexico, you should expect to charge and make around $7-15 USD per hour. Your rates should reflect your location, with teachers in larger cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara being able to charge towards the higher end of that pay scale. If you are located in a smaller city or rural location, your rate of pay should be at the lower end of the pay range. 

Something to keep in mind – a student may only be after a single private tutoring lesson, or a handful, and can withdraw from their lessons with you at any time. As a result, you should be cautious when trying to budget your private tutoring income too far into the future. 

Other Benefits to Expect When Teaching English in Mexico

While schools in Mexico don’t provide the lucrative benefits that teachers are used to when teaching English in Asia, for example, you aren’t completely left out either. Accommodation is often provided by the employer, and healthcare is sometimes included. Unfortunately, schools in Mexico don’t usually pay for the airfare of their teachers.

How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching English in Mexico

Because Mexico isn’t known for paying the highest EFL teacher salaries in the world, a lot of teachers top up their salaries by taking on private students for tutoring. Tutoring students in your free time allows you to make some extra money when in Mexico. Teachers typically make between $100 and $400 pesos ($5.30 and $21 USD) an hour for private language instruction.

The Cost of Living in Mexico

The cost of living in Mexico is very low compared to most countries in the West. You can live a very comfortable lifestyle on a teacher’s salary and enjoy your stay in Latin America to the fullest. Even though the salaries for teachers in Mexico aren’t incredibly high, you can still enjoy the laid-back atmosphere in the country and live comfortably. Below, we break down the cost of living in Mexico for individual aspects.

Cost of Living in Mexico: Food

Eating out in Mexico isn’t expensive and is something you’ll be able to enjoy frequently because of the low prices. If you want to save even more, you can cook your own meals using local ingredients from Mexican markets and avoid places specifically catered to foreigners.

• Milk (1L): 16.60 MXN
• Eggs (12): 25.50 MXN
• Apples (1kg): 35.80 MXN
• Chicken breast (1kg): 83.40 MXN
• Rice (1kg): 17.60 MXN
• Bottle of water (1.5L): 14 MXN
• Bottle of Mexican beer (.5L): 30 MXN