Highest Paying Teaching Jobs: Get Paid Big to Teach as an In-Demand Educator!

Welcome to our Jobs in Childcare comprehensive insight into teaching jobs with the absolute best paid salaries. Our expert perspective will provide you with all the factors you need to consider in your career as you swim towards the most lucrative and rewarding teaching opportunities available across the globe.

In this extensive guide, we'll delve into each of the most common top paying teaching positions in reverse-financially-satisfying order.

Strapped in? OK, let's embark on our countdown to discover the most financially satisfying careers in the industry.

6. Online ESL Teacher

Typical annual salary: $20,000–$40,000

Thanks to the internet, globalisation and heaps of other factors beyond the control of us mere mortals, demand for English language learning has grown exponentially in recent years.

One of the knock-on effects of this English language growth is job creation. There are truly ample opportunities for online ESL (English as a Second Language, aka. EFL [English as a Foreign Language]) teachers. The ‘remote teaching’ option allows educators to connect with students worldwide, offering flexibility and convenience for both teachers and learners. Hurrah!

Salaries in the space are not bad considering you don’t need to be rooted to the spot and have freedom to set your own schedule. ESL teachers usually earn a wage of $15–$40 per hour, depending on their qualifications, experience, and the platform, programme or students they choose to work with. Some platforms offer a flat base-rate salary. Others allow teachers to set their rates. As a little bonus, some platforms offer their teachers extra financial incentives for positive student feedback or high numbers of completed lessons. It’s best to shop around and see what works best for you to find the perfect online ESL teaching position.

Qualifications required:

A bachelor's degree and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification are the usual requirements for online ESL teaching positions. Some platforms may also ask for a minimum number of teaching hours or prior ESL teaching experience. Native or near-native English fluency is a must, and some skill in the students' native language can be an advantage (although not always).

Plusses and minuses:

The plusses are pretty obvious here. Work with the students you like best, travel if you want to, work from the comfort of your own home, and all with the rewarding nature of seeing your students improve their English skills and gain confidence in their abilities. Everything you need for a positive work-life balance.

Minuses - well, the salaries are not as high as in other English teaching spheres. You are going to be putting in a lot of screen time. And ultimately, you may not get paid if students cancel lessons. Hey ho.

5. Private School Teacher

Typical annual salary: $35,000–$70,000

Private schools are a pretty serious learning environment, as you’d probably expect. Teachers in private schools tend to work with small classes where they can focus on individual students' needs and tailor their teaching approach accordingly.

While private school teacher salaries depend on individual schools and locations, earnings are usually pretty high and generally in the range of $35,000 to $70,000 per year. Additional benefits, such as health insurance, a solid pension or retirement plan, and tuition fee discounts for teachers' kids, are often on the table too.

Qualifications required:

Private schools typically require teachers to hold a bachelor's degree in education or a relevant subject area, as well as a teaching licence or certification. In the UK, teachers should have a PGCE or QTS (qualified teacher status). Prior teaching experience and expertise in the school's educational approach (such as Montessori, Waldorf, or classical education) will also boost your application. Typically, private schools are the most stringent and demanding in terms of qualifications.

Plusses and minuses:

Teaching in a private school is usually a very stable and solid environment. A good job can be both rewarding and long-term, allowing you to build strong relationships with students and have a real impact on their academic and personal growth. Work in a private school looks fantastic on your CV, and don’t forget the lovely long holidays for summer and Christmas!

On the flip side, working in a private school is a very serious deal and a big academic commitment. Expect long hours, paperwork, staff meetings, parent evenings, and contributions to the teaching syllabus regularly. Teaching in a private school can quickly become your whole life, so be sure this aligns with your own teaching philosophy and goals.

4. University Lecturing and Teaching

Typical annual salary: $40,000–$70,000 (entry-level)

Teaching at university level is often regarded as a prestigious and financially rewarding career. On top of the obvious teaching, university lecturers may even have the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their fields by conducting research, publishing articles and books, and sharing their expertise with the next generation of professionals.

Salaries vary significantly. The institution, field of expertise, academic rank, and your own individual experience are all factors at play. Entry-level lecturing roles or teaching fellowships may pay from $40,000 to $70,000. At the top of the pile professorships, well-experienced and proven professors can make up to $100,000 in the right university.

Qualifications required:

Most institutions will accept candidates with a master's degree or even a BA for English language or similar lecturing and teaching roles in a university. Prior teaching experience will also improve your chances of securing a position with a solid salary.

Plusses and minuses:

University lecturers generally report high job satisfaction as they shape the careers of future professionals. The freedom to pursue any particular research interests, flexible (and often low) work hours, and opportunities for collaboration and travel all add to the appeal of this career path. Health insurance and retirement plans may also be on offer for long-term roles.

On the other hand, you’ll need to be on top of your game and very very confident in your teaching skills to make things work with these future great minds. A lot of preparation is preferred to ensure your teaching is engaging and beneficial. A balance between teaching, research, and any additional responsibilities can be challenging, so do as much research (!) as you can before jumping into a lecturer role, and make sure the job and the location are right for you.

3. International School Teacher

Typical annual salary: $30,000–$80,000

Teaching at international schools offers an enticing blend of professional development, cultural immersion, and lucrative earnings. These institutions typically cater to expatriate families, offering education in their native language and following their home country's curriculum.

With thousands of international schools worldwide, there are extensive career development options abound for qualified teachers to experience life abroad while enjoying great salaries of $30,000 to $80,000 per year. Schools in wealthier regions, such as the Middle East and Asia, often offer salaries at the top end of this income bracket to attract the best talent.

Qualifications required:

International schools typically look to hire teachers with a bachelor's degree in English, Education or a similar field, on top of a teaching licence or certification (again PGCE, QTS or equivalent) from the applicant’s home country. Most schools will also require a minimum of two years of teaching experience. Familiarity with the school's curriculum (such as the International Baccalaureate or American curriculum) and experience teaching previous international students will also help you here.

Plusses and minuses:

International school can take you to exciting new cultures, broadening both your personal and professional horizons. Use school holidays (and that healthy salary package) to explore your host country, along with nearby destinations. Housing or housing allowance, health insurance, visas and annual flights to your home country are often thrown in too.

Just remember that adjusting to life overseas can be challenging and lonely. You’ll need a significant support network and, typically, some experience living overseas to avoid homesickness.

2. Private Tutoring

Typical annual salary: $50,000 - $90,000 +

Private tutoring can give you the chance to work one-on-one or with small groups of students, catering to their specific needs and learning styles. This personalised approach often yields impressive results, making private tutoring an increasingly popular option for families seeking to boost their children's academic performance. 

Private tutors can earn between $30 and $200 per hour, according to qualifications, experience, location, etc. Tutors specialising in niche subjects, standardised test preparation, or working with students with learning disabilities often command the highest rates of pay.

Qualifications required:

A bachelor's degree in education or a subject area relevant to the tutoring focus is typically required for private tutors. A teaching certification or licence can also enhance your credibility and boost your earning potential. Prior experience teaching or tutoring, as well as a proven track record of success in helping students achieve individual academic goals, can help you build a solid client base here.

Plusses and minuses:

Private tutoring can be a fulfilling career path as you witness the direct impact of your endeavours. The flexibility of scheduling (both hours and work-load), the ability to choose clients, and the option to work remotely all contribute to a positive work-life balance. 

Just don’t forget that becoming a successful tutor relies heavily on you as an individual. It requires dedication, networking, and ongoing professional development to stay current with educational trends and best practices and to stay at the top of your game.

1. VIP Nannying and Governor/Governess Work

Typical annual salary: $70,000 - $150,000 +

This is where the highest paid salaries and opportunities really start coming. High-net-worth families often seek experienced, qualified professionals to support their children's education. VIP nannies and governesses provide personalised care and learning experiences, while enjoying high salaries and other attractive perks. These roles can take educators around the world, as families may require live-in candidates, teaching support whilst travelling, or a combination of both.

Working as a VIP nanny or governess can yield salaries ranging from $60,000 to $150,000 per year, dependent upon qualifications, experience, schedule, responsibilities, location and general market demand.

Qualifications required:

To secure the highest paid VIP nanny job or governess position, you should have a solid background in childcare and/or education. A bachelor's degree in early childhood education, psychology, or a related field is typically required. Additional certifications, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or early childhood special education, can further enhance your application.

Prior experience working with high-net-worth families, fluency in multiple languages, and proficiency in specialised areas (such as music, sports, or art) can set you apart as a candidate. Expertise in managing complex schedules, coordinating with other household staff, and maintaining discretion and confidentiality is crucial in these roles.

Plusses and minuses:

Working as a VIP nanny or governess can be an incredibly rewarding experience, as you play an integral role in the children's development and forge strong bonds with your ‘work family’. The opportunity to travel and enjoy luxurious accommodations and amenities is another perk that comes with these positions. In addition to the generous salary, VIP nannies and governesses often enjoy free accommodation or a housing allowance, travel opportunities, and wonderful experiences with their charges. 

The demands of a VIP nanny or governess role can be quite high. Long hours, minimal personal space, and the need to adapt to the family's unique requirements can be unpleasant. Some children (and even some parents!) may prove difficult to work with. Finding the right balance between work and personal life is essential to thriving in this role.

So, whether you choose to work as an international school teacher, VIP nanny, governess, private tutor, university professor, online ESL teacher, or private school educator, consider the advantages and challenges of each role individually.

Think carefully about your qualifications, experience, and personal preferences, and we wish you the best of luck finding a career that aligns with your financial goals and passion for education!