How much can you actually earn teaching English in Spain? It is the first question most aspiring teachers ask, and the honest answer is: it depends. Your salary in Spain is shaped by the type of employer, the city you choose, your qualifications and how many private classes you take on the side. This guide breaks down real, up-to-date salary ranges for every major teaching route so you can budget with confidence before you move.
For the complete financial and legal picture, read this alongside our complete guide to teaching English in Spain: salary & visa.
Average English Teacher Salary in Spain at a Glance
Most English teachers in Spain earn between €700 and €1,600 per month, depending on the role. This may sound modest compared with salaries in the Middle East or Asia, but Spain's cost of living is significantly lower than the UK, Ireland or the United States, and the lifestyle benefits are a major part of the appeal. The figures below are net-of-tax monthly guidelines for full-time work.
- Language academies: €1,000–€1,400 per month
- Auxiliares de conversación (government programme): €700–€1,000 per month for part-time hours
- Private tutoring: €15–€25 per hour
- Business English & in-company classes: €20–€35 per hour
- International schools: €1,800–€2,500+ per month (qualified teachers)
Salaries by Type of Teaching Job
Language Academies
Private language academies are the most common employer for TEFL teachers in Spain. A full-time contract usually covers 20 to 25 teaching hours per week and pays between €1,000 and €1,400 per month. Academies in Madrid and Barcelona tend to sit at the higher end, while smaller towns pay less but come with cheaper rent. Many academies offer split shifts, with morning and evening classes and a long afternoon break, so factor that rhythm into your lifestyle planning.
The Auxiliares de Conversación Programme
The government's language assistant scheme pays a monthly stipend of roughly €700 to €1,000 for 12 to 16 hours of classroom support each week. The lighter hours leave plenty of room for private tutoring on the side, which is how most auxiliares top up their income. For a full breakdown of eligibility, regions and pay, see our dedicated guide to the Auxiliares de Conversación programme.
Private Tutoring
Private classes are the single biggest lever for raising your income in Spain. Rates typically run from €15 to €25 per hour for general English, and higher for exam preparation such as Cambridge or IELTS. A teacher with 10 private hours a week can add €600–€1,000 to their monthly income. Building a private client base takes time, but word of mouth spreads quickly once you are established.
Business and In-Company English
Corporate clients pay the best hourly rates, often €20 to €35 per hour, and classes are frequently scheduled early morning or over lunch. Business English usually requires a professional appearance, punctuality and some familiarity with workplace vocabulary, but it is well worth pursuing once you have settled in.
International Schools
International schools offer the highest and most stable salaries, from €1,800 to well over €2,500 per month, plus benefits. These roles almost always require a teaching licence or a degree in education alongside classroom experience, so they sit a step above entry-level TEFL work.
How City Choice Affects Your Salary and Savings
Where you live changes the maths dramatically. Madrid and Barcelona offer the most jobs and the highest headline salaries, but rent can swallow €500–€800 of your monthly pay for a room in a shared flat. Smaller cities such as Valencia, Seville, Granada and Bilbao pay a little less but leave you with more disposable income. If maximising savings matters to you, a mid-sized city often beats the capital. Explore the trade-offs in our guide to the best cities to teach English in Spain.
Cost of Living: What Your Salary Actually Covers
A €1,200 monthly salary stretches surprisingly far in Spain. Expect to spend €350–€600 on rent in a shared flat, €150–€250 on groceries, and modest amounts on transport thanks to affordable public transit and heavily discounted youth travel passes. Eating out, coffee and the famous menú del día lunch remain excellent value. Most teachers live comfortably, travel within Europe and still enjoy Spain's outstanding social culture on a mid-range TEFL income.
Tax and Social Security
If you work on a Spanish contract, income tax and social security contributions are deducted at source. Non-residents and those on lower incomes generally pay modest rates, and many first-year teachers fall into the lowest bracket. Always confirm your obligations with an official source such as the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) or a local gestor, as your exact situation depends on residency status and total earnings.
How to Increase Your Earning Potential
- Stack private classes around your main contract to lift your monthly total.
- Specialise in exam prep, business English or young learners to command higher rates.
- Upgrade your qualifications with a higher-hour TEFL course or specialist modules.
- Teach online in the gaps between classes to earn in a second currency.
- Renew with the same employer to negotiate better hours and pay in year two.
Before you apply, make sure you meet the baseline expectations. Our guide to the requirements to teach English in Spain covers certifications, degrees and visas in detail. If you are from outside the EU, also review the Spain student visa guide for English teachers.
Is Teaching English in Spain Financially Worth It?
For most people, teaching English in Spain is not about getting rich; it is about living well in one of Europe's most vibrant countries while doing rewarding work. With sensible budgeting, a main contract and a handful of private students, the vast majority of teachers cover their costs, enjoy an enviable lifestyle and often save a little on the side. If you value experience, culture and quality of life alongside a steady income, Spain delivers exceptional value.
