TEFL Salaries in Vietnam: Has the Golden Era Faded?

There was a time when teaching English in Vietnam felt like a superpower. A decade ago, TEFL teachers could earn around 450,000 VND per hour—roughly $18—and live exceptionally well on just $600 a month. Rent was low, street food was cheap, and even a modest teaching schedule allowed for travel, savings, and a comfortable lifestyle.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape looks different. Many chain schools in Vietnam still pay around 450,000 to 500,000 VND per hour. But here’s the catch: the cost of living has roughly doubled. That same salary that once felt abundant now covers less than it used to. For many teachers, the golden era of TEFL in Vietnam seems to be slipping away.

What Changed in Vietnam?

It’s not just that salaries stayed flat. The teaching market has become significantly more competitive. More qualified teachers are willing to accept similar pay, and schools have more options than ever. When there’s always another candidate ready to take the job, wage growth slows to a crawl.

Meanwhile, daily life has gotten more expensive. Rent in major cities has climbed, imported goods are pricier, and even local staples have seen noticeable increases. A salary of around 35 million VND per month—which once felt like more than enough—now requires much smarter budgeting.

Some teachers still manage to live comfortably on that amount, and local cost-of-living choices matter a lot. But for many, the margin between “comfortable” and “just getting by” has become thinner.

A Familiar Story in Japan

Vietnam isn’t the only country where TEFL teachers have noticed this trend. Japan has followed a similar path for years. Salaries at language schools have remained largely unchanged for decades, despite rising living costs in Tokyo and other major cities.

The pattern is hard to ignore: the TEFL industry often fails to raise wages in step with inflation. As competition grows and schools realize teachers will still accept current pay, the incentive to increase salaries disappears. Teachers who hope to save serious money must now look beyond the classroom salary alone.

What This Means for New TEFL Teachers

If you’re considering teaching English abroad, don’t let this discourage you—but do go in with your eyes open. The days of assuming any TEFL job overseas will lead to effortless wealth are over. Instead, focus on the factors that still make a big difference:

• Choose your city carefully. Some locations are far more affordable than others.
• Negotiate your contract. Benefits like housing allowances and paid vacation can matter more than a slightly higher hourly rate.
• Consider private students. Many teachers supplement their income by tutoring outside of school hours.
• Budget realistically. The cost of living has changed, but so can your spending habits.

Thriving in the New Reality

The comment section of this conversation offered an important counterpoint: many teachers still live very well in Vietnam on 35 million VND per month. The key is lifestyle. Those who choose local food, shared housing, and avoid luxury spending often find that the salary still goes a long way.

That’s not to dismiss the real challenges of stagnation and competition. But it does mean the TEFL experience is more flexible than a salary figure might suggest. A teacher’s quality of life depends not only on what they earn, but also on how they manage their money, where they live, and what they value.

The Bottom Line

Vietnam remains a fantastic destination for TEFL teachers—especially those just starting their journey. But the economic landscape is no longer as effortless as it once was. The smartest teachers treat TEFL as a career, not just an adventure. They research, adapt, and build sustainable lifestyles that can handle both rising costs and competitive markets.

The golden era may have changed. But for those willing to plan ahead, it’s still possible to live well, travel far, and make a meaningful impact in the classroom.