How much do English teachers earn in Vietnam?

Why Vietnam pays by the hour

Language centres in Vietnam almost always quote an hourly rate rather than a fixed monthly salary, because most teachers work a mix of weekday evening classes and weekend blocks rather than a fixed school-style timetable. That means two teachers at the same centre can take home very different monthly totals depending on how many hours they pick up.

When someone quotes you '27-48 million VND a month', that's really a range built from hourly rates multiplied by typical weekly hours — ask directly for the per-hour figure and the minimum guaranteed hours so you can do your own math.

Pay at the top of the range usually goes to stronger CVs, so check the best TEFL course for Vietnam before you apply.

Language centre vs international school vs private tutoring

Language centres (the most common first job) pay the lowest hourly rate but the most flexible hours, and rarely include housing or flights. International and bilingual schools pay a proper monthly salary, often include some benefits, and almost always require a bachelor's degree plus real classroom experience or a teaching license. Private one-to-one tutoring, arranged directly with families, usually pays the best hourly rate of the three but comes with no contract security and inconsistent hours.

Most teachers in their first year combine language-centre hours with some private tutoring on the side to lift their overall monthly total.

Degree, nationality, and what actually moves your rate

A bachelor's degree is the single biggest lever — it unlocks international-school jobs that pay noticeably more than language-centre hourly work. Without a degree, your ceiling is set mostly by teaching hours and experience, not by qualifications alone. Some centres advertise a higher rate for native English speakers from a short list of countries, but plenty of well-run centres pay non-native, TEFL-certified teachers the same rate as native speakers if their English and teaching quality are strong.

Exam-prep classes (IELTS, TOEIC) and older student groups usually pay a premium over general kids' classes, so asking for that kind of teaching once you have a few months of experience is a realistic way to raise your income.

Tax and what lands in your account

Personal income tax is normally withheld by the employer before you're paid, and the rate depends on your residency status and total income — this is exactly the kind of detail that changes and should be confirmed with your specific school's HR or an accountant rather than assumed from a forum post. Always ask for a written payslip showing gross pay, tax withheld, and net pay so you know what you're actually taking home each month.