Learn about the practical logitistics of how you will get paid as an online English teachers, whether you are working for an online learning company or as a private contractor recruiting your own students.
Most online English teachers are paid through secure services like PayPal, Venmo, Wise, Stripe, Zelle, or bank transfer. If you work for a company, pay is typically hourly, with beginners earning around $10–$20 USD per hour. As you gain experience and receive positive reviews, you may become eligible for bonuses, higher rates, or referral rewards.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the most common payment structures:
1. How Do Online Teaching Companies Like Cambly, EF, & Preply Pay English Teachers?
- Hourly pay: Most companies pay a set rate per hour (usually $10–$25/hour - regardless of how long classes are).
- Per lesson/minute: Some platforms pay per minute taught (e.g., Cambly pays ~$0.17/minute, which is the equivalent of $10.20 per hour).
- Bonuses & raises: You can earn extra or even a raise for achieving a threshold for teaching hours, high ratings/reviews from student, or referrals.
- Payment methods: Typically via PayPal, Payoneer, or direct bank transfer (available on a monthly or biweekly basis).
NOTE: While $10-$20 per hour is standard pay for first-time online English teachers, you will definitely have opportunities to make more as you gain experience and loyal students. According to Becca Largacha, who is an International TEFL Academy graduate and staff member, and has been teaching English online for more than five years:
"I currently make $50 to give a one-hour class. It's $25 for the actual instruction, and then I'm given a $25 an hour bonus for my lesson planning. This is year 4 with that class, so my lesson planning takes me about 10 minutes. But when I started, I was in that $10 to $20 hour range. Now I'm more in the $40 to $50 an hour."
"I currently make $50 to give a one-hour class. It's $25 for the actual instruction, and then I'm given a $25 an hour bonus for my lesson planning. This is year 4 with that class, so my lesson planning takes me about 10 minutes. But when I started, I was in that $10 to $20 hour range. Now I'm more in the $40 to $50 an hour." Examples of First-Time Online ESL Teacher Salary at Online Companies:
| Online ESL Companies | Salary |
|---|---|
| Beyond English | $14-17 USD per hour taught for U.S. teachers |
| Cambly | $0.17c per minute ($10-$20 per hour) |
| Open English | Up to $15 per hour |
| Engoo | $11 per hour |
| English2Go | $11-$12 USD per hour starting rate |
| FluentBe | $10 per hour |
| VIPKid | $14 per hour |
Looking for more online ESL companies? View our Teach English Online Employer Comparison Chart to compare hourly rates of pay in $USD across a more comprehensive list of online ESL schools.
2. How Do Freelance English Teachers Get Paid on Platforms Like italki & AmazingTalker?
- Teachers set their own rates (usually $10 - $40 per hour)
- The platform takes a commission (10%–30%).
- Payment is processed through the platform and sent to the teacher (usually via PayPal, Payoneer, or bank transfer).
3. How Do Online English Teachers Get Paid by Private Students?
- Teachers recruit their own students (through social media, referrals, ads, or websites).
- They can use payment systems like PayPal, Wise, Stripe, Zelle, or direct bank transfers.
- Pay Rates are usually higher since there’s no platform fee (but it requires more effort to market yourself and handle admin).
- Make sure you have clear refund and cancellation policies in place to avoid confusion or friction should issues arise. These policies should include:
- Required notice period for cancellations (e.g., 24 hours).
- Policy for late arrivals.
- Conditions for refunds (e.g., technical issues vs. no-shows).
4. Schools or Agencies That Hire Remote Teachers as Employees (Not Independent Contractors)
- Some online schools hire English teachers as employees rather than independent contractors.
- Teachers often receive a salary (fixed monthly pay) rather than per-hour pay.
- Payment is usually through direct deposit; sometimes, employees may receive additional benefits.
Additional Tips for Getting Paid as a Virtual English Teacher
- Currency: Online English teachers are typically paid in U.S. dollars, regardless of where the teacher is working, or where the company or student is based.
- Taxes: Teachers are usually independent contractors (not employees), so they’re responsible for filing their own taxes. Americans should consult a tax professional or the IRS for questions regarding your personal situation.
- Payment frequency: This depends on the platform — some pay weekly, others biweekly or monthly.
- Cost of Living in Different Countries - If you are planning to teach English online as a Digital Nomad, check out the ITA TEFL Country Comparison Chart to learn more about cost-of-living, start-up costs, and salaries for English teachers in more than 60 countries. You can also use websites like Numbeo to learn even more about living costs, such as rent, food, and travel.
Boost Your Online Teaching Skills Set & Marketability with Advanced Teaching English Online Training
Specialized training in online English teaching can sharpen your virtual classroom management skills and help you use teaching tools more effectively—making you stand out to employers and potentially boosting your earning power. ITA’s 2-week, 30-hour Teaching English Online Specialty Course gives you the knowledge and certificate you need to attract students and navigate the online teaching market with confidence.Go further:
Want to Learn More About Teaching English Abroad & Online?
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