What Cities & TEFL Certification Pay the Most in Vietnam for TEFL Teachers

Updated 8 October 2026: pay checked against our Salary Index and Vietnam guide; unsourced city salaries and premiums removed.

English teachers in Vietnam typically earn around ₫30 to ₫45 million a month, roughly US$1,200 to US$2,000 or €1,055 to €1,760, mostly at private language centres. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have the most jobs and the higher salaries, while Da Nang and smaller cities pay a little less but cost less to live in. To work legally you need a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL of at least 120 hours, a work permit and an LD2 work visa.

Vietnam has become one of Asia’s most popular places to start teaching, thanks to strong demand and a low cost of living. This guide gives you verified pay figures, explains how the main cities compare, and sets out what you need to qualify.

Key takeaways

• Typical pay is about ₫30 to ₫45 million a month, roughly US$1,200 to US$2,000.
• Most jobs are at private language centres; public schools and international schools also hire.
• Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have the most jobs and the higher pay; living costs are higher too.
• A bachelor’s degree and a 120-hour TEFL certificate are required for the work permit; previous teaching experience is not.
• Many centres pay per teaching hour, so ask how many hours are guaranteed each month.

How much do English teachers earn in Vietnam?

Most English teachers in Vietnam earn around ₫30 to ₫45 million a month. At language centres, our Salary Index puts the range at about US$1,200 to US$2,000, or €1,055 to €1,760.

Because many language centres pay by the hour, your monthly income depends on the hours you are given. Ask for a guaranteed minimum number of teaching hours in writing.

Which cities in Vietnam pay English teachers the most?

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi pay the most and have by far the most jobs. Da Nang and other cities offer a slower pace and lower costs, with somewhat fewer and lower paid roles.

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam’s largest city has the biggest and most varied job market, from language centres to bilingual and international schools. It is the best choice for job options and higher pay, with the highest rents to match. Our guide to the LD2 visa and work permit for Ho Chi Minh City covers the paperwork in detail.

Hanoi

The capital has a large market of language centres and schools, a strong expat community and a more traditional feel. Pay is broadly similar to Ho Chi Minh City for similar roles.

Da Nang

The central coastal city attracts teachers who want beaches and a more relaxed pace. There are fewer jobs than in the two big cities, but living costs are lower.

Hai Phong and smaller cities

Smaller cities have steady demand and low living costs, and employers there sometimes find it harder to recruit, which can help new teachers.

What do you need to teach English in Vietnam legally?

To teach legally you need a work permit, sponsored by your employer, and an LD2 work visa. Vietnam’s work permit rules for foreign workers were updated in 2025, and documents must be properly legalised.

• Degree: a bachelor’s degree in any subject.
• TEFL: at least 120 hours; a regulated Level 5 TEFL Diploma (Ofqual 610/1571/4) helps for better schools.
• Experience: previous teaching experience is not required for most roles.
• Documents: legalised degree, TEFL certificate and police check, plus a local health check.

Never start working on a tourist visa or e-visa. For document steps, see TEFL certificate legalisation explained, and for the official sources, the Visa Desk.

How much can you save teaching in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s low living costs mean many teachers save a meaningful share of their pay, especially outside central Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. To estimate your own savings, take a realistic monthly income based on guaranteed hours, subtract rent, food, transport and travel for your city, and see what is left.

Some teachers add private lessons, but check that your work permit and contract allow it before taking paid work outside your main job.

How should you compare job offers in Vietnam?

Compare guaranteed income and paperwork, not the headline hourly rate. A slightly lower rate with guaranteed hours, a proper work permit and paid holidays is usually worth more than a higher rate without them.

For tips on spotting a risky offer, see our guide to getting your first TEFL job.

Ready to teach English in Vietnam?

The TEFL Institute Group is Europe’s largest TEFL trainer by teachers certified, with 161,000 teachers certified since 2017 and graduates in 80 countries. We are a Highfield Approved Centre (number 21335).

Start with the 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course to meet the work permit requirement, or choose the 180 Hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma to stand out for better schools.

Ola Flynn, Head of Marketing

Head of Marketing at The TEFL Institute Group; runs our webinars and information sessions, loves travel and sharing interns’ stories, and joined our interns in Thailand for orientation.