Types of teaching jobs in Japan
There are 4 main types of English teaching jobs in Japan with varying application requirements and hiring seasons. Keep reading to see which one is right for you and your teaching goals!
The JET Programme
The Japanese government has been running the JET programme since the late ‘80s. (JET stands for Japan Exchange and Teaching.) Native English speakers are placed as Assistant Language Teachers in public schools across Japan. JETs usually work a 35 hour week from Monday to Friday, and you will need a bachelor’s degree to be considered. The hiring calendar varies by the home country of applicants.
English teachers in Japan can earn an annual salary of about $27,000 during their first year in the JET programme. From there, your pay increases every year you renew your contract.
Private language academies/schools
Companies like AEON and ECC are constantly looking for teaching staff. Many of these positions involve relatively long hours, and some will require you to work evenings and weekends. With these private companies, there is a higher likelihood (than with JET) that you will be placed in a large city. You will need a bachelor’s degree to be considered. The hiring calendar varies by company.
Public schools
Some public schools recruit privately or source teachers through organizations such as Interac. A 30-35 hour workweek is common. Leave entitlements can vary significantly depending on the individual school or company you are recruited through. Some public schools prefer their teachers to have a CELTA/TEFL qualification and/or teaching experience. You can apply to work year-round, however, peak hiring season is January through April.
Private lessons
Many foreign nationals give private lessons, often teaching in cafes one-on-one with students. There are no qualifications required for this, though you will need to ensure any work you do is compatible with your immigration status. There is more potential business in the large cities, particularly for anyone looking to do this as a full-time job.
Average salary and benefits
On average, English teachers in Japan can expect to earn a salary between $1,700 - $5,000 USD monthly. The salary you earn while teaching in Japan typically depends on your experience, the type of school you’re working at, and your credentials.
For example, university positions tend to be the highest paying, but require stricter qualifications such as a TEFL certification, master’s degree, or prior teaching experience.
Common teacher benefits
Compared to other major teaching destinations, Japan is known to have some of the best and most comprehensive benefit packages. Below are some of the benefits you can expect while teaching English in Japan:
- Housing
- Flight reimbursement
- Transportation passes
- Cell phone SIM cards
- Free meals (at the school)
Read more: How Much Money Can You Save Teaching Abroad?
Cost of living in Japan
It’s no secret that Japan is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Living costs are high, but with the generous salaries and benefits, it's still possible to have a reasonable standard of living! The following is an estimation of how much it will cost you to live per month, based on your personal preferences and lifestyle:
- Food: $80 - $100 (depends on how much you eat out or spend on groceries)
- Transportation: $68 for a monthly public transportation pass
- Entertainment (movies, bars/clubs, etc): $50
- Housing: ~$769 one bedroom apartment in the city center
Source: Numbeo
Where to teach English in Japan
As with starting a job in any new country, it's important to do your research before coming to Japan. Start by exploring these major teaching cities in Japan.
Tokyo
Teachers in Tokyo are in high-demand, with Japanese schools requiring children to learn English, as well as many top companies encouraging their employees to take English lessons. Living and teaching in Tokyo is sure to be an exciting experience, packed with plenty of things to do and see, delicious food, and a vibrant nightlife scene!
Osaka
Being Japan’s second largest metropolitan area as well as the country’s street food capital, Osaka is a popular destination for both tourism and teachers looking to teach English in Japan. Compared to Tokyo, teaching jobs are not as competitive, although having prior teaching experience or a TEFL certification is still highly recommended.
How to get a job teaching English in Japan
Ready to start searching and applying for teaching jobs in Japan? Getting a teaching job abroad can be competitive. Below we've outlined all you need to know to prepare for application season and learn how to become an English teacher in Japan.
When to apply
When applying for teaching jobs in Japan, aim to apply around March-April, and in August, as those are the start of public school semesters and hiring season. For private language schools, you can apply year-round!
Working visas in Japan
A working visa is generally required to teach English in Japan. Many language schools will sponsor your visa application, and you will usually need a bachelor’s degree to be granted a working visa. Some countries also have arrangements whereby you can obtain a working holiday visa, which allows you to teach part-time. To learn more about Japanese visas, visit VISA HQ.
Common qualifications to teach in Japan
The requirements to teach in Japan may vary depending on the school you’re applying to teach at, however, most employers look for candidates with the following qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree: A bachelor’s degree is essential for any formal teaching job in Japan, but any major will suffice!
- Native English speaker: You must be a native English speaker from one of the following seven countries: U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.
- CELTA/TEFL qualification: Some public schools and private recruiters prefer candidates with a CELTA/TEFL qualification, and it is encouraged if you want higher pay or are looking to apply to a more competitive school. Getting certified can also boost your confidence as a teacher!
- Previous teaching experience: Not a must, but definitely preferred by some schools!
- International driver’s license: This may not apply to every teaching job in Japan, but you may notice some schools require their teachers to have driving licenses, since teachers may be asked to drive company cars to different branches of the school.
Read more: What are the Requirements to Teach English Abroad?
Classroom culture in Japan
As an ESL teacher abroad, it’s essential that you take the time to research the country’s etiquette and classroom culture, as it can be vastly different from what you’re used to at home! Remember that you’re a visitor in the country you’re teaching in, so come in with respect and curiosity!
Here are a few important tips to know before teaching English in Japan:
- If you are teaching adults, you may be able to socialize with them outside lessons, though some private companies prohibit this.
- Some high schools and private companies will require you to dress up and wear a suit when you teach lessons. Those who teach elementary school students are usually able to dress more casually, though.
- While teaching English in Japan, you'll be exposed to a different culture, work environment, and social customs, such as bowing, gift-giving, and style of compliments. It will take some time to adjust to, and nobody will expect you to get everything right the first time, but you will be expected to make an effort.
- The Japanese workplace tends to be formal and punctual -- professionalism is important!
Ready to find your dream teaching program in Japan?
Start researching and comparing teaching jobs here at Go Overseas, in the Teaching Programs in Japan section below.
Want to read more? Get started with these articles:
- Why Should I Teach in Japan?
- How to Get a Job Teaching English in Japan
- The 7 Best Cities to Teach Abroad in Japan
FAQs
How much can you make teaching English in Japan? ›
As an ESL teacher in Japan, you can expect to earn anywhere between 200,000 and 600,000 Yen ($1,700 - 5,000 USD) per month. Hourly tutoring rates hover around 3,000 Yen ($28 USD) per hour. Like in China, Japan often offers teachers flights, accommodation, and training included in their salary packages.
Is it hard to be an English teacher in Japan? ›Compared to other countries frequented by English teachers, Japan has more rigorous requirements. A bachelor's degree is required and a TEFL certificate is preferred. In higher education, a master's may be mandatory. Some job listings may ask for 1 or more years of classroom teaching experience.
Is it worth teaching English in Japan? ›The teaching English job market in Japan is hot hot hot—great jobs, great support systems, and great salaries, too. If you're still unconvinced, here are just seven of the many awesome reasons to teach abroad in Japan stat.
Does Japan need ESL teachers? ›There's high demand for ESL teachers in Japan, and plenty of students need teachers, but not at any cost.
Is there an age limit for teaching English in Japan? ›There's no age limit for obtaining a work visa to teach English. However, older teachers may struggle to score a contract at a local school or institute. In Japan, most people retire at the spritely young age of 60—much earlier than in the West.
Does Japan pay English teachers well? ›Most first-time English teachers in Japan get paid between 247,700 and 286,200 Yen ($2,250 - $2,600 USD) per month. First-year participants teaching English in Japan on the JET Program earn an average monthly salary of 280,000 Yen ($2,550 USD) per month with yearly wage increases.
Can you survive in Japan with English? ›Working, living, and traveling in Japan without speaking Japanese is feasible, and there are countless examples of foreigners doing so. Having said that, learning Japanese will put you at an exceptional advantage in both your professional life and daily life.
Can I teach English in Japan without knowing Japanese? ›You don't need to speak Japanese to teach English in Japan. Your classroom will be held entirely in English to fully immerse your students. However, you can learn Japanese if you wish, and many schools offer free Japanese lessons for teachers.
Is teaching in Japan stressful? ›In Japan, 20% of teachers report experiencing stress in their work "a lot", which is statistically not significantly different from the OECD average (18%).
What qualifications do I need to teach English in Japan? ›To teach English in Japan, you will need a TEFL certification and a 4-year college degree. You must be a native English speaker without a criminal record. You can expect an average salary of about $2,500 - $3,000 USD per month.
How many hours do English teachers work in Japan? ›
Classroom size ranges from 35 – 40 students. You will be expected to work around eight hours and teach four lessons a day. Contracts for English teaching jobs in Japan in the public school system usually start in April and September and run until late March of the following year.
Can you work in Japan if you only speak English? ›There are plenty of opportunities in a lot of industries, even if you only speak English. In fact, a lot of foreigners, who've lived here for more than 10 years, can't speak Japanese. There's a catch, though: you're closing a lot of doors if you don't bother to learn at least conversational-level Japanese.
Can you live in Japan as an English teacher? ›A working visa is generally required to teach English in Japan. Many language schools will sponsor your visa application, and you will usually need a bachelor's degree to be granted a working visa. Some countries also have arrangements whereby you can obtain a working holiday visa, which allows you to teach part-time.
Is it better to teach English in Japan or China? ›Compared to Korea and Japan (mostly Korea), work ethics, advancement opportunities, salary, hours, and work/life balance are all better in China.
Is 30 too old to teach English abroad? ›Are there any age restrictions for teaching English overseas? In general, there isn't an age limit for teacher job opportunities abroad. Even if you've never been in a classroom since your college days, that doesn't mean you can't consider teaching English abroad in your thirties.
Can I teach in Japan without a degree? ›If you want to teach English in Japan and you don't have a degree then, unfortunately, your options are pretty limited. A degree – in any discipline – is required to get a work visa to TEFL in Japan, so without one, you aren't eligible.
Can you teach English in Japan without a TEFL? ›You do not need a TEFL, CELTA, or TESOL qualification to get a job teaching English in Japan, but it is progressively more important to have one, just as it is worldwide.
What country needs English teachers? ›...
Finding meaningful, profitable work as an ESL teacher abroad.
- Brazil. ...
- Cambodia. ...
- China. ...
- Colombia. ...
- Mexico. ...
- Morocco. ...
- Russia. ...
- South Korea.
Is TEFL Certification Worth It? Yes. If you want to get a good teaching job and be an effective teacher for your students, then it is definitely worth it. Remember, most schools worldwide require a TEFL certification; and once you're certified you can the ball rolling on applying and interviewing for jobs.
Which country needs teachers the most? ›China. Based on many studies, China runs at the top of the list. China has continued to be the most sought-after teaching destination right now because it has almost 300 million English learners.
Do English teachers get paid well in Japan? ›
Most first-time English teachers in Japan get paid between 247,700 and 286,200 Yen ($2,250 - $2,600 USD) per month. First-year participants teaching English in Japan on the JET Program earn an average monthly salary of 280,000 Yen ($2,550 USD) per month with yearly wage increases.
Are English teachers in demand in Japan? ›There is a high demand for English teachers in Japan, and high competition. To teach English in Japan, you will need a TEFL certification and a 4-year college degree. You must be a native English speaker without a criminal record. You can expect an average salary of about $2,500 - $3,000 USD per month.
How much do English translators get paid in Japan? ›...
Project-Based Translators.
| LANGUAGE PAIR | YEN/WORD | YEN/HOUR |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese-Korean | ¥9,49 | ¥3.394 |
| Japanese-Chinese | ¥10,54 | ¥3.631 |
| English-Japanese | ¥12,65 | ¥3.700 |
The wages in this part of the world are excellent and you can expect to make around 250,000 Yen (Y) a month which works out as around US$ 2,500. The best place to get an idea of what you can expect to earn is to check out the Japan ads on Gajinpot and on i-to-i's jobs board.
Do I need to know Japanese to teach English in Japan? ›You don't need to speak Japanese to teach English in Japan. Your classroom will be held entirely in English to fully immerse your students. However, you can learn Japanese if you wish, and many schools offer free Japanese lessons for teachers.
Can you live off of being an English teacher in Japan? ›English teachers in Japan can expect to make a base salary of ¥250,000 per month. (106 yen is currently roughly $1; xe.com offers a good online currency converter). Depending on what type of housing you choose, your monthly housing can range from ¥50,000–¥80,000 including utilities.
What is a good salary in Japan? ›A.
The average monthly salary for employees in Japan can range from approximately 130,000 JPY (1,128 USD) to 2,300,000 JPY (19,963 USD). Note: The upper range of salaries is the highest average and not the maximum salary Japanese people earn.
German tops our list of the highest paying translation languages. The language is closely associated with the business world, so German translators often make good money. The average annual income of a German translator in the US is $50,000.
What language pays the most translation? ›- German – $60,000 per year.
- Spanish – $48,000 per year.
- French – $45,000 per year.
- Dutch – $44,000 per year.
- Russian – $43,000 per year.
- Japanese – $42,000 per year.
- Italian – $36,000 per year.
- Chinese Simplified (Mandarin) – $35,000 per year.
The salaries of Japanese Translators in the US range from $23,160 to $78,520 , with a median salary of $44,190 . The middle 60% of Japanese Translators makes $44,190, with the top 80% making $78,520.
Do Japanese respect teachers? ›
The profession is also held in high regard in Malaysia. But teachers in Japan, which has a score of below 40, are much less respected than their peers in the other Asian economies surveyed.
What is the highest paying job in Japan? ›- Recruitment.
- Sales and Marketing.
- Finance.
- Banking.
- Healthcare.
- Law.
- Aviation.
Economists point to a series of major contributing factors, including decadeslong deflation, the country's employment culture and a ballooning number of part-time and contract workers. According to data by the OECD, the average annual wage in Japan increased until 1997 to $38,395, and then flattened out.