As students around the world are looking to hone their language skills, the demand for English teachers is at an all-time high. And while the Covid-19 pandemic shut down most of the world, the online ESL market saw a huge surge. Even though the shift to online teaching has happened out of necessity, there was already a massive market for online teaching in place.
What this entails is that no matter where you are at, if you are rightfully qualified, you can earn money by teaching English online. Whether you want to supplement your current income by teaching online, or you want to be a digital nomad, possibilities are endless. The best part? The entire process of being an online ESL teacher is very straightforward and we are here to help you get started.
How much money can I make teaching English online?
The burning question that everyone needs an answer to – How much can I make teaching English Online? While the question is very straightforward, the answer is rather complex. There is no fixed number on what you can earn being an online ESL teacher. Multiple factors affect your earnings online like:
- What company do you choose to work with?
- Base hourly rates you were hired at
- The bonus program of your company
- Numbers of hours you decide to work
- Your qualifications and experience
- How well you market yourself
While several variables impact your capacity to earn online, you will find that many companies pay very well for online teaching. You can expect anywhere from $12-$25 per hour for online ESL teaching based upon your experience, qualifications, and how your interview goes.
You can check out our “How to maximize your earning as an online English teacher?” blog for secrets to earning more.
What qualifications do I need to teach English online?
Your qualifications are one of the most important variables that dictate your job opportunities and your compensation. Making sure that you have the right qualifications for teaching English online will make the process of having an online teaching job less daunting.
A few key qualifications you need include:
- A Bachelor’s degree
- An accredited TEFL certificate (120 hours recommended)
- Fluency in the English language
While the demand for native English speakers is usually high, it is to be noted that the online teaching companies are more lenient towards hiring qualified non-native English speakers as well. And if you already have classroom teaching experience, your chances of securing the online teaching job are bumped up even more.
Basic equipment needed to teach English online?
Now that you have a basic idea about what qualifications you need to have for teaching English online, it is time to learn what equipment setup you will require to get started. The list includes:
- A laptop/computer
- A webcam
- Headphones/earbuds with microphone
- A smartphone
- Reliable Wi-fi, preferably 2mbps and above
- A clean professional workspace
You do not need a super high-tech setup to get started as having these necessities will get you started the majority of the time. However, it is to be noted that many online companies have their own set of requirements for the setup like an even faster internet connection or a custom backdrop for your online class.
