Looking to make some extra cash from the comfort of your home? Online English teaching could be your ticket! It’s a flexible and profitable side gig that you can do in your pajamas. The demand for learning English from native speakers is huge. In fact, China’s online language education market alone is expected to hit a whopping $77.39 billion by 2022. So, if you’re a native English speaker and want to cash in on this opportunity, here’s what you need to know.
First off, there are tons of companies out there that hire native English speakers to teach English online. Each one has its own pay rates, bonus structures, expectations, and onboarding process. But there are some common requirements you should be aware of.
For starters, the top-paying online tutoring companies usually require teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree. It doesn’t matter what your major was. And while you can still make money teaching English online without a degree, having one opens up more opportunities.
Next up, certifications. Many online English education companies are based in China, and the Chinese Ministry of Education has rules for online education. For instance, online teachers now need to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. But don’t worry, getting certified can actually boost your job prospects and your pay. Plus, you can find online TEFL and TESOL courses for less than $100. Some companies, like VIPKid, even offer free TESOL training as part of their onboarding process.
Now, let’s talk about tech and skills. Just being a native English speaker doesn’t guarantee you a job. You’ll need a stable internet connection, a computer (most companies require a laptop or desktop), and a headset microphone. You’ll also need a well-lit room to teach from, and props like gold stars can help keep young students motivated. If you can create engaging educational videos, that’s a big plus. And since most students are in elementary school, having a friendly demeanor and experience working with kids is a must.
As for the pay, it varies. According to Glassdoor, online ESL teachers earn an average salary of about $36,800 per year for full-time work. Some popular tutoring companies like VIPKid pay between $17 and $21 per hour, while others like Magic Ears claim their teachers can earn up to $26 per hour. Keep in mind that you’ll typically be working as an independent contractor, so you’ll need to set aside money for taxes.
Teaching English online has its pros and cons. On the plus side, it’s flexible, pays well, and you can do it from anywhere. It’s also possible to turn it into a full-time gig. On the downside, you’ll need to be comfortable with early morning hours (if you live in North America), a lengthy onboarding process, and working with kids. Plus, many companies require a minimum commitment or a fixed contract.
There are many online English teaching companies to choose from. VIPKid, EF Education First, Qkids, Cambly, SayABC, GoGoKid, Magic Ears, and Italki are some of the top ones. Each has its own requirements, pay rates, and perks, so do your research to find the best fit for you.
Getting hired as an online English teacher isn’t as simple as filling out an application. You’ll need to tailor your resume, prepare for the interview, and practice Total Physical Response (TPR), which involves teaching language through physical movements. But with some effort and dedication, you can turn online English teaching into a profitable and rewarding opportunity.
