10 Best Countries To Be a Teacher (2023)

As a teacher, being compensated fairly for the work that you do is of great importance. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or you’re a seasoned veteran, you want to know that you’re being paid a salary that reflects the time, energy, and expertise that you bring to your classroom every day.

The 10 best countries to be a teacher include Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany, South Korea, Netherlands, Austria, United States, Canada, Denmark, and Norway.

10 Best Countries To Be A Teacher

1. Luxembourg

Average Salary: $74,000-$146,000 per year.

Taking the first spot on our list of the best countries to be a teacher is Luxembourg. Luxembourg is a small country in Western Europe, known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and thriving economy. It has a strong education system, and teachers are well-respected.

Additionally, English is widely spoken, making it easier for foreign teachers to work and integrate into the community. Teachers in this country earn a salary that is 30% higher than the average teacher salary worldwide.

A new primary school teacher in Luxembourg can earn as much as $74,000 a year, while those with 15 years of experience can earn up to $108,000. Experienced secondary teachers, who are at the peak of their careers, can earn up to $146,000.

2. Switzerland

Average Salary: $58,017-$112,286 per year.

Switzerland is a country with an advanced education system, high regard for teachers, and quality standard of living. The country is a prime destination for those in the teaching profession.

Switzerland pays its teachers handsomely, with an average salary of $69,705, which is higher than in any other country in the OECD. A beginner primary school teacher in Switzerland can expect to make $58,017 per year, while the top-earning secondary teacher can make $112,286.

3. Germany

Average Salary: $60,507-$96,736 per year

Germany is an attractive place for teachers to study. The country boasts of a robust education system, and is a home to some of the top institutions in Europe. In Germany, teacher salaries differ based on the location of the school and the classes they teach.

The average starting salary for a primary school teacher is $60,507, and experienced upper secondary teachers can earn more than $85,206. The highest paid teacher in Germany can earn up to $96,736, with the average salary being $61,418.

4. South Korea

Average Salary: $32,485-$90,225 per year

South Korea is also a good country to pursue a teaching career. It has a well-developed education system and offers competitive salaries and benefits for foreign teachers. There is a high demand for English teachers in South Korea, especially in the larger cities.

While South Korea may have a lower starting salary of $32,485 for primary school teachers, experienced teachers can expect a substantial increase in pay. A primary teacher with 15 years of experience can earn $57,179, while a top-earning upper secondary teacher can make $90,225.

5. Netherlands

Average Salary: $42,133-$88,464 per year.

Netherlands is known for its high-quality education system and offers many opportunities for teachers to grow and advance in their careers.

In the Netherlands, a new primary school teacher can expect to make $42,133 per year, while the highest earning primary teacher can make $67,147. Upper secondary teachers can earn up to $88,464 a year. However, teacher unions in the country are currently striking for a pay raise.

6. Austria

Average Salary: $42,702- $86,639 per year.

Austria has a strong education system and is known for its emphasis on creative and hands-on learning. Teachers in Austria have good job security and benefits.

In Austria, a new primary school teacher can expect to make $42,702 per year. Although the increase in salary after 15 years of experience is not significant for primary teachers, the highest earning primary teacher can make up to $76,160.

The top-earning upper secondary teacher can earn $86,639.

7. United States

Average Salary: $33,630- $78,576 per year.

The United States offers good working conditions for teachers. Teachers in the U.S receive a competitive salary, health insurance, and a pension plan, among other benefits. U.S schools also provide professional development opportunities for teachers to further their careers.

In the United States, the average teacher salary is $60,477, but 63% of schools offer a starting salary below $40,000. The median salary for teachers varies greatly by state, with New York teachers earning $78,576 per year and Oklahoma teachers earning only $33,630.

According to the National Education Association, the average teacher salary in the US has decreased by 2.9% in the past decade after adjusting for inflation.

8. Canada

Average Salary: $39,937- $72, 500 per year.

Canada is a great country for pursuing a teaching career as it boasts a strong education system and offers a supportive and inclusive environment for teachers. Teachers in Canada enjoy good working conditions, competitive salaries, and a wide range of benefits, making it a desirable place to work.

In Canada, teacher salaries depend on their qualifications, experience, and the grade they teach. Primary school teachers start with a salary of $39,937, while upper secondary teachers can earn $67,301.

Pay scales also vary by province, with Quebec teachers being the lowest paid at $59,200 after 15 years of experience, compared to Ontario teachers with the same experience who earn $72, 500.

9. Denmark

Average Salary:  $48,989- $57,206per year.

Denmark is a good place to pursue a teaching career. It has a strong education system and values innovation in teaching methods. Danish schools are known for their inclusive and student-centered approach to education.

In Denmark, a beginner primary school teacher can expect to make $48,989 per year, with experienced primary teachers earning $57,206.

The difference in salary between the highest paid primary teacher and the highest paid secondary teacher is not significant, with experienced upper secondary teachers earning only $3,000 more.

10. Norway

Average Salary:  $38,559-  $51,838 per year.

Last on our list of the best countries to be a teacher is Norway. It has a well-respected education system and offers good working conditions and benefits for teachers. Teachers in Norway are highly valued and have significant autonomy in the classroom.

In Norway, primary school teachers start with a salary of $38,559, which increases to $47,387 after 15 years of experience. The maximum salary for upper secondary teachers is 7% lower than the OECD average, with an experienced teacher earning $51,838.

Related:

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• Top 10 Best Countries To Be A Lawyer

Conclusion

The best countries to be a teacher in terms of salaries include Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the United States, just to mention a few. While the starting salaries may differ, with experience, teachers in these countries can expect to earn competitive salaries in the industry.

It’s important to keep in mind that salary is just one of the many factors we put into consideration when compiling the list. We also considered the education system, work-life balance, job satisfaction and other benefits offered by the country.