English Teacher Salaries in Cambodia 2026
Cambodia pays less than Thailand or South Korea on paper — but with monthly living costs of $500–$700, most teachers save more here than they would at home. Here's the full picture.
What teachers earn — by school type
Your salary in Cambodia depends almost entirely on which type of school you work at and how much experience you bring. Here's what each setting realistically pays in 2026.
| School Type | Monthly Salary | Hourly Rate | Hours/Week | Benefits | Degree Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Schools | $1,200–$2,500 | Salaried | 35–40 hrs | Health insurance, housing, flights | Usually yes |
| Private Language Schools | $800–$1,200 | $10–$14/hr | 20–25 hrs | Minimal | Not always |
| Kindergartens / Preschools | $1,000–$1,600 | Salaried | 20–25 hrs | Sometimes housing | Rarely |
| Private Schools (non-intl) | $700–$1,000 | Salaried | 25–35 hrs | Variable | Not always |
| Business English / Tutoring | $800–$1,500+ | $15–$25/hr | Flexible | None | No |
| NGO / Volunteer Roles | Stipend or unpaid | — | 20–30 hrs | Often food + housing | No |
Most teachers are paid by the hour, not on a monthly salary
This is the norm at Cambodian language centres. A typical rate of $10–$14 per hour over 20–25 teaching hours per week delivers $800–$1,200 per month. It means paid holidays and sick pay are usually not included — so budget for this when calculating your real income over a full year.
Salary and living costs by city
Where you teach in Cambodia makes a meaningful difference — not just to your salary but to your cost of living. Higher-paying cities also cost more to live in, so the net savings are sometimes more balanced than they appear.
🏙️ Phnom Penh
Capital city — most jobs, highest salaries
🏛️ Siem Reap
Tourism hub — good market, relaxed pace
🏖️ Other Cities
Battambang, Kampot, Sihanoukville
What life actually costs in Cambodia
Cambodia is genuinely affordable — not as a euphemism for "uncomfortable," but as a real practical advantage. Here's what teachers actually spend across the main categories.
🏠 Housing
🍜 Food & Drink
🛺 Transport
🎉 Lifestyle
🏥 Health
✈️ Travel
Realistic monthly budget — Phnom Penh
Want to know exactly what you'd earn and save?
Enquire about TEFL Heaven's Southeast Asia programs — we'll send you a full salary and cost breakdown specific to your situation.
Salary questions answered
Is Cambodia worth it financially compared to Thailand?
On paper, Thailand pays 30–60% more. But Cambodia's cost of living is also significantly lower. A teacher earning $900/month in Phnom Penh and spending $600 saves $300. A teacher in Bangkok earning $1,400 but spending $1,000 saves the same — and has a harder time finding work without a degree. Cambodia wins for teachers without degrees, and is competitive for anyone happy with a simpler lifestyle. Thailand wins for higher absolute savings if you qualify for the better-paying jobs.
Can I increase my salary over time in Cambodia?
Yes — in two main ways. First, experienced teachers with 1–2 years of Cambodia teaching history can move from language centres ($800–$1,000) to international schools ($1,500–$2,500) where benefits like housing allowances and health insurance are often included. Second, building a private tutoring client base alongside your main job can add $200–$500 per month. Business English for professionals pays $15–$25 per hour, and demand in Phnom Penh is strong.
Do schools pay for flights or accommodation?
Language centres rarely do. International schools sometimes offer a housing allowance ($100–$300/month) and occasionally a one-time flight reimbursement at the start or end of a contract. When comparing job offers, factor in the full package — a slightly lower salary with housing included can be worth more than a higher headline figure with no benefits.
How quickly can I get my first paycheck?
Most Cambodia schools pay monthly, at the end of the month. Budget for 4–6 weeks of living expenses before your first payment arrives — including the initial visa cost ($35), 1–2 months of accommodation upfront, food while job hunting, and transport. A realistic start-up fund is $1,000–$1,500 USD on arrival.