TEFL Salary in Japan: What Teachers Actually Earn
Last updated: 2026-08-05 · Data source: aggregated live research (Numbeo, employer job boards), see sources below
JET pays ¥4.02M–¥4.32M/year (~¥335,000–¥360,000/month); ALT dispatch and eikaiwa typically pay less but with lower entry barriers.
Typical TEFL salary by employer type
| Employer type | Monthly range | Local currency |
|---|---|---|
| JET Programme (Year 1) | ~$2,150–$2,400/month | ¥4.02M/year |
| JET Programme (Years 4–5) | ~$2,300–$2,550/month | ¥4.32M/year |
| ALT dispatch (Interac etc.) | ~$1,450–$1,600/month | ¥220,000–¥240,000 |
| Eikaiwa (full-time) | ~$1,150–$1,850/month | ¥172,500–¥280,000 |
Figures are ranges aggregated from named sources below, current as of 2026-08-05. Always confirm current pay directly with the specific employer.
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A recognised TEFL certificate — 120-hour or 150-hour with a practicum — is what unlocks the higher-paying roles in Japan. Compare options with TEFL Institute.
Get Started with TEFL Institute →Cost of living for teachers
Numbeo estimates single-person monthly costs excluding rent in Tokyo at around ¥151,270 (~$959). A 1-bedroom flat runs roughly ¥108,760 outside the centre or ¥199,000 in the centre. Rural postings can bring rent as low as ¥40,000–¥50,000/month, though a car becomes far more necessary and there's less on your doorstep.
Savings potential
JET provides no free housing, so participants pay their own rent — and Japan's upfront costs (deposit, key money, agent fees) commonly add up to 4–7 months' rent before your first pay cheque, worth budgeting for before you fly out. Rural placements offset this with much lower rent than Tokyo; urban eikaiwa/dispatch roles have higher living costs but more scope for private tutoring on the side.
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FAQs
How much do TEFL teachers earn in Japan?
JET pays ¥4.02M–¥4.32M/year (~¥335,000–¥360,000/month); ALT dispatch and eikaiwa typically pay less but with lower entry barriers.
What is the cost of living for a TEFL teacher in Japan?
Numbeo estimates single-person monthly costs excluding rent in Tokyo at around ¥151,270 (~$959). A 1-bedroom flat runs roughly ¥108,760 outside the centre or ¥199,000 in the centre. Rural postings can bring rent as low as ¥40,000–¥50,000/month, though a car becomes far more necessary and there's less on your doorstep.
Can you save money teaching English in Japan?
JET provides no free housing, so participants pay their own rent — and Japan's upfront costs (deposit, key money, agent fees) commonly add up to 4–7 months' rent before your first pay cheque, worth budgeting for before you fly out. Rural placements offset this with much lower rent than Tokyo; urban eikaiwa/dispatch roles have higher living costs but more scope for private tutoring on the side.
Does Eikaiwa (full-time) pay more than other TEFL employers in Japan?
Yes — eikaiwa (full-time) roles typically pay ~$1,150–$1,850/month, the highest tier on our Japan salary table.