TEFL Salary in Spain: What Teachers Actually Earn
Last updated: 2026-08-05 · Data source: aggregated live research (Numbeo, employer job boards), see sources below
€700–€1,000/month tax-free stipend for language assistants; €1,000–€2,000/month for private academy roles, city-dependent.
Typical TEFL salary by employer type
| Employer type | Monthly range | Local currency |
|---|---|---|
| Auxiliar de Conversación (MEFP/NALCAP) | €700–€1,000/month (tax-free stipend) | 12–16 hrs/week |
| BEDA (Madrid) | ~€875–€1,000/month | 18–24 hrs/week |
| UCETAM (Madrid) | €900–€1,300/month | 18–26 hrs/week |
| Private academy (Madrid/Barcelona) | €1,200–€1,800/month | Variable |
| International school | €2,500–€3,500/month | Full-time |
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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Get Started with TEFL Institute →Cost of living for teachers
Numbeo puts a single person's monthly costs excluding rent at around €812 in both Madrid and Barcelona; a 1-bedroom flat runs €1,058–€1,374 in Madrid and €1,125–€1,472 in Barcelona depending on how central. A €700–€1,000 assistant stipend doesn't cover solo living in either city — shared housing is effectively the norm for assistants there. Smaller cities like Valencia, Granada and Murcia are meaningfully cheaper.
Savings potential
Savings potential is low to none for assistants in Madrid/Barcelona living alone — most share a flat to make the stipend work. Assistants placed in cheaper regions, or academy teachers earning €1,200+, have noticeably more breathing room.
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FAQs
How much do TEFL teachers earn in Spain?
€700–€1,000/month tax-free stipend for language assistants; €1,000–€2,000/month for private academy roles, city-dependent.
What is the cost of living for a TEFL teacher in Spain?
Numbeo puts a single person's monthly costs excluding rent at around €812 in both Madrid and Barcelona; a 1-bedroom flat runs €1,058–€1,374 in Madrid and €1,125–€1,472 in Barcelona depending on how central. A €700–€1,000 assistant stipend doesn't cover solo living in either city — shared housing is effectively the norm for assistants there. Smaller cities like Valencia, Granada and Murcia are meaningfully cheaper.
Can you save money teaching English in Spain?
Savings potential is low to none for assistants in Madrid/Barcelona living alone — most share a flat to make the stipend work. Assistants placed in cheaper regions, or academy teachers earning €1,200+, have noticeably more breathing room.
Does International school pay more than other TEFL employers in Spain?
Yes — international school roles typically pay €2,500–€3,500/month, the highest tier on our Spain salary table.