Teaching English online refers to what teachers or professionals who teach the English language at home do, equipped with a basic computer setup that most homes have. Learners are usually non-native speakers living in non-native English countries or within English-speaking countries.

Because of its convenience, flexibility, and good earning potential, online English teaching has become an in-demand occupation. However, how much do online English teachers make, and is it enough to make a living? This guide explains common misconceptions about an online English teacher’s income in the Philippines and gives a breakdown of how much you can earn through online English teaching.

Common Myths About An Online English Teacher’s Fees

Before sharing how much an online English teacher makes, here are some common misconceptions that most people think about an online English teacher’s earnings.

Myth #1: You can’t make a living by teaching English online.

Is it true or false? FALSE.

Unfortunately, many people don’t think of online English teaching as a real job, so most people assume that you can’t earn much. However, in reality, online English teachers are paid the average hourly rate and sometimes, more than that. In fact, the highest paying online English teaching jobs in the Philippines can offer up to $16 per hour (~Php766). 

51Talk, the leading online English education platform in the Philippines, offers one of the highest rates in the country. Full-time 51Talk teachers can enjoy an income of up to Php80,000 per month. Moreover, most 51Talk teachers are regular providers for their families. So, it’s not true that you can’t earn a living through online English teaching.

Myth #2: There’s no opportunity to earn more.

Is it true or false? FALSE.

Some people have a misconception that teacher fees are fixed and the only way for teachers to earn more is to teach more lessons, which can be quite tiring. While it’s true that teaching more lessons means a higher income, that is not the only opportunity to earn more.

Online English teachers also get promotions and increase their lesson rates. For example, 51Talk promotes teachers after they complete certifications or training. The more you improve your skills and experience, the higher your teacher fee will be. 51Talk also offers referral programs that give teachers a chance to earn extra income. 

Teaching English online does not limit teachers, but instead, allows them to grow and earn more.

Myth #3: You earn a lot immediately.

Is it true or false? FALSE.

While teaching English online indeed allows you to earn a lot, it does not happen overnight, especially if you are a beginner. New online English teachers need to manage their expectations about earning more.

As mentioned previously, teachers will need to improve their skills to be promoted and earn higher fees. However, don't feel that it will take you years before you will get promoted. At 51Talk, some teachers reach the highest possible income on the platform within just a year.  It will all depend on how willing you are to learn and how hard you work. One thing is for sure: your hard work will surely pay off.  

Breakdown Of an Online English Teacher’s Income

How much an online English teacher can earn depends on the platform’s rates and the teacher’s qualifications and experience. However, according to Glassdoor, the average teaching fee is Php100 per hour. Meanwhile, the average teaching fee could add up to an average of Php26,000 per month.

The highest paying EFL companies in the Philippines can offer teachers higher rates. In fact, 51Talk teachers can earn a rate from Php108 to Php200 per hour. Full-time 51Talk teachers can even earn up to Php80,000 per month. 

Earnings also depend on how you want to teach English online.

Employed vs. Freelance vs. Independent Online English Teachers 

There are three different options that online English teachers can take. They can be employed in an EFL company as a direct hire, teach freelance, or teach independently, and each option offers different possible incomes. 

Online EFL companies offer a range of teaching fees depending on the teacher’s qualifications and experience. Employed online English teachers also enjoy performance-based bonuses and other incentives from the company. Out of the three options, this is the most stable option and most beginner-friendly for those who want to start teaching English online.

This option offers more flexibility for teachers to set their hours and fees. Since freelance online English teachers set their prices based on their qualifications, the earning potential can be higher than teaching in a company. However, freelancing can be quite unstable, since it could take time for students to find you, book your lessons, and for you to build a regular set of students.

This is the highest paying online teaching job since there’s no limit on your hours and fees. Moreover, you have complete control over how and who you teach. However, since independent teachers treat their services as a business, they also need to pay for business taxes and marketing costs, which could take away from their earnings. 

Start Earning at Home

Overall, Teaching English online is a profitable occupation for those who are looking for full-time, part-time, freelance, or business opportunities. Learning how to start teaching English online is easy, so anyone can try this profitable occupation. 51Talk, the leading online education platform in the country, offers teachers and professionals with no teaching background home-based teaching opportunities with flexible schedules and competitive rates. 

51Talk also offers teachers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to establish accredited teaching centers and grant more opportunities to local teachers outside Metro Manila through the Third-Party Center Accreditation Program (TPCAP). 

If you are ready to teach and earn in the comfort of your home, sign up with 51Talk or become a 51Talk Third-Party Accredited Center owner today!