What is a typical salary for international school teachers in Germany?

Many international school teachers report monthly salaries in the region of €3,000–4,800 before tax, depending on experience, city and school.

Is Germany a high-tax country for teachers?

Germany has relatively high income tax and social contributions compared with some other international teaching destinations, but salaries and social protections are also strong.

Do international schools in Germany provide housing?

Fully subsidised housing is uncommon. Some schools offer help with relocation, temporary accommodation or small allowances, but most teachers pay rent from their salary.

How expensive is life in Germany?

Germany’s cost of living is moderate to high, with big differences between cities. Housing in places like Munich, Frankfurt or Hamburg can be particularly costly.

Why compare Germany with other destinations?

Germany often offers solid professional conditions and pensions, but without tax-free salaries. Comparing packages side by side helps clarify whether that trade-off works for you.

Country Guide · Germany

International school teacher salaries in Germany

Germany is often described as a "serious" teaching destination: strong infrastructure, good salaries, robust worker protections and high expectations. It doesn’t offer tax-free packages, but it can provide long-term security and a good standard of living. This guide explores salaries, benefits, tax and cost of living for international teachers.

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Typical salary band*

~ €3,000 – 4,800 / month

International schools & strong TEFL roles.

Contracts

Usually permanent or long-term

Clear employment protections and notice periods.

Income tax & social charges

Progressive, relatively high

Balanced by strong social benefits and services.

Typical salary ranges in Germany

Salaries vary by state, school type and role, but Germany generally sits at the higher end of global teacher pay once converted to a common currency, especially for experienced teachers. Tax and social contributions do, however, reduce take-home pay compared with some lower-tax regions.

Language schools & TEFL

Many full-time English-teaching roles in language schools sit somewhere around €1,500–2,500 per month before tax, depending on hours, experience and city. These roles can be a stepping stone but may not offer the same benefits as international schools.

Contracts can range from freelance to employed positions; this has a big impact on security and benefits.

International schools & stronger packages

Teachers in reputable international schools commonly report €3,000–4,800 per month before tax, with leadership positions and long experience taking some salaries higher. Combined with strong employment rights, this can provide good long-term stability.

As always, compare the entire package: salary, tax, pension, health insurance and workload.

*Figures are approximate and based on job adverts and teacher reports, not an official national scale for international schools.

Cost of living and savings potential

Germany’s cost of living is generally comparable to other Western European countries. Everyday items, food and public transport are manageable; major costs are rent, childcare and, for some families, health insurance options and commuting.

Rough monthly costs

A single teacher might spend a few hundred euros per month on food, utilities and transport, with rent typically ranging from €500–1,200+ depending on city and whether you share. Cities like Munich and Frankfurt can be at the upper end.

Regional differences are large; East vs West, city vs smaller town can look very different.

Savings potential

Many teachers on strong international school salaries are able to save each month, especially without high personal costs. The balance is different from tax-free regions: you trade higher tax for long-term security, public services and pensions.

For some teachers, that trade-off feels exactly right; for others, it nudges them towards Gulf or Asian packages.

Who is Germany a good fit for?

Germany might be particularly appealing if you:

Prefer strong worker protections, social benefits and pensions over tax-free salaries.
Enjoy organised, well-structured school environments with clear expectations.
Are happy to navigate a new language and bureaucracy in return for long-term stability.

Compare your Germany offer

Holding an offer from Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt or elsewhere in Germany? Use My Offer vs. The World to see how it stacks up against anonymous packages in tax-free and lower-cost destinations.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a typical salary for international school teachers in Germany?: Many international school teachers report monthly salaries in the region of €3,000–4,800 before tax, depending on experience, city and school.
Is Germany a high-tax country for teachers?: Germany has relatively high income tax and social contributions compared with some other international teaching destinations, but salaries and social protections are also strong.
Do international schools in Germany provide housing?: Fully subsidised housing is uncommon. Some schools offer help with relocation, temporary accommodation or small allowances, but most teachers pay rent from their salary.
How expensive is life in Germany?: Germany’s cost of living is moderate to high, with big differences between cities. Housing in places like Munich, Frankfurt or Hamburg can be particularly costly.
Why compare Germany with other destinations?: Germany often offers solid professional conditions and pensions, but without tax-free salaries. Comparing packages side by side helps clarify whether that trade-off works for you.

Nothing on this page is financial advice. All figures are indicative only and based on public ranges and teacher experiences.