Country Guide · Hong Kong
International school teacher salaries in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has long been one of the most attractive – and most competitive – destinations for international teachers. Excellent schools, strong salaries, low income tax and world-class city life make it appealing, but high rents and busy living can require careful budgeting. This guide offers a warm, realistic look at what international teachers can expect.
Currency
Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
Typical salary band*
~ HKD 28,000 – 55,000 / month
Highly qualified teachers in international schools.
Contracts
2-year contracts are common
Often renewable.
Income tax
Low, ~2%–15%
One of the world’s simplest tax systems.
Typical salary ranges in Hong Kong
International schools in Hong Kong generally fall into two broad categories: long-established premium schools and newer mid-market schools. Salaries follow a similar pattern. Rent is the biggest cost here, so housing allowances make a substantial difference to savings.
Mainstream international schools
Many classroom teachers report salaries in the HKD 28,000–45,000 per month range, depending on experience, qualifications and the school’s fee level. Packages with modest housing allowances are common in this bracket.
Some lower-fee bilingual schools may sit below this; some strong mid-tier schools sit above.
Premium schools & leadership roles
Well-established international schools in Hong Kong – especially those offering IB or strong British curricula – often offer HKD 45,000–60,000+ per month for experienced teachers, with coordinators, heads of department and SLT roles rising significantly higher.
Housing allowances in these schools can be substantial.
*All figures are approximate and based on aggregated teacher-reported data and public job listings.
Common benefits in Hong Kong international school packages
Hong Kong packages can be extremely competitive, but the details vary widely. Housing is the headline item: the allowance you’re offered will heavily influence your disposable income.
Housing allowance: substantial allowances exist in many schools and can make a huge difference to savings given Hong Kong’s rental prices.
Flights: annual or biannual return flights for teachers (and sometimes dependants) are common.
Medical insurance: typically strong, sometimes with dental and wider coverage.
Children’s school fee support: some schools offer very generous places; others offer percentage discounts. This is a key negotiation point for families.
Gratuity / bonus: some schools offer contract-completion bonuses aligned with Hong Kong employment regulations.
Professional development: Hong Kong schools often invest heavily in CPD, curriculum training and leadership pathways.
Cost of living and savings potential
Hong Kong is famously expensive, particularly when it comes to rent. However, salaries and allowances – when balanced well – can still make saving very achievable. The city’s transport, food, entertainment and everyday costs can be surprisingly manageable compared to its reputation.
Rough monthly costs
A typical single teacher might spend around HKD 6,000–10,000 per month excluding rent. Rent itself can range from HKD 8,000–20,000+ depending on district and apartment size.
These are broad estimates and vary significantly by location.
Savings: teacher experiences
Many teachers with solid housing allowances report being able to save a substantial amount monthly. Those without housing support may find rent eats a large portion of income, making the contract details especially important.
The housing allowance is often the biggest financial factor in Hong Kong.
Who is Hong Kong a good fit for?
Hong Kong suits teachers who enjoy fast-paced city life, value strong professional environments and want a culturally rich, energetic place to live. It may be especially appealing if you:
Appreciate low income tax and well-resourced international schools.
Are excited by big-city living, efficient transport and a thriving food and cultural scene.
Want strong professional development and competitive salaries — but understand that housing choices will make or break savings.
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Join the mailing listFrequently asked questions
- What is a typical salary for international school teachers in Hong Kong?
- Most international teachers earn between HKD 28,000 and 55,000 per month, depending on experience, role and the tier of the school. Top-tier schools and leadership roles can go well above this.
- Is income tax low in Hong Kong?
- Yes. Hong Kong has one of the lowest and simplest tax systems in the world, with most teachers paying somewhere between 2% and 15% depending on income and allowances.
- Do schools provide housing allowances?
- Many international schools offer a housing allowance, but the amount varies dramatically. Housing is the single biggest factor affecting savings in Hong Kong, so this detail is crucial.
- Is Hong Kong suitable for families?
- Hong Kong is safe, vibrant and full of opportunities for families, but school fees and larger accommodation can significantly increase monthly costs. Some packages support children very well; others less so.
- Where does Wondering Staffroom’s data fit?
- Our Hong Kong salary insights combine anonymous teacher submissions with public information and recruitment ranges, helping build a clearer, teacher-led picture over time.
Nothing on this page is financial advice. All figures are indicative only and based on public ranges and teacher experiences.
