Country Guide · Kuwait
International school teacher salaries in Kuwait
Kuwait is a long-established destination for international teachers, often attracting educators who want strong savings potential and a Gulf package that includes housing and benefits. Packages vary widely by school, and the “real value” usually comes down to the housing support, workload expectations and what is included beyond salary.
Currency
Kuwaiti dinar (KWD)
Typical salary band*
~ 800 – 1,400 KWD / month
International schools (often plus housing).
Contracts
2-year contracts are common
Completion bonuses or gratuity may apply in some schools.
Income tax
Often tax-free (confirm details)
Always clarify deductions and home-country obligations.
Typical salary ranges in Kuwait
Kuwait packages can look similar across schools at first glance, but the details often matter more than the headline salary. Housing quality, allowance value, teaching load and benefits can vary significantly.
More basic packages
Some roles fall closer to 700–900 KWD per month, particularly where housing support is limited or where the school is lower-fee. These can still work, but the package needs checking carefully to understand true take-home value.
Watch for hidden costs: utilities, transport, medical cover and dependants’ tuition.
Strong international school packages & leadership
Many established international schools offer 900–1,400 KWD per month plus accommodation or a housing allowance, flights, medical insurance and sometimes tuition support for dependants. Leadership roles can sit above this depending on school tier.
In Kuwait, accommodation support can be the make-or-break factor for savings.
*All figures are indicative and based on public ranges and teacher experiences; they are not guarantees from any specific school.
Common benefits in Kuwait international school packages
Kuwait is often attractive because packages include benefits that directly support savings. The key is confirming what is actually included, what is capped, and what is “provided” versus “paid as an allowance”.
Accommodation: provided housing or a housing allowance is common.
Flights: annual or start/end-of-contract flights are common in many packages.
Medical insurance: usually provided; check coverage limits and dependants.
Tuition benefits: sometimes discounted or covered for dependants in stronger schools (policies vary).
Transport allowance: some schools include this, others do not; commuting expectations differ.
End-of-contract bonus/gratuity: some schools offer this; confirm the conditions.
Cost of living and savings potential
Kuwait’s lifestyle costs can vary significantly depending on housing, family size and how often you travel. Many teachers report strong savings when accommodation is provided and discretionary spending is controlled.
Rough monthly costs
For many teachers, rent is the key cost driver. If the school provides housing (or the allowance genuinely covers rent), day-to-day costs can be manageable. Without strong housing support, Kuwait can become much more expensive.
Always confirm: is housing “included”, “provided”, or “an allowance” that may not match market rent?
Savings: teacher experiences
Many teachers choose Kuwait specifically for savings. The best outcomes are usually linked to strong housing support, clear benefits, and realistic expectations around workload and lifestyle spending.
Ask for a full benefits breakdown before committing.
Who is Kuwait a good fit for?
Kuwait can be a good fit for teachers who prioritise saving and prefer a package-driven move. It may be particularly appealing if you:
Want a Gulf package with accommodation and benefits that support savings.
Are comfortable asking detailed questions about housing, workload and what is actually included.
Are comparing offers across the Gulf and want clear “apples to apples” package comparisons.
Compare your Kuwait offer
If you have an offer from a school in Kuwait, use My Offer vs. The World to see how it compares with anonymous packages from teachers in other countries and regions.
🎯 My Offer vs. The World
Explore more on Wondering Staffroom
Browse live salary submissions from Kuwait and other countries.
Use Analytics to visualise how Kuwait packages compare globally.
Share your own package via the Submit form to support other teachers.
Stay in the loop
Get updates when new Kuwait insights, tools and country guides are added to Wondering Staffroom.
Join the mailing listFrequently asked questions
- What is a typical salary for international school teachers in Kuwait?
- Many teachers report salaries in the region of 800–1,400 KWD per month depending on school tier, role and experience. Leadership roles and top-tier schools can sit higher, while some packages fall below this range.
- Is Kuwait tax-free for teachers?
- Kuwait is commonly considered a low-tax or tax-free destination for many expatriates, but teachers should always confirm any deductions, allowances and the tax obligations of their home country (which can vary).
- Do schools in Kuwait provide housing?
- Many international schools offer either school-provided accommodation or a housing allowance. The quality and value of housing support varies, so it’s important to check the location, what bills are included, and whether the allowance reflects real rental costs.
- Is Kuwait a good place to save money?
- Savings can be strong on a solid package, particularly when accommodation is provided. Costs can rise quickly with lifestyle choices and if housing support is limited, so the details of the package matter more than the headline salary.
- How does Wondering Staffroom’s data help with Kuwait?
- Our Kuwait insights draw on anonymous teacher submissions and public information to build a clearer, teacher-led picture of what different schools and packages really look like.
Nothing on this page is financial advice. All figures are indicative only and based on public ranges and teacher experiences.
