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

Many international school teachers in Spain report annual salaries in the region of €22,000–32,000, with some bilingual or lower-fee schools paying less and a few premium schools paying more.

Is Spain a good destination for saving money?

Spain is usually more of a lifestyle destination than a savings powerhouse. It can still be possible to save modestly, but many teachers see Spain as a place to enjoy life rather than rapidly grow savings.

Do schools in Spain provide housing?

Unlike some Gulf or Asian posts, fully provided housing is less common. Some schools may offer small housing stipends or help with finding accommodation, but many teachers pay rent from their salary.

How does income tax work in Spain?

Spain has a progressive income tax system, and your effective rate depends on region and income level. Teachers should always check net salary and deductions, not just the gross figure.

How does Wondering Staffroom’s data help?

Our Spain figures combine anonymous teacher submissions with public ranges so you can see how a specific offer compares with real packages, not just marketing.

Country Guide · Spain

International school teacher salaries in Spain

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for teachers dreaming of sunshine, food, beaches and a slower pace of life. Salaries rarely compete with the Gulf or East Asia, but for some teachers the lifestyle trade-off is worth it. This guide looks at salaries, benefits, tax and cost of living from a calm, teacher-focused perspective.

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Typical salary band*

~ €22,000 – 32,000 / year

International & bilingual schools, full-time classroom roles.

Contracts

1–2 year renewable contracts

Mix of permanent and fixed-term arrangements.

Income tax

Progressive, region-dependent

Effective take-home depends on region and allowances.

Typical salary ranges in Spain

There are three main clusters in Spain: language academies and TEFL roles; bilingual / concertado schools; and fully international schools. International schools usually offer the strongest packages, but even there, salaries are often modest compared with higher-paying regions.

Language academies & TEFL roles

Many English-teaching roles in academies come in around €1,000–1,500 per month for a typical timetable. These posts can be great for a year or two of experience and language learning, but they rarely offer strong savings.

Contracts, hours and holiday pay vary a lot; reading the small print matters.

International & bilingual schools

Many international school teachers report salaries roughly in the €22,000–32,000 annual range, with some premium schools higher and some bilingual schools lower. Extra responsibilities, tutoring and summer work can supplement this.

Spain is often described as a "great lifestyle, modest savings" posting.

*Figures are indicative only and based on broad ranges from job adverts and teacher reports, not fixed national scales.

Cost of living, lifestyle and savings

Daily life in Spain can be pleasantly affordable in many regions: public transport, local produce, coffee and meals out can feel reasonable compared with some Northern European cities. The main pressures are usually rent (especially in Madrid and Barcelona) and the gap between salaries and modern living costs.

Rough monthly costs

A single teacher might spend a few hundred euros a month on food, utilities and local travel, with rent ranging from €400–900+ depending on city and whether you share. Coastal tourist hotspots and city centres are typically at the upper end.

Regional differences (and even neighbourhood differences) are big, so always check local data.

Savings potential

With careful budgeting and perhaps extra tutoring, some teachers manage to save a small amount each month. For many, though, Spain is primarily about quality of life: sunshine, food and time to breathe, rather than aggressively building long-term savings.

That doesn't make it a bad choice – just a different one.

Who is Spain a good fit for?

Spain can be a lovely choice for teachers who:

Prioritise lifestyle, language learning and culture over maximum savings.
Are comfortable budgeting carefully and potentially supplementing income with tutoring.
Like the idea of staying put for a few years, really getting to know one city or region.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a typical salary for international school teachers in Spain?: Many international school teachers in Spain report annual salaries in the region of €22,000–32,000, with some bilingual or lower-fee schools paying less and a few premium schools paying more.
Is Spain a good destination for saving money?: Spain is usually more of a lifestyle destination than a savings powerhouse. It can still be possible to save modestly, but many teachers see Spain as a place to enjoy life rather than rapidly grow savings.
Do schools in Spain provide housing?: Unlike some Gulf or Asian posts, fully provided housing is less common. Some schools may offer small housing stipends or help with finding accommodation, but many teachers pay rent from their salary.
How does income tax work in Spain?: Spain has a progressive income tax system, and your effective rate depends on region and income level. Teachers should always check net salary and deductions, not just the gross figure.
How does Wondering Staffroom’s data help?: Our Spain figures combine anonymous teacher submissions with public ranges so you can see how a specific offer compares with real packages, not just marketing.

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