TEFL jobs in Spain
A complete guide for TEFL teachers on teaching English in Spain
Overview
It’s no surprise that Spain is a popular choice for travellers looking to teach English in another country. It’s a country with a lot to offer, including a relaxed pace of life marked by the well-known siesta, a vibrant culture centred on flamenco dancing and other forms of the arts, and delectable food and drinks. So if you want to gain experience in education, teaching English in Spain is a terrific option to do so while also getting to know a new culture and sampling plenty of tapas and sangria.
While the Spanish job market can be tough for young locals, English continues to play a central role in improving employability. As a result, the demand for English language education remains strong across Spain, particularly among children and young adults.
English is a compulsory subject in all public schools from the first year of primary education. To support this, the use of native-speaking classroom assistants has expanded dramatically in recent years, creating a wealth of opportunities for TEFL teachers.
If you enjoy working with children, Spain is an especially good fit. Many private schools, bilingual programmes, and kindergartens hire teachers to introduce English to children as young as three. Beyond the classroom, there is also steady demand for private tutoring, exam preparation, and Business English, making Spain a versatile destination for teachers looking to gain experience across different student groups.
Types of teaching jobs
Language Assistant
The Spanish Ministry of Education continues to run the Auxiliares de Conversación (Language and Culture Assistants) programme, one of the most popular entry routes for teaching in Spain. This initiative places native English speakers in public primary and secondary schools across the country to support local teachers. Contracts usually run from October to May or June (with Madrid placements running until June 30). It’s a fantastic option for young professionals and new teachers seeking a structured, cultural exchange experience while gaining classroom exposure.
Private Schools
If you have a TEFL/CELTA certificate, you can find a contract teaching employment in Spain at a private school or language institution. Full-time opportunities with monthly pay, benefits, and vacation time are available. You’ll be the only teacher in your class, but this is a great way for experienced teachers to teach English abroad in Spain.
You have a better chance of getting one of these positions if you are already in Spain and can interview in person. It may seem daunting to move without a job in place, but there are so many jobs teaching English abroad in Spain you are sure to find something perfect.
Private Tutoring
Private English tutors are in high demand among Spanish families. This is a fantastic alternative for people who want a culturally immersive experience but don’t have much teaching experience. In-home private classes are the most typical option for private tutoring. You live with a host family and give private English lessons to the children and adults several times a week.
You’ll get to know your students and become a member of the family. This will allow you to have a closer look at Spain’s culture and people while also earning essential English teaching experience.
Living costs
You probably won’t get rich if you teach English in Spain, especially if you’re a newbie teacher without the experience to go for the highest paying jobs. However, money isn’t what attracts teachers to this vibrant country. Spain is a fun, bustling country with a fascinating culture, delicious cuisine and relaxed lifestyle that TEFL teachers love. Even on lower wages, you can earn enough to enjoy a good quality of life and experience what Spain has to offer. There’s so much work available that it’s unlikely you’ll ever be stuck for classes to teach – and the demand for EFL teachers just keeps growing. Many teachers working in schools and as language assistants subsidise their income by tutoring on the side, which can give your income a big boost. Teaching TEFL online can also be a great way to make extra money at times that suit you. The cost of living in cities such as Madrid and Barcelona will be higher than elsewhere in the country, but your salary will be reflective of this. By living like a local (avoiding imported food and goods, tourist areas, etc) you’ll find that your money stretches further. Most teachers share accommodation with other teachers or expats to cut down on costs. It’s uncommon for employers in Spain to offer accommodation as part of your contract (unless it’s a summer school) but they may be able to offer assistance.
Cost of living prices taken from Numbeo is the world’s largest up to date quality of life global database.
Key facts
Language: Spanish
Population: 49 million
Currency: Euro (€)
Capital: Madrid
TEFL job demand: High
Our TEFL rating: 4
Popular locations for TEFL jobs
Madrid, Grenada, Zaragoza, Seville, Barcelona, Malaga, Majorca
Average salary for EFL teachers
The basic monthly salary for full-time positions is likely to be in the region of €1,200 – €1,500 per month. Some positions which are less than full-time or in locations with lower salaries might offer contracts from €700 to €1,000, and others go as high as €1,800 per month. Paid by the hour, you’re likely to make €15 to €20, though hourly rates of under €15 aren’t uncommon. For private classes, €25 up to about €50 is realistic for the most sought-after teachers.
TEFL qualification requirements
For summer camps or short-term jobs (2–3 months), a shorter 20–30 hour course may be enough. For long-term contracts, a 120-hour TEFL certificate is strongly recommended.
Prerequisite university degree
Not required, although some employers may express a preference for one.
Term times
The Spanish School year begins in September until late December. The second term starts in early January until early April. The final term begins in late April, running to mid-June. Summer Camps typically run from June until August.
Teaching programmes
Meddeas Programme, Auxiliares de Conversación (NALCA), private language schools, exam preparation classes, private tutoring, and summer camps.
Previous teaching experience
This is not essential, and there are plenty of opportunities for first-time teachers in Spain.
Key Points
Award-Winning Online Courses & Diplomas
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A government-regulated qualification level equivalent to CELTA/Trinity Cert TESOL. It is ideal for aspiring teachers seeking higher-paying roles and increased international recognition.
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Got Questions?
Get clear answers about TEFL courses, certification, teaching jobs, and everything in between.
There are several ways to teach English in Spain, some of which require a degree and others which do not, but all of which require native English fluency. While most programmes require a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree, some just require you to be enrolled in a university, such as those offered by CIEE. Volunteer programmes can also be used to teach English in Spain without a higher education certificate.
Spain is an extremely safe place to visit. However, pickpockets are a problem in Spain, as they are throughout Europe. It’s critical not to carry your passport with you and keep an eye on your phone at all times!
The Auxiliares de Conversacion programme can position you in practically any of Spain’s autonomous communities, from huge cities like Madrid and Barcelona to smaller “pueblos.” You can choose your location if you want to work as a language assistant, tutor, or instructor in a private school. Seville, Granada, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, and Bilbao are among the most popular cities in Spain to teach English.
While larger cities such as Madrid and Barcelona can be pricey, Spain’s cost of living is lower than that of most European countries. In a city centre like Madrid, a room in a shared apartment might cost between €250 and €600.
In general, you can make €700 per month as a Language and Culture Assistant in public schools in Spain (€1000+ in Madrid). If you work full time, you can make between €15 and €20 per hour teaching in private academies and language schools, which equates to about €1,500 to €2,000 per month. You can earn up to €20 per hour if you tutor privately teaching English in Spain.