ESL Teacher Salaries and Benefits in Russia 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

When considering a teaching career in Russia, especially as an ESL teacher, understanding salary expectations is crucial. Moscow and St. Petersburg stand out as prime locations for ESL educators with the most teaching positions and the highest salaries, but there are also opportunities across other cities in Russia.

Here is a breakdown of what teachers can expect in terms of salaries, benefits, and overall living conditions in different regions.

Salary Overview by Location

MoscowQualified Teachers (with a teaching degree): 100,000 - 300,000 RUB per monthTEFL Certified Teachers: 50,000 - 120,000 RUB per month

St. PetersburgQualified Teachers: 70,000 - 200,000 RUB per monthTEFL Certified Teachers: 45,000 - 100,000 RUB per month

Other Cities (e.g., Kazan, Yekaterinburg)TEFL Certified Teachers: 30,000 - 100,000 RUB per month 

Hourly Pay for Individual TutorsFreelance tutoring can also be lucrative, albeit with some variability based on experience and reputation. Here are some average hourly rates:

Moscow: 1,500 - 3,000 RUB per hourSt. Petersburg: 1,200 - 2,500 RUB per hourOther Cities: 800 - 1,500 RUB per hour

Factors Influencing Salary

The salaries for ESL teachers in Russia can heavily depend on factors such as:

• Qualifications: Having a degree in education or related fields typically yields higher salaries. Employers often favor candidates with more qualifications, offering better packages and benefits. CELTA and DELTA certificates are also highly valued by employers.

• Experience: Seasoned teachers with years of experience can negotiate higher salaries.

• School Type: Private language schools often pay more compared to public schools or less prestigious institutions.

Perks and Benefits

In addition to salaries, schools in Russia frequently provide perks to attract qualified teachers:

• Visa Support: Schools and kindergartens often assist with the work visa application process, which can be complex for foreigners. We have a dedicated page about the process of obtaining a Russian work visa.

• Health Insurance: Many institutions offer health insurance coverage, which is especially important for expatriates.

• Accommodation Assistance: Some schools may provide housing or help find accommodations, which is a significant benefit in major cities. Check out our page on housing in Moscow for more information.

• Paid Holidays: Most teaching positions include paid time off, including national holidays and school breaks. Private tutoring will not provide you with any of the above.​

Governor(ess) Salaries in Comparison

For a perspective on salaries in Russia, it is interesting to note that governors and governesses earn between 300,000 and 600,000 RUB per month. While this range is significantly higher than the typical salary for ESL teachers, it illustrates the broader economic landscape across the country. You can read more about the fascinating life of a governor(ess) in Russia and how to become one here.

That is to say...

The journey of an ESL teacher in Russia varies significantly depending on location, qualifications, and the type of institution one chooses to work at. Moscow and St. Petersburg, while offering higher salaries, also come with a higher cost of living. Nonetheless, with the right qualifications and a clear understanding of the local market, ESL teachers can take advantage of numerous opportunities and benefits across this diverse country. Whether you are in for the cultural experience and career growth that Moscow and St. Petersburg offer, or you are interested in a more relaxed (and warm) liftestyle that Sochi offers, Russia has something for every ESL teaching journey.