Thinking about teaching English in Russia? Understanding what you can realistically earn is one of the most important steps before making the move. This guide breaks down current salary ranges, hourly tutoring rates, and the benefits packages you can expect — by city, qualification level, and school type.
Where the Jobs Are
Moscow and St. Petersburg dominate the ESL job market in Russia, offering the highest concentration of positions and the most competitive salaries. That said, cities like Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, and Sochi have growing demand for qualified English teachers — and often a significantly lower cost of living to go with it.
Salary Overview by Location
Moscow Qualified Teachers (with a teaching degree): 100,000 – 300,000 RUB/month TEFL Certified Teachers: 60,000 – 120,000 RUB/month
St. Petersburg Qualified Teachers: 80,000 – 200,000 RUB/month TEFL Certified Teachers: 50,000 – 120,000 RUB/month
Other Cities (Kazan, Yekaterinburg, etc.) TEFL Certified Teachers: 30,000 – 100,000 RUB/month
These figures represent monthly take-home pay for full-time positions. Many schools structure contracts around academic hours rather than a fixed monthly salary, so always clarify the hourly rate and expected weekly hours before signing.
Hourly Rates for Private Tutors
Freelance tutoring is popular among experienced teachers looking to supplement their school income or work fully independently. Rates vary considerably based on experience, reputation, and platform used:
Moscow: 1,500 – 4,000 RUB/hour St. Petersburg: 1,000 – 2,500 RUB/hour Other Cities: 500 – 1,500 RUB/hour
Building a private student base takes time, but experienced tutors in Moscow can earn well above what a language school pays — with complete schedule flexibility.
What Affects Your Salary
Not all ESL positions pay equally, and several factors will determine where you land in the ranges above:
Qualifications — A degree in education or a related field commands higher offers. CELTA and DELTA certificates are widely recognized by Russian employers and often the difference between a mid-range and top-range package. Teachers without a degree but with a TEFL certificate can still find solid positions, particularly at language schools.
Experience — Seasoned teachers with verifiable experience have real negotiating power, especially in Moscow’s competitive private school market.
School Type — Private language schools and international schools consistently pay more than state institutions. Kindergartens and corporate English programs often sit in the middle range and frequently include strong benefits packages.
Benefits and Perks
Salary is only part of the picture. Many schools and kindergartens in Russia offer additional support that meaningfully reduces your cost of living:
Visa Support — Navigating a Russian work visa as a foreigner is complex. Most reputable employers handle the paperwork and cover associated costs. See our dedicated guide to the Russian work visa process.
Health Insurance — Common at private language schools and international schools. Essential coverage for any expat.
Accommodation Assistance — Some employers provide housing directly or offer a monthly housing allowance. In Moscow, where rent is substantial, this benefit alone can be worth 40,000–80,000 RUB/month. Read our guide to housing in Moscow.
Paid Holidays — Standard at established schools, including national holidays and scheduled breaks. Note that private tutoring offers none of these benefits — you only earn when you teach.
A Note on Governess Salaries
For context, governess and governor positions in Russia command 300,000 – 600,000 RUB/month — substantially higher than standard ESL roles. These positions come with demanding responsibilities but represent one of the highest-paid English teaching roles available in the country. Learn more about governess work in Russia.
Bottom Line
Russia offers a genuine range of ESL opportunities — from high-paying Moscow corporate gigs to relaxed coastal teaching in Sochi. Your earning potential comes down to your qualifications, the city you choose, and the type of institution you work for. With the right preparation, most qualified teachers find that Russia offers a competitive salary, a manageable cost of living outside the capitals, and an experience unlike anywhere else.
Browse current ESL teaching positions on our jobs board or post a job if you’re a school looking to hire.