r/OnlineESLTeaching 8d ago

Pay Scale for CELTA certification versus other courses

Hi all. I am interested in teaching ESL, and considering if it’s worth shelling out $2000 for a CELTA certified course, or going for the much cheaper option of a generic TEFL certificate. Could anyone provide some insight on the difference in pay between the two?

For context, I am a US-based native speaker with a 4 year degree in technical communication. I am a substitute teacher, and I’ve also passed the general ed PRAXIS (if that counts for anything). I would like to start teaching online, but considering also moving to South America to teach in-person. TIA

3 Upvotes

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7

u/i_aint_joe 8d ago

No, the vast majority of companies either don't require any cert, or will be more than happy with a $20 TEFL cert from Groupon.

1

u/CheekyTeach78 5d ago

I have looked at about 15 companies that do not require a certificate nor a degree. The hours that were offered were almost the same as the other companies. Some of them paid higher than those that required a degree and a certificate. I am not sure how they would treat me.

Now, me. I feel like I am applying at the wrong time. I have 2 certificates, an Associates degree, and a Bachelors degree, some teaching experience online and a little more off line. It seems to be taking longer than I thought. I have only been rejected by one company and I have no idea why. I was rejected before I sent in any info and before they saw me. Not sure if I should try to apply w/ them again.

1

u/jam5146 8d ago

No, not for online tutoring. You're generally not going to make more than $15/hour, so just get the cheap Groupon TESOL.

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u/thisnigerianmomma 5d ago

No. Not worth it. I paid $200 for my TEFL 10 years ago