Education-based jobs in the UAE offer competitive tax-free salaries and excellent benefits. Salaries vary significantly by position, type of school (international school or local), subject taught, and level of leadership responsibility. Some lucrative positions at reputable institutions in the UAE, such as principal, educational consultant, corporate trainer, and subject-specific teacher, offer competitive compensation packages.
Teachers’ monthly salary in the UAE ranges from AED 1,851 to AED 16,000, with an average of AED 6,033. Many teachers working at the best educational institutions also enjoy comprehensive benefits such as housing, airfare reimbursement for return visits home, health insurance, and an end-of-service gratuity.
The blog further discusses the top 10 highest-paying teaching jobs in the UAE for aspirants seeking careers in education.
10 Highest Paying Teaching Jobs in the UAE You Should Know About
| Teaching Role | Average Monthly Salary | Job Requirements | Popular Location |
| IB Curriculum Teacher | AED 12,000 | These teachers specialize in the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. They must possess IB training/certification, experience, and leadership qualities. | Dubai, Abu Dhabi |
| University Professors | AED 20,791 | University professors typically require a PhD (or advanced Master’s), research track record, publications, supervision of graduate students, among others. | Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah |
| STEM Subject Teachers (Physics, Math, Chemistry) (school) | AED 9,000 | Robust subject knowledge and ability to teach advanced level programs. Additional responsibilities as per school’s requirements. | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain |
| Special Education Needs (SEN) Teachers | AED 15,300 | These teachers must hold required SEN certification and experience. Schools often value bilingual ability. | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah |
| Montessori & Early Childhood Educators | AED 6,312 | Qualifications in early childhood education are essential, along with experience with benchmarked curricula. Benefits and salary vary widely | Dubai, Abu Dhabi |
| English Language & ESL Teachers | AED 8,116 | TEFL/TESOL certification is helpful, as is experience in exam preparation (IELTS, TOEFL). Private tutoring provides flexibility and additional income. | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman |
| School Principals & Academic Coordinators | AED 17.071 | Require extensive experience, leadership credentials, strategic planning, and curriculum oversight. Schools expect high-level management and community engagement. | Dubai, Abu Dhabi |
| Vocational & Technical Trainers | AED 13,549 | Recognized industry experience, certification (e.g., in training delivery), and the ability to map curriculum to UAE/VET standards will be beneficial. | Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah |
| Private Tutors | AED 3,707 | Strong subject expertise, reputation/referrals matter a lot, contractual clarity on hours and benefits is essential. | Dubai, Abu Dhabi |
| Online Teaching Professionals | AED 2,940 | Requires reliable online teaching set-up, familiarity with digital platforms, ability to reach across time zones, flexibility and strong self-motivation. | Remote roles serving Dubai & Abu Dhabi students |
Source: Glassdoor, Bayt, Indeed UAE, NukriGulf, Payscale, as of 29th Oct’25
Qualifications & Certifications Required for Teaching in the UAE
Here are some qualifications and certifications needed for teaching in the UAE:
- All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in the subject they wish to teach. For example, an English language teacher must have a degree in English or a related field.
- Teachers without a teaching degree must complete an approved teacher training program, like the PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education).
- Applicants should have a current teaching license in their home country relevant to whatever subject they wish to teach, or a TESL/TEFL certification. (Note that TESL or TEFL is not a teaching license and will only qualify applicants for ESL positions in the UAE. Hence, having a teaching license in the particular subject you want to teach is crucial.)
- The candidates must also have 1-2 years of relevant teaching experience at the required teaching level for which they are applying.
- Non-native English teachers applying to teach English, kindergarten, or primary levels must present an IELTS certificate with the minimum required scores.
Tips to Negotiate a Better Teaching Salary in the UAE
To negotiate a competitive teaching salary in the UAE, it is vital to know the market rate, highlight your qualifications and teaching accomplishments, and negotiate beyond the base salary to secure other benefits. Wait to receive the initial offer letter before negotiating. Be prepared to advocate for yourself by discussing your experience and qualifications confidently and politely.
Here are some tips to follow:
- Research for compensation benchmarks: Use reliable online resources to determine the average salary for teachers in the region or the position you are applying for. Also, consider your experience, the cost of living in the city, and other factors.
- Understand your worth: Keep a list of your accomplishments, including how many years of experience you have, what specific curriculum experience (for example, IB), or special skills you possess that are beyond the job requirements.
- Know the complete package: Realize that the base salary is only one part of the whole package, which typically includes a housing allowance, transportation, health insurance, and other compensation. Hence, understanding the package beyond the base salary is crucial.
- Support your counteroffer: In case you make a counteroffer, explain clearly why you think you deserve higher compensation based on your experience, qualifications, and the data available in the market.
Why Consider Getting Certified or Upgrading Skills through upGrad UAE
Acquiring a degree or enhancing skills with upGrad UAE is an intelligent strategy for professional advancement. Online programs offered by upGrad in association with renowned global institutions allow flexibility for busy professionals, strong industry connections, and robust career support. Programs are designed to offer industry-relevant skills and expertise, ensuring that every learner can enhance their job-readiness in the rapidly changing UAE job market.
Here are some relevant programs to explore:
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) from Northeastern University
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) from University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) from Edgewood University
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D) from Edgewood University
- Dual Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree from Edgewood University
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FAQs on Highest Paying Teaching Jobs in UAE
To be qualified to teach in the UAE, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or a 4-year university degree or higher in the required field. In addition, applicants must hold the UAE’s ‘Education Professional licence’, which is mandatory for education professionals. Teachers must hold a teacher’s licence to work legally. Applicants must pass the required tests designed for each targeted category in the education sector. Some institutions may require a few years of relevant teaching experience.
Yes, teachers in the UAE can earn tax-free salaries. The UAE does not levy personal income tax on salaries, including those of teachers, for both expatriates and citizens.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi generally offer the highest teaching salaries in the UAE.
To teach in the UAE, you will need a TEFL certificate and a college degree in a related field. Some employers might also ask for relevant teaching experience and certifications.
Teachers in UAE schools receive competitive benefits, including tax-free salaries, housing allowances, and health insurance. Other advantages often include annual flights home for the teacher (and sometimes their family), opportunities for professional development, and a high degree of job security.
