A clear, practical guide from experienced TEFL teachers, with advice on requirements, courses, jobs, visas, and salaries to help you get started in Mexico.
Teaching English in Mexico is one of the most accessible ways to work legally in Latin America. With strong demand across cities and regions, a wide variety of teaching contexts, and relatively open entry requirements, it appeals to both newly qualified teachers and those with experience.
This guide brings together practical advice based on long-term experience working with schools and teachers in Mexico, alongside current visa and employment realities, so you can plan confidently.
While Mexico’s teaching landscape is more flexible than in some other markets, employers still have clear expectations around qualifications, availability, and professionalism. Understanding how hiring works on the ground will make it much easier to secure reliable work.
Here’s what you need:
Choosing the right TEFL course is one of the most important decisions you’ll make before teaching in Mexico. Schools here quickly recognise whether a teacher has been properly trained, and a quality course gives you both the practical skills you’ll need in the classroom and the credibility that gets your CV noticed.
For more about choosing a course, see our 6 Questions to Ask When Choosing a TEFL Course.
When comparing courses, here’s what to look for:
For more about the importance of accreditation, see TEFL Accreditation: What is it and why is it important?
Both online and in-person TEFL courses are accepted by schools in Mexico, but taking your TEFL course in Mexico itself offers some clear advantages:
Tip: Taking your TEFL course in Mexico can make it easier to interview quickly and start building a timetable sooner, especially if your training centre offers local guidance and introductions. How fast you find paid work varies by city, season, and flexibility.
Many teachers who take our Mexico course at School of TEFL have jobs lined up soon after completing the course.
Once you’ve completed your TEFL course, the focus shifts to finding work, and in Mexico that process is usually quick and driven by personal contact. Being in the country when you apply makes a real difference.
Mexico’s teaching jobs are often filled locally and through direct approaches. While vacancies are advertised online, many schools still prefer to meet candidates in person before making a decision.
Mexican employers tend to focus on how a teacher performs in person. Clear spoken English, energy in front of a class, and a professional, reliable attitude matter far more than a long CV. Schools want to see that you can hold a room, give clear instructions, and engage learners, whether they’re children, teenagers, or working professionals.
Flexibility is valued. Teachers who are open to split shifts (mornings and evenings), weekend classes, and travelling to off-site locations are easier to place, particularly at language centres. Experience with young learners is especially useful, as children’s and teen classes are a major part of many language centres’ schedules. Business English is also in high demand, particularly in cities with strong corporate and tech sectors.
Interviews in Mexico are usually practical and relatively informal. You may be invited to a short meeting with an academic coordinator or school manager, followed by a brief demo lesson. In some cases this happens the same day, especially at language centres that need teachers quickly.
Demo lessons are typically 10–15 minutes and focus on clarity, energy, and student engagement rather than complex methodology. Schools want to see that you can manage a class, deliver a clear activity, and connect with learners.
Tip: Prepare a simple, adaptable 10–15 minute demo lesson in advance. Having something ready makes it much easier to respond confidently if a school asks you to teach at short notice. Smart business attire is expected for interviews.
Most new teachers in Mexico find work by approaching schools directly. Walking into language centres with a printed CV is still common and effective in cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Mérida, and this often leads to quicker results than online applications alone.
Schools also post vacancies in Facebook groups, local expat networks, and on TEFL job boards. Recommendations from other teachers can open doors that aren’t advertised publicly – networking is a significant part of how the job market works in Mexico.
If you take your TEFL course in Mexico, your training centre may be able to introduce you to trusted employers or point you toward schools that regularly hire newly qualified teachers. This kind of support takes a lot of the guesswork and uncertainty out of the job search.
Tip: Have a Spanish-language version of your CV ready, or at least a bilingual one-page profile with your photo, qualifications, availability, and the areas you can cover. This can help in some schools – especially outside the most internationalised centres – and it shows initiative. WhatsApp is widely used for initial contact, so make sure your number is on your CV.
Hiring in Mexico happens throughout the year, especially at private language centres, which have rolling student intake and a continuous need to replace teachers. However, there are clear peaks. The biggest hiring wave is in late August and September as the school year begins. There’s often a smaller wave in January when new courses start and timetables are adjusted.
Some schools offer summer intensives and seasonal programmes, which can create extra short-term opportunities from June to August, and many schools expand their timetables in January after the holiday break.
Tip: Avoid job hunting during the weeks around Christmas and New Year, or during Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week), when many schools close or slow down significantly. Recruitment also tends to be quieter during the run-up to the Day of the Dead (late October/early November) in some areas.
For more advice on preparing applications and interviews, see TEFL Interview Questions and How to Answer Them.
Mexico’s visa process is more straightforward than in many countries, but it’s important to understand how it works before you arrive. Most schools that hire foreign teachers regularly will guide you through the paperwork once you’re hired, but knowing what to expect in advance will make the transition much smoother.
To work legally in Mexico, you need a Temporary Resident Visa (Residente Temporal) with permission to work – still widely referred to as the FM3, although that’s technically legacy terminology. Here’s how the process usually works in practice:
Tip: Bring original copies of your TEFL certificate, degree (if you have one), police background check, and several passport-sized photos. Even if not all documents are required immediately, having them ready – and notarised where possible – makes the process much easier. Some consulates may also require certified translations into Spanish.
Some teachers work on a tourist entry and get paid in cash. While this is not uncommon, it is illegal and carries real risks, including fines, deportation, or difficulties obtaining proper documentation later. Schools and training centres that help you through the proper process will also assist with authenticating and translating your documents when needed.
Note: Visa regulations can change at short notice. Always check official government sources before making travel or work plans.
Teaching jobs in Mexico come in a variety of settings, each with its own expectations, schedules, and pay levels. Compared with countries in East Asia or the Middle East, salaries are modest – but so is the cost of living, and most teachers find they can live comfortably, especially outside the most expensive neighbourhoods.
Most teachers work between 20 and 30 classroom hours per week. Schedules often include split shifts – mornings and evenings – with a long break in the middle of the day, which is typical of Mexican working patterns. Weekend work is common, particularly at language centres. Paid holidays, sick leave, and benefits vary widely between employers, so it’s important to clarify these details before accepting a job.
Understanding the different types of teaching jobs available will help you choose a role that fits your experience level, lifestyle, and longer-term goals.
Tip: Before accepting a job, ask clear questions about how hours are scheduled, whether you’ll be teaching at more than one location, how travel time is handled, and what the cancellation policy is. A slightly higher hourly rate may not be worth it if unpaid gaps and commuting across a large city make the schedule inefficient. Also ask about the aguinaldo (Christmas bonus) – it’s a legal requirement for employees in Mexico and equivalent to at least 15 days’ salary.
Mexico recruits English teachers throughout the year, particularly at private language centres, which operate on rolling enrolment and regularly replace teachers who finish contracts or move on. Because of this, there is no single “best” time to arrive in Mexico to look for work. Teachers who are already in the country and flexible about start dates and schedules generally find opportunities regardless of the month.
The biggest hiring wave coincides with the start of the school year at the start of September. There’s a secondary peak in January, when new courses begin and some teachers leave after completing autumn-term contracts. Summer camps and intensive courses create additional demand in some schools from June to August.
International schools and universities tend to follow more traditional academic cycles, with most recruitment taking place in the months leading up to the new school year in August or September, and some posts advertised as early as the spring.
Tip: If possible, avoid arriving specifically to job hunt during Christmas/New Year or Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week), when recruitment activity slows noticeably. Being on the ground, available, and responsive by late August gives you the best chance of starting work quickly.
Mexico’s relatively low cost of living is one of the main reasons teachers choose to work here, particularly when compared with TEFL markets in Europe or East Asia. While salaries are modest, everyday expenses are also manageable, allowing many teachers to live comfortably, especially outside premium expat areas and major tourist zones.
Accommodation is usually your biggest monthly expense. Costs vary significantly depending on the city and neighbourhood.
Food is generally inexpensive if you eat locally. A typical Mexican meal – tacos, tortas, comida corrida (set lunch) – from a local restaurant or street stall usually costs 40–80 MXN (US $2–$4). Western restaurants and cafés in tourist or expat areas are more expensive, with meals often costing 150–250 MXN (US $8–$14). Groceries from local markets are affordable, though imported products can be noticeably pricier.
Monthly utilities, including electricity, water, gas, and internet, usually fall in the range of 1,200–3,000 MXN (approximately US $65–$165). Air conditioning is the main factor that can push electricity bills up, particularly in hot, coastal regions like Cancún or the Pacific coast. The central highlands – Mexico City, Guadalajara, Querétaro – tend to have milder climates and lower utility costs.
Transport costs in Mexico are low. In Mexico City, the metro costs just 5 MXN per ride, and a monthly transport pass is around 340–350 MXN (approximately US $18–$20). In other cities, local buses are similarly inexpensive. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and DiDi are widely used and affordable for short journeys. Some teachers choose to rent or buy a motorbike or bicycle, depending on the city.
Tip: Mexico City’s metro is efficient and cheap, but can be extremely crowded during rush hours. In other cities, public transport varies. Some teachers use public transit, and others rely on ride-hailing apps, especially when travelling between teaching locations on split shifts.
With careful budgeting, many teachers are able to live comfortably. Savings are possible – especially if you supplement your income with private tutoring or online lessons – but for most teachers working at language centres, the real payoff in Mexico is the experience, cultural immersion, and day-to-day lifestyle rather than accumulating large savings.
Before arriving, it’s wise to have enough savings to cover your first two months. This should include a rent deposit, basic household items, visa and work permit costs, and daily expenses while you wait for your first salary. A buffer of around US $1,500–$2,000 is a sensible starting point.
Figures above are based on publicly available data sources (actual costs may vary depending on location and lifestyle):
Teaching jobs in Mexico are spread across a wide range of cities, from massive urban centres to mid-sized university towns and popular beach destinations. Where you choose to live will have a big impact on the type of work you find, your income, your expenses, and your overall lifestyle.
The majority of new teachers start in Mexico City or Guadalajara, where demand is strongest and the job market is most accessible. Smaller cities and coastal areas can offer a different pace of life, but jobs may be fewer and competition for good positions can be higher.
Mexico City is by far the largest job market for English teachers in Mexico. The sheer number of language centres, private schools, international schools, universities, and corporate clients means there are more opportunities here than anywhere else in the country. The city is enormous, culturally rich, and constantly buzzing, but it’s also busy, sprawling, and traffic can be punishing.
Many teachers choose to live close to their main workplace to minimise commuting. Popular neighbourhoods among teachers and expats include Roma, Condesa, and Coyoacán, which are central, walkable, and full of cafés and cultural life, but also the most expensive. More affordable options include Escandón, Juárez, Narvarte, and San José Insurgentes, which still have good access to the metro and language schools.
If you want the widest range of job options and access to a large expat community, this is where to start. Living costs are higher than elsewhere in Mexico, but still modest by Western standards.
Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city and a major hub for TEFL work, particularly Business English. The city has a thriving IT and tech sector, which creates steady demand for corporate English training. It’s also considered the cultural heart of Mexico – the home of mariachi, tequila, and a vibrant arts scene.
Teaching jobs here are mainly in language centres and private schools, with a growing number of in-company teaching opportunities. Salaries are broadly comparable to Mexico City, but living costs, particularly rent, are noticeably lower. The climate on the central highlands is mild and comfortable for most of the year. For teachers who want strong job prospects and a rich cultural experience without the intensity of the capital, Guadalajara is an excellent choice.
Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán, is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Mexico. It offers a more traditional, relaxed lifestyle with strong Mayan cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and proximity to archaeological sites and the Gulf coast. The expat community has grown significantly in recent years.
Teaching opportunities are more limited than in Mexico City or Guadalajara, and mainly concentrated in language centres and private schools. Salaries tend to be slightly lower, but so is the cost of living. Teachers who value safety, a slower pace, and deep cultural immersion will find a lot to like here, provided they are proactive in their job search.
Cancún and Playa del Carmen attract teachers who want a beach lifestyle. Demand for English here is driven partly by the tourism and hospitality industries, with hotels, resorts, and tour operators needing English-speaking staff. Language centres and private schools also operate in the area.
Salaries can be comparable to other cities, but living costs – especially rent – can be surprisingly high due to the tourist economy. Competition for stable, well-paid positions is also stronger, as many teachers are drawn to the lifestyle. These areas suit teachers who are flexible, enjoy a social atmosphere, and are comfortable with a slightly less predictable job market.
Both are fast-growing cities with large university populations and an expanding need for English. They offer a more relaxed pace of life than the capital, lower living costs, and a strong sense of local culture. Job opportunities are more limited but growing, particularly in language centres and private schools. These cities are good choices for teachers who want affordability and immersion without being too far from Mexico City.
Cities like Monterrey (Mexico’s industrial and business hub in the north), Oaxaca (famous for its food, art, and indigenous culture), and León (a mid-sized commercial city) also have teaching opportunities, though the market is smaller. In popular tourist towns and smaller cities, long-term teachers often hold onto stable positions, so new vacancies can be infrequent. They’re great places to visit or spend a short period, but may not always be the best choice if you’re looking for consistent, full-time teaching work.
Tip: When choosing where to live, consider not just rent but also your commute. In a large, traffic-heavy city like Mexico City, living near your main school can make a significant difference to your daily quality of life, especially if you’re working split shifts.
Understanding the cultural context will make your teaching life in Mexico much smoother. Classrooms, schools, and workplaces each have their own expectations, and taking the time to observe and adapt will help you build strong relationships with students, colleagues, and employers.
Many teachers come to Mexico planning to stay for a year and end up remaining much longer. While the TEFL market here is less formal and structured than in some other countries, experience, reliability, and strong local connections can open up a range of opportunities over time.
Career progression in Mexico is often relationship-driven and built on reputation. Teachers who stay, do good work, and continue developing their skills can move into more stable, better-paid, or more varied roles.
While Mexico may not offer the same long-term career structure or high savings potential as some larger TEFL markets, it provides valuable classroom experience, professional flexibility, and deep cultural immersion, especially if you’re starting out and want to build real confidence quickly.
For more on career paths, see How to Make a Career Out of TEFL.
If you choose a solid TEFL course, understand the visa process, and arrive with realistic expectations, Mexico offers a vibrant, rewarding, and accessible start to your TEFL career.
We’ve been helping new teachers take their first steps in TEFL since 2005, and we’re here to help when you’re ready.
In addition to the cost of living sources, some information in this guide is based on publicly available data from the following official sources:
This guide also draws on over 20 years of experience supporting teachers and schools in Mexico since 2005.
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Yes. A Bachelor’s degree is not a legal requirement for the work visa or for most private language centre positions, making Mexico one of the few countries where you can teach English without a degree. However, international schools and universities will almost always require one, so having a degree gives you access to more options.
No. Many language centres in Mexico hire newly qualified teachers, especially those with a TEFL certificate that included observed teaching practice. Clear spoken English, confidence in the classroom, and a professional attitude matter most. More competitive roles at universities, international schools, or with corporate clients usually expect some experience.
Yes. Fluent non-native English speakers are widely employed in Mexico. You will usually need to demonstrate C1-level proficiency or higher (such as IELTS 7 or equivalent). A strong TEFL certificate and a confident interview performance are important, though some employers may still favour native speakers.
No. Spanish is not required to teach English, and most employers will not expect it. However, basic Spanish is very helpful for daily life, including dealing with paperwork, transport, and everyday tasks, and many teachers find it significantly improves their experience.
Your employer applies to the National Immigration Institute (INM) on your behalf. Once approved, you must visit a Mexican consulate outside Mexico to collect your visa, often referred to as a consulate run. Many teachers travel to consulates in cities such as San Antonio, Guatemala City, or Belize City, and schools usually guide teachers through the process.
Yes. Most teachers arrive on a tourist entry (FMM), valid for up to 180 days. This allows time to complete a TEFL course, attend interviews, and secure a job offer. You cannot legally start teaching until your work visa has been issued.
Most teachers work around 20–30 classroom hours per week. Schedules often include split shifts, with classes in the mornings and evenings and a long break in the middle of the day. Weekend work is common at private language centres.
It is sensible to bring enough to cover your first two months, around US $1,500–$2,000. This should cover a rent deposit, basic living costs, visa-related expenses, and the gap before your first salary.
Yes. Private tutoring is very common, with many teachers supplementing their language centre income this way. Typical rates range from 200–500 MXN per hour, depending on experience, location, and client type. Always check that your visa and contract allow private work.
The aguinaldo is a legally required Christmas bonus in Mexico, equivalent to at least 15 days’ salary. It must be paid before December 20 each year and applies to all formal employees, so it is important to ask about it when reviewing a job offer.
Mexico City has the largest job market for English teachers, followed by Guadalajara. Both offer a wide range of employers and strong demand. Cities such as Mérida, Querétaro, Puebla, and Cancún also have opportunities, though the market is smaller. The best choice depends on your priorities, such as lifestyle, cost of living, or climate.
Mexico is a large and diverse country, and safety varies by region. Cities popular with foreign teachers, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Mérida, Querétaro, and Puebla, are generally safe when standard precautions are taken. Most teachers report feeling comfortable day to day, though it is sensible to stay aware of your surroundings and follow local advice.
