Teach English in Oman
The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Tax-Free Salaries, Higher Education, and Life in the Jewel of Arabia.
Oman is the hidden treasure of the Gulf. Quieter than Dubai and more authentic than Doha, it offers a peaceful, safe, and highly lucrative environment for teachers. In 2026, the market is defined by stability and specialization. As the "Omanization" policy replaces expat workers with locals in administrative roles, the demand for foreign English teachers has shifted toward Universities, Technical Colleges, and International Schools.
For native English speakers, Oman is a high-savings destination. Salaries are paid in the incredibly strong Omani Rial (OMR) and are 100% tax-free. Most contracts include free furnished housing, flights, and medical insurance, allowing you to bank a massive portion of your income.
However, this is not a "gap year" destination. Employers are strict about credentials. To secure a work visa and a teaching license from the Ministry of Education, a Bachelor's Degree and a myTEFL 120-hour certificate are the absolute minimum requirements.
Quick Facts
What’s in this guide?
Your roadmap to the Arabian Peninsula. Learn how to navigate the "Omanization" laws, budget in Rials, and decide between the mountains of Nizwa and the beaches of Muscat.
- The TEFL jobs market in Oman
- Universities, Colleges & Schools
- Teacher Salary in Omani Rials (OMR)
- Work Visas & Sponsorship
- Requirements for 2026
- Work Week (Sun-Thu) & Benefits
- Cost of living: Muscat vs. Salalah
- Where to teach: Muscat, Sohar, Salalah
- Getting hired: The Independent Route
- Oman TEFL FAQs
The TEFL jobs market in Oman
Oman is a mature market. Unlike Vietnam or Cambodia, you cannot just "show up and find work." Jobs are secured from abroad, months in advance. The government is aggressively pursuing Omanization, which means entry-level admin and support roles are reserved for locals. However, there is a shortage of qualified English teachers for the higher education sector.
The biggest employers are Colleges of Technology and Universities (like Sultan Qaboos University). They hire large numbers of native speakers to teach "Foundation Year" English to incoming students. These jobs are stable, well-paid, and offer long holidays.
Private Language Institutes (like Polyglot or British Council) also hire, but the hours are less sociable (evenings/weekends) and the pay is slightly lower.
- Population: 5 million
- Language(s): Arabic (English widely used)
- Currency: Omani Rial (OMR)
- Capital city: Muscat
- Estimated salary: 800 - 1,200 OMR
- Tax Rate: 0% (Tax-Free)
- Climate: Hot Desert / Tropical (Salalah)
- Main Transport: Car (Driving is essential)
- Internet: Good (5G widely available)
Types of English teaching jobs in Oman
From university campuses in the capital to technical colleges in the desert.
Universities & Colleges
The gold standard. Teaching young adults (18-22) in Foundation programs. Low teaching hours (15-20/week) and excellent holidays.
International Schools
K-12 schools for expats and wealthy Omanis. They pay very well but usually require a state teaching license (PGCE/B.Ed) from your home country.
Private Language Institutes
Centers teaching adults and business professionals. Good entry point for newer teachers. Expect split shifts and evening work.
Vocational / Military
Teaching English to cadets or oil/gas workers. These jobs can be in remote locations but offer very high salaries to compensate.
TEFL teacher salary in Oman
The Omani Rial (OMR) is one of the strongest currencies in the world (pegged at roughly 1 OMR = $2.60 USD).
A typical TEFL salary is 800 to 1,200 OMR. In USD terms, that is roughly $2,100 to $3,100 per month.
The "Package" is Key: In Oman, your salary is pure spending/saving money because your biggest expenses are covered. Employers almost always provide:
• Free furnished apartment (or a generous housing allowance of ~200-300 OMR).
• Annual round-trip flights home.
• Comprehensive medical insurance.
• End-of-contract gratuity (bonus equal to ~1 month salary per year worked).
Monthly Salary (Tax-Free)
| University / College | 900 - 1,300 OMR |
| Language Center | 600 - 900 OMR |
| Private Tutoring (Hourly) | 15 - 25 OMR / hr |
| USD Equivalent (Total) | $2,000 - $3,400 USD |
| Housing Cost | $0 (Usually Provided) |
Work Visas & Sponsorship
Sponsorship is Mandatory: You cannot work in Oman without a sponsor (your employer). It is illegal to work on a tourist visa.
The Process:
1. You secure a job offer from abroad.
2. You send your attested documents (Degree, TEFL, Background Check) to the employer.
3. The employer obtains a "Labor Clearance" from the government.
4. They send you an Employment Visa. You use this to enter Oman.
5. Upon arrival, you undergo a medical check (blood test/chest X-ray) to get your Resident Card (Pataka).
Attestation (The Red Tape)
Your documents (Degree and TEFL) must be "Apostilled" or attested by the Omani embassy in your home country before you fly. This process can take 1-2 months, so plan ahead.
Requirements to teach English in Oman
Oman is strict. The Ministry of Manpower enforces clear rules for issuing work visas to teachers.
- Bachelor’s Degree Mandatory. You must have a BA/BS degree (in any subject) at a minimum. For university jobs, a Master's or a degree in English/Education is often required.
- 120-Hour TEFL Certificate Essential. This is the standard teaching license for the visa application. It must be a 120-hour accredited course.
- Native English Speaker Highly Preferred. Visas are most easily granted to citizens of the "Big 7" (USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, NZ, SA).
- Teaching Experience Most employers require 2 years of post-qualification experience. Entry-level jobs exist but are rarer than in other countries.
Work Week & Lifestyle
The Work Week: Oman follows the Islamic work week: Sunday to Thursday. Friday and Saturday are the weekend.
Working Hours
University jobs usually run from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Language centers operate from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The pace of life in Oman is slower and more relaxed than Dubai or Riyadh.
Hiring Season: The academic year starts in September. Hiring begins as early as January/February. A second intake often happens in January for the spring semester.
Cost of living & Savings in Oman
Oman is cheaper than the UAE or Qatar but more expensive than Saudi Arabia. Since housing is usually free, your salary is mostly disposable income.
Utilities: If not included, electricity and water (A/C is heavy usage) can cost 30 - 60 OMR per month, depending on the season.
Food & Transport: A meal at a local restaurant costs 2-4 OMR. A pint of beer (in a hotel bar) is expensive (4-6 OMR). You will likely need to rent or buy a car, as public transport is limited. Car rental is ~120-150 OMR/month.
Monthly Budget (Single Teacher)
| Rent | 0 OMR (Provided) |
| Utilities & Internet | 40 - 60 OMR |
| Groceries | 80 - 120 OMR |
| Car Rental/Fuel | 140 OMR |
| Leisure/Social | 100 - 150 OMR |
Where to teach English in Oman?
Oman offers diverse landscapes, from the busy capital to the green mountains of the south.
Muscat
The capital. A long, sprawling city wedged between mountains and the sea. Home to the majority of expats, malls, and international schools. You need a car here.
Salalah
The "Green City" in the south. Famous for the "Khareef" (monsoon) which turns the desert lush green in summer. Very relaxed, tropical vibe with coconuts and bananas.
Sohar
A port city in the north, close to the UAE border. Industrial but growing. A good base for exploring Dubai on weekends (2 hours drive). Cheaper than Muscat.
Nizwa
The historic capital in the interior. Surrounded by mountains and forts. Very traditional and conservative. Ideal for teachers who want deep cultural immersion.
How to get a job in Oman
The Omani government requires strict documentation for work visas. Your credentials must be verified and accredited to secure a teaching license.
Get Your 120-Hour Certificate
The Ministry of Education in Oman requires a TEFL certificate for foreign teachers. A 120-hour myTEFL certificate is fully accredited and accepted for visa sponsorship in Oman.
- Visa Compliant: Accepted by Omani Ministry.
- Higher Salary: Access University-level jobs.
- Accredited: Globally recognized.
- Lifetime Access: Resources forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential insights for the 2026 Omani teaching market.