African Teacher Reveals What She Earns Teaching in China After Posting Her Payslip

A payslip showing a primary school teacher in Shanghai earning about KSh 940,000 before tax has sparked debate online about teachers’ salaries in China.

The figures were shared by TikTok creator Boni Xaba on October 10 while responding to claims that teachers in China earn more than KSh 780,000 monthly. Xaba explained that the amount shown included several payments beyond the teacher’s basic salary.

According to her breakdown, the teacher holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. The teacher works as a homeroom teacher, handling four classes daily and teaching Language Arts and Social Studies.

The payslip lists a basic salary of 32,000 yuan, equivalent to approximately KSh 600,000. It also includes a housing allowance of 6,000 yuan and a teaching allowance of 5,300 yuan.

Additional payments include a semester bonus of 5,300 yuan and overtime earnings of 1,600 yuan. Together, these amounts bring the total listed earnings to 50,250 yuan, or approximately KSh 940,000.

After deductions, the payslip shows take-home pay of 48,530 yuan, estimated at about KSh 910,000. However, the figures depend on the exchange rate used, and the additional payments may not recur every month.

Xaba cautioned viewers against treating the total as the teacher’s standard monthly salary. She explained that bonuses and overtime contributed to the overall amount, meaning the basic salary alone was considerably lower.

The post prompted mixed reactions, with some social media users impressed by the package while others questioned whether it represented the earnings of an ordinary teacher in China.

The figures shared online relate to one teacher’s reported pay package. Without broader salary data, they cannot establish how much primary school teachers across China typically earn.

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