Now China has finally dropped its zero-coved policy and scrapped quarantine for incoming visitors, we’re expecting to see a new surge of foreigners coming to China for work. Whatever your skills and interests, there’s bound to be a role that’s right for you. Here’s a list of common jobs for foreigners in China and what you can expect in return.

Teacher

Although the number of opportunities for foreign teachers in China has been technically on the decline for several years, teaching is still the country’s most common expat job. Just go on to eChinaJobs and you’ll see the endless stream of listings for different teaching roles all across the country. Whether teaching English or another subject, you can get some really good packages in China. These packages may include an apartment, reimbursement for an annual flight home, medical insurance and a bonus at the end of your contract.

Regulations for foreign teachers in China have become stricter over the years, however. In the past, all it took was a good level of English, a foreign face and some charisma to land a teaching job in China. Now, you’ll need a bachelor's degree, a TEFL/TESOL qualification, and two years’ experience. Most positions will also request a native English speaker. The jobs are out there, you just need to make yourself a little more suitable in order to get them. 

English and kindergarten teachers can usually pull in somewhere between 25,000 and 35,000 RMB per month, while specialist subject teachers or management in established international schools may get anything from 50,000 to 100,000 RMB.

Translating, Editing, Proofreading 

You don’t necessarily need an advanced degree in translation to become a translator in China, just an advanced level of written Chinese and the credentials to prove it. Usually, the credentials will take the form of an HSK level 5 or 6. Many translation jobs for foreigners in China are casual and pay by the hour on a freelance basis. Full-time jobs are these days dominated by the gaming industry, with salaries ranging from as little as 10,000 RMB per month to 30,000+ RMB, depending on your educational background and experience.

Editing and proofreading are also massive industries for foreigners in China. The education industry is one of the main employers of foreign proofreaders, as Chinese students who want to go to universities abroad must write entrance letters in English, all of which need editing my native speakers. As international business grows in China, many companies also need foreigners to write content for their websites, sales platforms and brochures. There are also plenty of English-language magazines and websites for those with editorial leanings.

As with pretty much all jobs for expats these days, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a couple of years’ experience if you’re coming from outside the country. You can expect to earn around 20,000-30,000 RMB a month, depending on the industry you join and the job responsibilities.

Hotel management

Before Covid took the wind out of everyone’s sales, China's hospitality industry had been growing by leaps and bounds. Swanky hotel brands, such as the Radisson, Hilton, Shangri-La and Portman-Ritz, have all been here for some time, meaning foreign hotel managers are always in demand.

According to Payscale, general managers of hotels in China typically get paid between 715,000 and 1 million RMB a year, so up to 84,000 RMB a month. Not to be sniffed at, I’m sure you’ll agree!

Chef and restaurateur 

The best cheffing jobs for foreigners tend to be at the country’s five star hotels or big industry restaurants like

Paul Pairet, Eduardo Vargas and Jun Trinh. As more foreigners make China home and more Chinese people develop a taste for foreign food, however, some expats have  started opening restaurants of their own, often to great success.

Obviously, if you’re forging ahead on your own, the amount of money you pull in will depend entirely on the success of your venture. According to the Economic Research Group, chefs in China typically earn between 10,000 and 30,000 RMB a month.

Import/Export

Once they have a decent level of Chinese, many expats come to the conclusion that engaging in some kind of trade between China and their respective nation is their best bet for making some serious money. You can do this by joining an existing trading company, most of which are based in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, where the factories are located. Or, you could go it alone if you think you’ve found a product in your home country that the Chinese would love, or vice-versa.

Foreigners working for other companies are most likely to be employed as marketing or sales executives, who can expect to earn around 40,000 RMB a month. As with the restaurant business, your success of going it alone will entirely depend on you.

Startup industry

Modern-day China is a haven for startups, especially in first-tier cities that usually bend over backwards to foster favorable business environments. If you’re creative or have expertise in tech, you’re sure to find an increasing number of small and new business ventures with which to get involved. Many of these companies are specifically looking for foreigners to help them gain international perspective and access, and they’re also more likely to hire you to a management position with less experience.

Working for startups can be exhilarating and fun, but it can also be hard work and badly paid, especially at the start. The salary you command will depend entirely on your skills and experience and the company’s success, but expect to start at around 20,000 RMB/month, preferably with some stock options, at a brand new company.

Weird China jobs

Alongside all these common jobs for foreigners in China is a whole host of weird and wonderful China jobs you may find yourself offered while you’re here. From posing as the CEO of a company to moonlighting as a roller-skating Santa Claus, you’ll no doubt find many colorful odd jobs to keep you busy and entertained.

This kind of work is usually part-time or a one-off, and pay is typically pretty poor. You will, however, most likely be bestowed with a great story to tell your friends back home. 

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