If you decide to work in China, you'll find that it can be a gratifying experience, allowing you full submersion into Chinese culture and their way of life. As an American, you have access to different kinds of jobs that pay decently, even by Western standards. At the same time, living in a city with lower living expenses could put you in an advantageous financial position. If you're someone looking to save cash while living in a very different kind of society, this might be an excellent choice for you.
Just like back home, getting the best jobs in China will depend on your education, training, and work experience. Here are some examples of jobs for expats and English speakers available to Americans that can be accessed without a lot of difficulties, depending on education, experience, and skill set:
9. Translation Work in China
Another way that you can find a wealth of opportunities is by improving your skills in an industry like IP law or gaming. If you can translate Chinese into English for foreign clients, your skills will be in high demand, especially if it is in a complex field that is difficult to explain. One of the upsides of translation work or interpretation is that you set your own hours and can find new opportunities all over the country.
8. Marketing
There is considerable interest in public relations managers and advertisers in the larger urban centers of China. They're looking for people who can manage restaurants, sometimes even non-English speakers. But most of the demand these days is for people who understand the internet and digital media. Some of the qualifications for these kinds of fields include a degree in marketing, journalism, or communications.
If you have any prior public relations or marketing experience, you can consider it a huge advantage for these positions. The opportunities for foreigners are vast and provide some of the best jobs in China for Americans. You can take home as much as $2300 to $4000 a month. Your salary will depend on your skills and experience.
Most Chinese companies make no distinction between marketing and sales positions, so you should expect to have some skills in both fields. As long as your adaptable and willing to expand beyond your comfort zone, you could have an opportunity to flourish. The firms require Western expertise to drive sales. Some of the places that might need your experience are international schools, expensive clinics, and expensive real estate companies.
7. Software Development
Some believe that China's GDP could improve by ten percent in the next ten years. Taking this into account, the construction industry could be a promising field in the next couple of decades, with lots of lucrative possibilities.
To perform this kind of job it is necessary you acquire a bachelor’s degree in computer programming with three to five years of experience in software development and engineering. Experience with SQL, JAVA, and UNIX is a considerable advantage.
The demand for these kinds of skills is pretty prevalent all across China. It's no surprise that the salaries for English speakers in these roles in China are projected to grow from $90,000 to $146,000 per annum with 7% growth.
6. Law in China
Beijing has hundreds of law offices, with a salary as high as 100,000 Yuan for legal counselors at companies. Wages in this field are forecasted to get as high as 400,000 yuan in the next few years. Salaries are always on the rise for lawyers.
5. Advertising
The average salary in the field of advertising tends to be around 2,500 yuan a month. If you’re living in a bigger city like in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, or Shenzhen, the wages might exceed 3,000 a month. Because of constant development, China expects there to be many more knowledge and intelligence-based opportunities related to technology.
4. Voice Talent
Because of the high demand for English-learning programs and software in China, there are quite a few recording studios within city centers. The work may include things such as textbook exchanges, sound traveler aides, film production work, or TV advertisements. To get higher-paying voice work, you’ll have to go through an agent, prepare a portfolio of work, and develop your sight-reading skills, sometimes editing terrible scripts on the spot.
3. Ads Leadership
For this kind of position, the experience is not as critical as having high-energy, enthusiasm, and drive. The field is meant for people who are passionate and proactive, who take to their roles with zeal. As foreign and Chinese firms are battling in the global business arena, advertisement agencies are always looking for skilled talent to lead big projects.
2. Modeling
These opportunities are generally only open to Caucasians, but there are some exceptions. While some Western men may feel that they are average in attractiveness, they may sometimes be surprised to find that their appearance will be held in high esteem anyway. There are numerous agencies across China looking for European-looking people to be in their advertising or to do some modeling for various products. The best part about these kinds of opportunities is that they don't require a lot of experience, for the most part, just good connections.
There are also modeling and acting opportunities. Western actors in China sharpen their skills, honing their acting methodology over years of experience. While some ordinary foreigners, like English teachers, might gloat over being included in a TV advertisement or film, odds are that they are probably paid less. If talented actors wish to find higher-paying parts, they’re going to need the right kind of sponsor with a good network.
Requirements aren't usually stringent, just that you're non-Asian with prior experience and good looks. Depending on what kind of gig you get, working conditions could vary. You could either work on a sound stage or do a photo shoot in a public area. One unfortunate aspect of this kind of work is that the salary isn't consistent, money often comes in spurts.
1. English Instruction
This is the most common job in China. It's definitely the easiest go-to for most foreigners in China, mostly because of the low-obligation, better than average pay, and stress-free occupation. There are plenty of public and private schools and colleges looking to hire native English speakers to teach at any level.
Requirements for Teaching
One barrier to getting these kinds of jobs is the requirement of a bachelor degree and usually some type of English-teaching certificate, such as the TEFL. Also, all positions by foreigners are now require proof of a clean criminal record in China, which can be quite the administrative nightmare. Compensation depends on the location, the format, and your skills.
You'll tend to make much more teaching at a private training center than you will teach at a public university. In a big city, you could make as much as $2,300 a month. In a university, you could see as little as $800 a month. But with free rent and other amenities, you might find yourself making more than you would in a service position in the West.
Teaching Opportunities in China for Americans
If you’re looking for English teaching opportunities, you can check out the expat jobs in China board on Daves ESL. For other job recommendations abroad, check out my comprehensive list here: