Position
Salary

How much does a ESL Instructor make?

The average salary for a ESL Instructor is $62,792 per year in the US.

ESL instructors teach English to students whose first language is not English. They work in many different settings, including schools, colleges, and private language centers. The average yearly salary for an ESL instructor is around $62,792. This number can change based on experience, location, and the kind of institution they work for.

Most ESL instructors start with salaries between $40,000 and $54,000 per year. As they gain more experience, their pay often increases. Some instructors can earn more than $89,000 a year, especially if they work in areas where there is a high demand for English teachers. Other factors, like having a master's degree or specialized teaching certifications, can also boost earnings. Understanding these salary ranges can help job seekers make informed decisions about their career path.

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What are the highest paying cities for a ESL Instructor?

ESL instructors looking for top salaries find excellent opportunities in major cities. San Francisco, CA, offers the highest average salary at nearly $110,000 per year. Other cities such as Portland, OR, and Minneapolis, MN, also provide strong earning potential for educators. Choosing to work in these areas can help boost career earnings while making a difference in students’ lives.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for ESL Instructor jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $110,179 and New Orleans, LA with the lowest at $66,305.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $110,179
    In San Francisco, language instructors find ample opportunities in schools and language institutes. Companies like Berlitz and EF Education First offer positions. Teaching here often involves diverse students, enhancing your skills.
    Find ESL Instructor jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $78,978
    Portland offers a vibrant environment for ESL educators. Local language schools and community colleges provide varied job opportunities. Teaching in Portland allows for a focus on a close-knit, supportive community.
    Find ESL Instructor jobs in Portland, OR


  3. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $74,861
    Minneapolis provides a range of options for language instructors. Organizations such as Global Language Services and local community colleges hire educators. The city’s educational institutions value diverse teaching approaches.
    Find ESL Instructor jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  4. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $72,270
    In Milwaukee, ESL instructors can work in schools and private language centers. Employers like ABC Languages offer stable positions. The city supports a welcoming environment for language learning.
    Find ESL Instructor jobs in Milwaukee, WI


  5. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $69,394
    San Diego’s diverse population creates a rich environment for language teachers. Institutes such as International House provide numerous opportunities. The city’s cultural diversity enhances the teaching experience.
    Find ESL Instructor jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Birmingham, AL
    Average Salary: $68,971
    Birmingham offers several opportunities for language instructors in schools and private language centers. Employers focus on developing strong communication skills. The city’s growing community supports diverse learners.
    Find ESL Instructor jobs in Birmingham, AL


  7. Springfield, MA
    Average Salary: $67,502
    Springfield has a variety of positions for language instructors. Local colleges and language schools look for dedicated educators. Teaching here allows for a close connection with students.
    Find ESL Instructor jobs in Springfield, MA


  8. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $66,929
    Washington, DC, provides many opportunities for language instructors in educational institutions and international organizations. Companies like Alliance Française offer dynamic teaching roles. The city’s diverse student body enriches the teaching experience.
    Find ESL Instructor jobs in Washington, DC


  9. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $66,309
    In St. Louis, language instructors can find positions in schools and language centers. Employers appreciate educators who engage students. The city’s educational institutions value diverse teaching methods.
    Find ESL Instructor jobs in St. Louis, MO


  10. New Orleans, LA
    Average Salary: $66,305
    New Orleans offers a unique setting for ESL educators. Local language schools and universities hire teachers. The city’s cultural richness enhances the teaching experience, providing a vibrant environment for learning.
    Find ESL Instructor jobs in New Orleans, LA

What are the best companies a ESL Instructor can work for?

Job seekers looking to become ESL instructors can find excellent opportunities with Manassas City Public Schools, which offers an average salary of $98,290. Focused Staffing Group also provides a competitive package, averaging $92,008. The New York Public Library and Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens tie for third with salaries at $90,000 each. These top-paying companies offer rewarding career paths for educators. Prince William County Public Schools, Sunbelt Staffing, and Match Education follow closely with salaries over $80,000. Anoka-Hennepin School District, Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School, and Soliant provide solid options for those seeking stable employment with decent compensation.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for ESL Instructor jobs, highlighting Manassas City Public Schools with the highest at $98,290 and Soliant with the lowest at $71,780.
  1. Manassas City Public Schools
    Average Salary: $98,290
    Manassas City Public Schools offers rewarding ESL Instructor positions. They serve students in Manassas, Virginia. Instructors have the chance to impact young learners' lives significantly.


  2. Focused Staffing Group
    Average Salary: $92,008
    Focused Staffing Group provides excellent ESL Instructor jobs. They place staff in various locations nationwide. Instructors can find diverse teaching opportunities and competitive pay.


  3. The New York Public Library
    Average Salary: $90,000
    The New York Public Library offers ESL Instructor jobs in New York City. Instructors teach adults and children, helping them improve their English skills. It’s a great way to make a difference in a vibrant community.


  4. Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens
    Average Salary: $90,000
    Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens provides valuable ESL Instructor positions. They serve communities in Brooklyn and Queens, New York. Instructors work to help immigrants and refugees enhance their English proficiency.


  5. Prince William County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $89,859
    Prince William County Public Schools offers competitive ESL Instructor salaries. They serve students in Prince William County, Virginia. Instructors play a key role in helping students achieve academic success.


  6. Sunbelt Staffing
    Average Salary: $86,526
    Sunbelt Staffing connects ESL Instructors with top-paying jobs. They place staff in various locations across the United States. Instructors can find temporary and permanent positions with excellent benefits.


  7. Match Education
    Average Salary: $80,356
    Match Education offers ESL Instructor jobs with good pay. They work with schools in many areas. Instructors help students improve their English skills and achieve their academic goals.


  8. Anoka-Hennepin School District
    Average Salary: $77,140
    Anoka-Hennepin School District provides ESL Instructor positions in Minnesota. They serve a large, diverse student population. Instructors make a positive impact on students’ lives and academic success.


  9. Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School
    Average Salary: $75,429
    Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School offers ESL Instructor jobs in Boston, Massachusetts. Instructors work with students to improve their English skills. The school focuses on providing a supportive learning environment.


  10. Soliant
    Average Salary: $71,780
    Soliant provides ESL Instructor jobs with good pay. They place staff in various locations nationwide. Instructors can find diverse teaching opportunities and competitive salaries.

How to earn more as a ESL Instructor?

Teaching English as a second language (ESL) offers many opportunities to boost your earnings. By taking specific steps, ESL instructors can enhance their income and job satisfaction. Focusing on professional growth can lead to higher-paying positions and more rewarding experiences.

Here are key factors that can help an ESL instructor earn more:

  1. Advanced Certifications: Earning advanced certifications can open more job opportunities. These credentials can lead to higher-paying positions.
  2. Teaching Experience: Gaining experience allows instructors to take on more responsibilities, such as leading classes or training new teachers. This often leads to higher pay.
  3. Specialized Skills: Skills in areas like business English or exam preparation (TOEFL, IELTS) can attract higher-paying jobs. These specialized areas are in demand and can command higher wages.
  4. Networking: Building a strong network can lead to job referrals and recommendations. Connections with other educators and institutions can provide access to better job opportunities.
  5. Geographic Location: Some regions offer higher wages for ESL instructors. Working in cities or areas with a high demand for English teachers can lead to better pay.

Currently 222 ESL Instructor job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a ESL Instructor in the US?

Learn what a ESL Instructor does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a ESL Instructor today.
Position
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ESL Instructor
222 Job Openings