ESL Teacher Salary

Based on self-reported salaries on TeacherSalary.org, the average ESL / ELL Teacher salary in the US is $88,500. Pay varies significantly by state, district, and years of experience.

Among states with reported data, Illinois has the most ESL / ELL Teacher submissions. California, Washington, and New York typically offer the highest teacher salaries nationally.

Most public school ESL / ELL Teacher positions require at minimum a bachelor's degree plus a state teaching license. Many districts pay higher on the salary schedule for a master's degree or additional graduate credits.

Teaching offers strong job stability, summers off, and defined-benefit pension plans in most states. Salary has historically lagged other degree-requiring professions, but benefits, schedule, and job security make it attractive for many. Use this database to compare pay in specific states and districts before accepting a position.

Starting salaries for ESL / ELL Teachers vary widely — from around $35,000 in some Southern states to over $60,000 in California, New York, and Washington. A teacher with a bachelor's degree and no experience typically starts at the bottom of the district's salary schedule.

Most public school ESL / ELL Teachers are enrolled in their state's defined-benefit pension system. Pension vesting typically requires 5–10 years of service. Teachers at private or charter schools may not be covered by the state pension.