⭐ Education ↑ 6% growth · Faster than average

ESL Teacher / ESL Paraprofessional

ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers and paraprofessionals help non-native speakers develop English proficiency — in K-12 schools, adult education programs, and community organizations. With growing immigrant populations in nearly every state, ESL professionals are in high demand across the country.

$42,000 Median Salary
85K US Jobs
3 months (certificate) to 4 years (degree) Training
$1,500–$40,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$28,000
Median
$42,000
Experienced
$58,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

6%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Faster than average
85K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
TESOL Certificate + state paraprofessional certification
Required Credential
TESOL Certificate + state paraprofessional certification

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
TESOL Certificate or Bachelor's in Education
Program Length
3 months (certificate) to 4 years (degree)
Typical Tuition
$1,500–$40,000
Work Setting
Public schools, adult education centers, community colleges, nonprofit organizations
🏆 Credential Required: TESOL Certificate + state paraprofessional certification

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a ESL Teacher / ESL Paraprofessional involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Public schools environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ ESL Teacher / ESL Paraprofessional by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC