English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher

Also called: ELL teacher, Multilingual learner teacher

Helps students who are learning English keep up in school and become fluent.

A day in the life

ESL teachers work with small groups or co-teach in regular classes, using pictures, games, and conversation to build English. They often help immigrant families navigate school.

Pay over a career

Starting
$47k
Typical
$64k
High
$100k

Based on BLS teachers.

Training

Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's degree, a teacher-prep program, student teaching, and a state teaching license; alternative certification routes let career-changers teach while finishing licensure.

Ways in: 4-year college, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.

Majors to look at: TESOL, Linguistics, Education.

Outlook

Growing about average. High demand in many districts.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. AI translation helps with parent communication; teaching newcomers English face to face and helping families navigate school stay human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Spanish or another language, AP English Language, Psychology.

Official data: O*NET occupation 25-2031.

More K-12 Teaching careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.