Salary Information with a Master’s in ESL

ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers work in many different settings. The salary you will earn as an ESL teacher depends on the level of education you’ve obtained, how many years of experience you have in the field, and where you work. As a graduate of a master’s in ESL program, you should be able to earn a higher income than the average ESL teacher in all settings.

ESL Secondary Education Salaries

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the following annual earnings for secondary education teachers in May 2008:

Elementary school teachers: $52,240
Middle school teachers: $52,570
High school teachers: $53,390

ESL Higher Education Salaries

ESL professionals also exist at the university level. The following salaries are listed by The Bureau of Labor Statistics for ESL careers in higher education:

Adult education/GED: $46,530
Associate professors: $69,911
ESL assistant professors: $58,662
ESL lecturers: $48,289
ESL instructors: $42,609

Top States for ESL Teacher Salaries

As mentioned before, depending on where you’re located as an ESL teacher you can make different salaries. Typically the cost of living, budget, and the relative value a state places on education will influence your income as an ESL teacher. If you have a master’s degree then your starting wage will be higher than average. The states that pay the highest median high-school ESL teacher salaries are as follows:

Connecticut: $66,280
Rhode Island: $66,250
Alaska: $66,090
Illinois: $64,900
New York: $64,590
California: $63, 160
New Jersey: $61, 790
Massachusetts: $61, 320
Maryland: $60,260

Top U.S. Cities for ESL Teacher Salaries

Not only do states make a difference in ESL teacher salaries, but so do the cities you live in. As seen before, some of the highest teacher salaries are found in New Jersey, New York, and California—here’s a breakdown for a few of those cities in those states, and more:

Nassau-Suffolk, NY: $82,240
Lawrence-Methuen-Salem, MA: $77,540
Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA: $75,770
Modesto, CA: $73,210
Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL: $72,360
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $70,220
Danville, VA: $70,220
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT: $69,800
New York-Long Island-Northern New Jersey, NY-NJ: $68,600
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT: $68, 530
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, D.C.-VA: $65, 790

Online Masters in ESL Programs

Master's degree programs for ESL education provide instruction about how individuals learn English as a second language with regards to writing, reading and speaking. Most programs are available for both inexperienced and veteran teachers and intended for those looking to teach in primary, secondary or post-secondary schools. By clicking on links below, you can request information from each school about its tuition, classes, and programs.

MEd: Curric. & Instruc.: ESOL Curric. & Inst.: English Language Dev	*Concordia University* - Founded in 1905, Concordia University has become known for its superior education and enrichment offerings in the fields of education, homeland security and business. The M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction: ESOL is designed for educators who want to teach English to learners whose native language is not English. The program focuses on students aged elementary through adult, with emphasis on needs unique to ESOL learners.
MEd: ESL/Foreign Language	*University of Nebraska at Kearney* - University of Nebraska-Kearney offers more than 170 undergraduate degree options, 20 pre-professional programs, and 45 graduate programs in a variety of fields including education, business, fine arts and humanities, and the natural sciences. The MEd-English Second Language/Foreign Language program focuses on instructional methods, curriculum, and teaching materials that promote the mastery of English in order for students to achieve academically in all content areas.
MAT: TESOL	*University of Southern California* - Since 1880, University of Southern California has provided a vibrant culture of public service while encouraging students to cross academic as well as geographic boundaries in their pursuit of knowledge. The Masters in English as a Second Language program at USC allows you to explore and apply research that supports effective English language teaching for linguistically and ethnically diverse students across all content areas.
MEd: ESL	*Northcentral University* - For almost 20 years, Northcentral University has been a leader of innovation in education and providing online classes, allowing more people the opportunity to earn an advanced degree. Northcentral's Master of Education in English Second Language specialization enhances skills in communicating with speakers of other languages and integrating techniques to successfully instruct students in English proficiency.
MS ADLR: ESL	*Walden University* - For over 40 years, Walden University has been dedicated to increasing educator effectiveness and student achievement. Gain the tools and strategies you need to help meet the growing demand for English language instructors. The Masters in English as a Second Language specialization at Walden University helps you create effective environments for students learning English as a second language.
MS: English Language Learning and Teaching	*Grand Canyon University* - For over 60 years, Grand Canyon University has been helping students find their purpose and achieve their career and academic potential. The Masters in English as a Second Language program at GCU is designed for certified teachers or administrators with an interest in teaching ESL students in the classroom or serving as a district ESL coordinator.
MEd: TESOL	*University of Cincinnati* - Since 1819, University of Cincinnati has provided students a balance of educational excellence and real-world experience. University of Cincinnati Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program prepares you to embrace the concept that different languages and cultures are practiced at home. The program helps you find effective ways to effect this knowledge in your instruction.
MEd: K-12 ESL Edu MEd: K-12 ESL: Bilingual Ed MEd: K-12 ESL: Bil. Ed. Teach Lic. MEd: K-12 ESL: Teacher Licensure Edu	*Jones International University* - Jones International University is regionally accredited and offers students a 100% online learning and service model. The MEd - K-12 ESL Education program is designed for licensed educators who are bilingual and interested in pursuing an additional endorsement as a teacher of students who are learning English as a second language.
MEd: ESL	*California University of Pennsylvania* - For more than 150 years, California University of Pennsylvania has offered a wide variety of academic majors, minors, concentrations, and other programs while having access to nationally recognized educators, many of whom are leaders in their respective fields. The Master of Education in English as a Second Language (ESL) allows students to apply and develop their knowledge in language, culture, instruction, assessment, and professionalism.
MEd: Curriculum & Instruction - ESL MEd: Curriculum & Instruction - Bilingual	*American College of Education* - For more than 150 years, American College of Education has been committed to providing high quality, affordable educational programs that prepare educators to meet the challenges of 21st century students and schools. The MEd - Curriculum & Instruction - ESL coursework addresses the need of teachers interested in working with students who are non-native English speakers. The focus is on theories of language acquisition, culture understanding, and teacher practices that meet the need of English learners.
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