Creative & Education Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

ESL Teacher Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median esl teacher salary in Los Angeles, CA is $81,760 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$81,760
vs State Avg
+$4,480
vs National
+$25,760
Cost of Living
146%

ESL Teacher Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median esl teacher salary of $81,760, which is $4,480 above the California state average of $77,280. Compared to the national median of $56,000, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $81,760 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $56,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for esl teachers in Los Angeles spans from $52,560 at the 10th percentile to $128,480 at the 90th percentile — a $75,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,480, while senior esl teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $122,640. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

ESL Teacher Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $55,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,480
+$17,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,220
+$26,220 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$122,640
+$38,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $52,560
25th Percentile $64,240
Median (50th) $81,760
75th Percentile $105,120
90th Percentile $128,480

ESL Teacher Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$101,920
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$94,080
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$79,520
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$66,080
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Los Angeles

Education

Most esl teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

ESL MethodsLesson PlanningCultural CompetencyAssessmentPatienceCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, esl teacher employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find ESL Teacher Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open esl teacher positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Los Angeles, California is $81,760 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $52,560 (10th percentile) to $128,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,760, a esl teacher in Los Angeles earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for esl teacher pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median esl teacher salary of $81,760 is 5.8% above the California state average of $77,280. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a esl teacher salary of $81,760 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esl teacher in Los Angeles? ▼
Most esl teacher positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include ESL Methods, Lesson Planning, Cultural Competency, Assessment. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.